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Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:48 AM

Next up it's time for forum party #4 with Ariana's penultimate studio album 'Sweetener'! This album features the top 10 singles 'no tears left to cry', 'God is a woman' and 'breathin', plus a further top 40 hit in title track 'Sweetener'. This will start at 8:30pm BST tonight and the running time is around 47 minutes. If you weren't able to make any of the previous parties and would like to know how they work, then here is a recap of my explanation:

Hi all

Recently the Kylie and Spice Girls forums have showcased the brilliant idea of forum album parties. The way this works is simultaneously starting an album at the same time and commenting along with each track in the thread. I was wondering if there would be interest in doing the same with each album for Ariana? She only has 5 studio albums so not too daunting a task! I see a lot of comments on here saying that people haven't heard 'Yours Truly' before so this would be a great opportunity to rectify this.

There would be a separate session for every album with a decided day and time where we'd all start and comment along.

QUOTE(Jade @ May 11 2020, 12:12 AM)

We all listen separately and just start at the same time so we're in sync! I used Spotify for the Spice Girls one for instance but whatever works for you - iTunes, a YouTube playlist of the album etc. I'll drop a YouTube embed of each song in the thread as it starts too.

It's done this way and not on plug to encourage the discussion to take place in the AF and not offsite if that makes sense! We all live comment along in here

Here's how the Spice Girls one worked: http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=233133&view=findpost&p=6532317

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 03:11 PM

Ready to stan all the songs bar Blazed x

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 05:10 PM

Do you know what, I'll admit I don't actually mind blazed that much. I think it has pretty catchy moments.

Hmmm this week I think I'll have a cocktail. I'm probably going to need it.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 06:30 PM

One hour to go! Who's around?

Posted by: Jordan Lee Jun 2 2020, 06:50 PM

Ariana’s best album hope you all enjoy if you’re about to listen for the first time

some questionable track listing but aside from that I love this album

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 06:59 PM

I'll be here!

I don't actually dislike or hate 'sweetener'. I just hate the tracklisting order. It's so mismatched and disjointed right off the bat.

I only ever listen to it in my own curated playlist!



It honestly really bugs and pisses me off that 'raindrops (an angel cried)' doesn't mix into the video version of 'no tears left to cry'... like who decided not to do that!?

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(Jordan Lee @ Jun 2 2020, 07:50 PM)

Ariana’s best album hope you all enjoy if you’re about to listen for the first time

some questionable track listing but aside from that I love this album

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:20 PM

10 minute warning! Excited

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:24 PM

Here and ready!

Sweetener ranks 4/5 out of her albums for me but does include what is possibly my favourite song from her.

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:29 PM

Ready to go!!

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:29 PM

Perched!! Can't wait, analbum for sure.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:30 PM

#01. raindrops (an angel cried)

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:30 PM

Let's do this! Yet another GORGEOUS opening number.

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:30 PM

Gorgeous intro!!

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:30 PM

Raindrops is cute but not her best intro.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:30 PM

#02. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:30 PM

'Raindrops' is such a beautiful opener, her vocals are literally astonishing. A goddess.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:31 PM

'blazed' get's so much hate, but I love Ari's tone in it! I mean... not a highlight, but still not terrible.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:31 PM

Loooove 'raindrops (an angel cried)' as an opener but as everyone seems to agree on - that transition to 'blazed' is not great :') I adored her leading into 'God is a woman' on tour. Or as Jonjo said earlier, 'no tears left to cry' would be a good'un for track #2 as well. 'blazed' as a song in its own right is solid enough.

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:32 PM

We love this underrated album

A beautiful intro with those VOCALS FROM THE ANGELS *.*

Blazed gets a hard time but it's a bop One of the weakest on the album but then the album has so many highs x

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:32 PM

What a stunning intro! HER VOICE!

It really should have been followed by 'no tears left to cry' and not 'blazed' </3 Such a disjointed mismatch!

I really like 'blazed' though! A bit of a bop.

---

R A N K I N G:

01. raindrops (an angel cried)
02. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:32 PM

Maybe one of the most jarring transitions ever Such a beautiful start and then we get Blazed. i-

Blazed is... fine. There's better to come!

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:32 PM

Really not a great transition moment blazed is decent (in spite of Pharrell oops)!

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:32 PM

Blazed is ok but one of the only songs from her last 4 albums that I never go listen to outside of its album.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:32 PM

Now for the low point of the album, without a doubt. The verses are a little catchy, the chorus doesn't really go anywhere but it's...fine? Okay maybe I've been lowkey sleeping on this. Still only a 7/10 at best putting it bottom x

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 07:33 PM

I have already heard this and 'thank u, next' but here to listen along anyway cos why not ~

Fun fact about 'raindrops (an angel cried)' - it was sampled on 'Celebration Station' by Lil Uzi Vert meaning it belatedly got some sort of Hot 100 impact earlier this year (was also one of only like 3 good songs on that album xx)

'blazed' is a bit of a bop though the transition into it is the first of many not quite seamless transitions on here xx

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:33 PM

QUOTE(Jade @ Jun 2 2020, 08:31 PM)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:34 PM

#03. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:34 PM

I still really enjoy The Light Is Coming even if the video is a bit odd.

One that went off massively on tour. It might even have been my favourite performance of hers which I really didn't expect.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:34 PM

MY BOP A 10/10 song idc what y'all say (will it be top 10 in my Ariana rank going on rn #plug)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:35 PM

This is very mixed on BuzzJack as we established in that thread recently. I am on the positive side though of course - what a BOP *.*

(I'm glad this wasn't anything more than a promo single though as the run of three singles we actually did get is untouchable)

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:35 PM

QUOTE(JayYou @ Jun 2 2020, 08:32 PM)

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:35 PM

the light is coming is.... not a great moment. It's just messy and disjointed

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:35 PM

Such an unusual one. If only they got rid of the loop sample in the background. I feel like I'd enjoy it 50% more.

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 07:36 PM

'the light is coming' always a bop x (tbh the vocal sample in the background isn't even as prominent as I remember it being lel)

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:36 PM

I really like 'the light is coming', but the hook lasts too long! The production reminds me of 'Don't Get It Twisted' by Gwen Stefani. Which is just as irresistably bonkers *.* I think tlic would have been better as an interlude of some sort. But it gets such a hard time as it is! It's so catchy and worms it's way into your head, so quickly!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. raindrops (an angel cried)
02. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
03. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:36 PM

'the light is coming' is such an odd song and I go in phases of really enjoying it and then wanting to skip it It is quite repetitive but it works ~

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:37 PM

Skepta was reportedly meant to be one this one which would have been interesting.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:37 PM

Where's the eye rolling comments about repetitive pop at?

01. raindrops (an angel cried)
02. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
03. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:37 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Jun 2 2020, 08:34 PM)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:38 PM

#04. R.E.M.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:38 PM

Uhh! R.E.M. is such a dream to me. It takes me somewhere. I like it.

I'm aware that's not a popular opinion.

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:39 PM

'R.E.M.' is absolutely gorgeous! Very dreamy (lol) and a perfect representation of the vibe this album does so well. <3

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:39 PM

The start of this album isn't really it for me! This song kind of meanders on and on without being particularly interesting. I find it quite funny that Ariana thinks certain songs of her are boring, but then this is clearly a huge favourite for her

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:39 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Jun 2 2020, 08:37 PM)

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:39 PM

R.E.M. is so beautiful.

I'm glad Ariana got to release it after Beyonce ended up not using it.

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 07:39 PM

How are people including the intro in these rankings let alone ranking it above actual songs xx

I am pretty sure I remember 'R.E.M' being my least favourite song when I listened to this before. And it is still sounding pretty plodding.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:39 PM

'R.E.M.' time - this one was originally a Beyoncé demo! It has probably been the biggest grower for me on the album.

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:40 PM

Not only bottom tier of 'sweetener' but it's bottom tier of her discography for me just so boring and plodding, there's literally nothing to it? I hate that THIS is the one she latches onto the most from the album lmao </3

---

R A N K I N G:

01. raindrops (an angel cried)
02. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
03. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
04. R.E.M

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:40 PM

Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:41 PM

QUOTE(Bré @ Jun 2 2020, 08:39 PM)

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:41 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Jun 2 2020, 08:39 PM)

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:41 PM

R.E.M is cute but largely inessential. Still the best proper song so far

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:42 PM

#05. God is a woman

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:42 PM

Vote God Is A Woman in AF Idol!

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:42 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Jun 2 2020, 08:39 PM)

R.E.M. is so beautiful.

I'm glad Ariana got to release it after Beyonce ended up not using it.

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 07:42 PM

QUOTE(HausofGhibli @ Jun 2 2020, 08:41 PM)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:42 PM

My favourite Ariana song alert so empowering and the build-up is flawlessly executed. Don't get me started on the video too!

How is this masterpiece in danger in AF Idol #VoteGIAW x

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:42 PM

HERE is where the album well and truly begins

God is a woman Perfect single choice and one of her very best videos too. Yuh x

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:43 PM

The God is a woman video feat. Madonna FORCED TO STAN.

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:43 PM

Love this! The video is such a career highlight as well as THAT performance too! *.* Her vocals really excel on this, especially in the last third or so!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. God is a woman
02. raindrops (an angel cried)
03. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
04. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
05. R.E.M

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:43 PM

And now this career highlight! That VMAs performance GAGGED me. I thought the urban feel following 'no tears' might have helped to push it to #1.

01. God is a woman



02. R.E.M.
03. raindrops (an angel cried)
04. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
05. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:44 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Jun 2 2020, 08:42 PM)

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:45 PM

The way her vocals build in GIAW I remember being a little underwhelmed by the song at first but it grew so much. One of her best vocals all round.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:45 PM

#06. sweetener

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

sweetener... weird, kind of cute, but annoying contributions from Pharrell. Never too sure what to make of it! It's one you need to be in the mood for.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

Love 'Sweetener', it's Pharrell done RIGHT. It's the most interesting and quirky production on the album imo and it totally works!

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

I love the title track. It does sound like she says something else during "when life deals us c-" but once I get past that, it's another dreamy, whimsical number. The video of this album is so stunning - APPRECIATE IT MORE GUYS

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

QUOTE(LewisGT @ Jun 2 2020, 08:42 PM)

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

QUOTE(JayYou @ Jun 2 2020, 08:46 PM)

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

I LOVE this. It should be irritating, but there is just something about it! Just so adorably charming and cute.

How cute of her to keep the soundbites of her playing Bop-It in there :')

R A N K I N G:

01. God is a woman
02. sweetener
03. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
04. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
05. R.E.M

there you go Bre x

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

I can't help but love this one *.* that bop it inspired chorus still goes off! The bridge is lovely too.

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:46 PM

Sweetener is a weird track to name the album after but it's still one of the better tracks that Pharrell was involved with on this album.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:47 PM

She's deffo saying 'when life deals us c***s', swearing queen! (I don't get why all the songs on Sweetener bar No Tears are marked as explicit when only a few of them have cursing lol #firstworldproblems)

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 07:47 PM

'God is a woman' definitely up there with Ariana's best songs <3

'sweetener' a lowkey bop as well if a little repetitive ~

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:48 PM

#07. successful

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:48 PM

Also edited for Bré.

01 God is w aoman
02. R.E.M.
03. sweetener
04. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
05. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:49 PM

Successful

This was one of my instant highlights when I first heard the album. One of the most underrated tracks in her discography imo.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:49 PM

We stan a successful woman but I've never been able to warm to this song :') the production is so bad oops.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:49 PM

I don't know why but the synths in this always made me think of the background music of Theme Hospital.

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:49 PM

Skip this ~ One of my least faves!

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:49 PM

I bop to this one. But it's not really one that does much for me. Love the retro-y, throwback vibe in the production.

Very catchy though!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. God is a woman
02. sweetener
03. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
04. successful
05. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
06. R.E.M

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:50 PM

I like successful! Chorus is so catchy *.*

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:50 PM

Successful - definitely a guilty pleasure bop. But what is the surprise that she is teasing? x

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:51 PM

QUOTE(JayYou @ Jun 2 2020, 08:50 PM)

Successful - definitely a guilty pleasure bop. But what is the surprise that she is teasing? x

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:51 PM

Successful is an anthem *.* Dreamy af as well, has grown into a great one for me after taking a while!

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:52 PM

Okay I like that bit when she shouts "COLD!". I feel like this is the most I've enjoyed listening to it (at least.)

01 God is woman
02. R.E.M.
03. sweetener
04. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
05. successful
06. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:52 PM

QUOTE(Jade @ Jun 2 2020, 08:51 PM)

A doughnut?

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:52 PM

#08. everytime

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:52 PM

LET ME SAY IT LOUD:

Everytime is the best album track on this album!!

So, so, so, so great.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:52 PM

If there was a 4th single. It had to be this.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:53 PM

'everytime' is a beauty quite possibly my favourite album track. It would be between this, 'the light is coming' and 'sweetener'.

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:53 PM

Everytime is a massive tune too. It's probably overtaken Successful to be my favourite album track now. It's such a great one-two punch that continues with the singles that follow.

This is actually probably the song from Sweetener I've listened to the most this year. It has held up so well.

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:53 PM

This chorus is one of the best hooks on the entire album.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:54 PM

Easily my favourite album track, I come back to it, back to it, back to it... a lot.

Feel like radios would have eaten this one up, with a decent video I think it could have made top 20.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:55 PM

QUOTE(JayYou @ Jun 2 2020, 08:52 PM)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:55 PM

#09. breathin

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:55 PM

everytime is brilliant!! I always forget how good it is.

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:55 PM

I don't get how people were thinking this was single material (not just on here iirc! All over twitter etc..) I struggled to remember how it goes. But then Jade taught me the trick of referring to it as the "back to you" song. But that's literally all I ever remember from it. :')

Good but not memorable enough for me </3

---

R A N K I N G:

01. God is a woman
02. sweetener
03. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
04. everytime
05. successful
06. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
07. R.E.M

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 07:55 PM

'everytime' is great! one of the best album tracks <3

'breathin'' i always forget exists lol - it had a messy release but it's always good to hear!

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:56 PM

QUOTE(Andrew. @ Jun 2 2020, 08:55 PM)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:56 PM

Now we have a song with much better AF Idol memories attached

Probably my #1 song to listen to when feeling anxious. It's so special.

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 07:56 PM

Oh my goodness, breathin

It's a pity that Ariana seems a bit 'meh' about this one and didn't seem to have it in mind as a potential single (before her hand was forced)! It's the clear highlight beyond the first two singles. A lot of the earlier tracks on this album are so frivolous, but breathin has substance to it.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:56 PM

'Breathin' is fabulous, obvs but I never got that it was one of her best ever or even one of the best on the album, it's a good bop but nothing else for me

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 07:57 PM

Love 'breathin''! Definitely the correct 3rd single

I remember being slightly underwhelmed by this on tour though! I thought it'd go off more than it actually did. Meh. A banger

---

R A N K I N G:

01. God is a woman
02. breathin'
03. sweetener
04. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
05. everytime
06. successful
07. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
08. R.E.M

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 07:58 PM

QUOTE(Jade @ Jun 2 2020, 08:56 PM)

Now we have a song with much better AF Idol memories attached

Probably my #1 song to listen to when feeling anxious. It's so special.

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 07:58 PM

I always quite underrate this song and I don't know why, cause I love it every time I listen! It only hit the low top 20 in my chart weirdly.

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 07:58 PM

Breathin

I remember staying up until to listen to this album as soon as it was released and this took my breath away even as I was in my pitch black bedroom at 5am with headphones on trying not wake anyone. Easily the most a song has ever hit me on the first listen. Even after only about 30 second I was already pretty confident it was going to be my favourite song of the year.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:58 PM

#10. no tears left to cry

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 07:59 PM

'successful' probably the most forgettable song on here for me, ngl I totally forgot there even was a song with that title not awful but nothing particularly standout.

I seem to remember 'everytime' being my favourite album track the first time I listened to this but it's not sticking out quite as much this time - still a v solid song but I think I'd rank it behind 'the light is coming' and 'blazed' now.

'breathin' was the weakest of the 3 proper singles but still a great song with a great message. <3

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 07:59 PM

'no tears left to cry' is such a career highlight definitely my favourite video from her too. It pains me that this isn't amongst her list of #1s!

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 07:59 PM

HER BEST SONG. EVER.

The 6 minute version >>>>

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 08:00 PM

Still remember the huge amount of excitement I had for the premiere of no tears left to cry. The first listen... I knew I liked what I heard, but I needed time to process, and another listen to get to grips with the structure. When it clicked... it clicked. A huge career highlight, really should have been a UK #1!

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:00 PM

No Tears.. is great but I feel I never loved it as much as everyone else. It still managed 7 weeks at #1 in my personal chart though

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 08:00 PM

Now time for Ari's best song though (and up there with the best pop songs ever) That chorus still sounds as majestic as ever ~

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 08:00 PM

One of the best songs of the decade

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:01 PM

Max Martin really struck gold with this. One of the most poignant and beautiful songs I think I've ever heard. The structure of the verses with that stunning and melodic chorus is outstanding! It's honestly such a journey with this song and just one of the best ever songs. Stunning!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. no tears left to cry
02. God is a woman
03. breathin'
04. sweetener
05. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
06. everytime
07. successful
08. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
09. R.E.M

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:02 PM

First 'Into You'... now 'no tears left to cry' breaking BuzzJack

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:02 PM

The forum crashed for me again. That impact!

No match really.

01. no tears left to cry
02. breathin
03. God is woman
04. everytime
05. R.E.M.
06. sweetener
07. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
08. successful
09. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

#11. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

After a few sublime moments in a row, we have Borderline. Hmm. This song is very "there" for me on the album: not bad, not particularly good either. Kind of inessential. Missy completely phoned that rap in too. Overall... eh!

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

Borderline is the weakest track on any of her last four albums.

Such a massive comedown coming after the last few tracks too.

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

QUOTE(Jade @ Jun 2 2020, 09:02 PM)

First 'Into You'... now 'no tears left to cry' breaking BuzzJack

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

I know this isn't gonna get a good reception, Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Taste? to play please. It's so beautiful and dreamy and everything and underrated

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

This isn't as much of a highlight as a Missy collab sounds on paper but still pretty good

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

I'm ready for this to get a hard time here, but legit my favourite non-single on the album! 'borderline' is every bit as dreamy and airy as the album aims to be, with such gorgeous lyrics and vocals. Missy is a great addition too. Who else is with me?

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:04 PM

QUOTE(HausofGhibli @ Jun 2 2020, 09:03 PM)

I'm ready for this to get a hard time here, but legit my favourite non-single on the album! 'borderline' is every bit as dreamy and airy as the album aims to be, with such gorgeous lyrics and vocals. Missy is a great addition too. Who else is with me?

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 08:04 PM

NTLTC is a beauty of course loved from first play!

borderline is quite nice but a bit of a comedown after NTLTC.

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 08:04 PM

QUOTE(Andrew. @ Jun 2 2020, 09:04 PM)

Omg the first 'Borderline' stan I've found on here rejoice

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:04 PM

My name is no, my number is no, the lyrics are no, the instrumental is no, the rap is weak, the voice is... good as usuaul.

01. no tears left to cry
02. breathin
03. God is woman
04. everytime
05. R.E.M.
06. sweetener
07. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
08. successful
09. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
10. borderline (feat. Missy Elliot)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:05 PM

#12. better off

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:05 PM

'borderline' is a lot of fun! I think it'd be received better if it was in a different position on the album and not directly after ntltc

---

R A N K I N G:

01. no tears left to cry
02. God is a woman
03. breathin'
04. sweetener
05. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)
06. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
07. everytime
08. successful
09. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
10. R.E.M

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:06 PM

Tempo whiplash yet again on this album 'better off' is rather captivating

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 08:06 PM

Okay after that nothingy-ness, here's something really special... Better Off This is an incredibly touching and sincere song, with some fittingly subdued but pretty vocals. Love it!

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 08:06 PM

Ooh I remember liking 'borderline' but in contrast to 'everytime' being less of a highlight than I remembered, this one is sounding like more of a highlight! I really love the slightly off-kilter instrumental.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:06 PM

QUOTE(HausofGhibli @ Jun 2 2020, 09:04 PM)

Omg and i've found you!

Let's move to Chromatica together and play this there on repeat

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:06 PM

'Andrew's Top 25 Ariana Album Tracks' helped me fall in love with this all over again.

01. no tears left to cry
02. breathin
03. God is woman
04. everytime
05. R.E.M.
06. better off
07. sweetener
08. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
09. successful
10. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
11. borderline (feat. Missy Elliot)

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:07 PM

I love this. It's so smooth and it gives me major Janelle Monae vibes!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. no tears left to cry
02. God is a woman
03. breathin'
04. sweetener
05. better off
06. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)
07. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
08. everytime
09. successful
10. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
11. R.E.M

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:07 PM

Better Off is pretty mid-rank on the album for me. It's nowhere near the worst on the album but it's also nowhere near matching the highs of the album. I do really like the 2nd verse though.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:07 PM

QUOTE(JulianNial @ Jun 2 2020, 09:06 PM)

'Andrew's Top 25 Ariana Album Tracks' helped me fall in love with this all over again.

01. no tears left to cry
02. breathin
03. God is woman
04. everytime
05. R.E.M.
06. better off
07. sweetener
08. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
09. successful
10. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
11. borderline (feat. Missy Elliot)

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 08:08 PM

better off is a vibe

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:08 PM

#13. goodnight n go

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 08:08 PM

Hadn't heard the original of Goodnight n Go before, but it has a beautiful melody and Ariana sounds so dreamy on it. Another gorgeous moment.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:08 PM

I still need to get around to the Imogen Heap original of 'goodnight n go'! This reworking is beautiful though

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:09 PM

Love 'Goodnight n Go' so so much I've never checked out the Imogen Heap original (sans trappy production I assume ) and it's about time I do Ariana's breathy vocals are a highlight of her discography, incredibly haunting <3

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:09 PM

SUCH A HIGHLIGHT. So beautiful and dreamy. This is the one that samples (?) Imogen Heap, right? Or Imogen is involved somehow lmao.

The ending is sensational!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. no tears left to cry
02. God is a woman
03. Goodnight n go
04. breathin'
05. sweetener
06. better off
07. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)
08. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
09. everytime
10. successful
11. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
12. R.E.M

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 08:10 PM

What a SUBLIME cover and moment on the album. I see this very much in the same way as Rihanna's cover of 'Same Ol' Mistakes' - it works PERFECTLY in the context of the album!

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:10 PM

Goodnight n Go is such a highlight for me. One of my favourite instrumentals on the album too.

I've also still never heard the Imogen Heap original though Not worth hearing it now because it won't be as good as this.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:10 PM

The VOCALS on the "we'd be good, we'd be greeeeeat togetheeeer" part

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

This song is so lovely!

01. no tears left to cry
02. breathin
03. God is woman
04. everytime
05. R.E.M.
06. goodnight n go
07. better off
08. sweetener
09. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
10. successful
11. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
12. borderline (feat. Missy Elliot)

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

goodnight n go a definite highlight

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

That last part my heart

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

#14. pete davidson

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

I wish this wasn't called Pete Davidson. It really puts me off listening to it even though it's otherwise a pretty cute track.

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

pete davidson A pleasant enough and vibey transition to the last song.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:11 PM

Well... this aged like milk x

Posted by: JosephStyles Jun 2 2020, 08:12 PM

This aged well x

(it's cute but not overly essential)

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:12 PM

Oh this aged horribly quick </3

But it was very in the moment.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:12 PM

'Pete Davidson' is acc one of my most listened to songs on the album according to last.fm, because it's so short I spam it whenever I listen to it :') I love it though, the 'wanna be happy' is so relatable and the track is a vibe.

Let's just call it 'Happy' tbh x

Posted by: HausofGhibli Jun 2 2020, 08:12 PM

"you won't get no crying from me" Wish this could've been a fully fledged song because it sounds like it would've been a real moment.

'Get Well Soon' is essential for its sentiment, but as a song, it's quite inessential oop-

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:12 PM

Not even going to rank this one. When are people going to learn not to name groups with numbers and songs with partners?!

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:12 PM

#15. get well soon

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:14 PM

I can't believe it's the last track?! Like it's gone SO quickly, much more than the other listenthroughs.

'Get Well Soon'...it lacks in comparison into what it SHOULD be as people on here have said in the past, but if this is a song that helped her deal with the tragedy than good on her! I know it's repetitive but I like it more as it goes along.

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:14 PM

I really love the intention of this and the 22 second silent tribute at the end to the Manchester victims, but I wish the song itself was a bit more of a moment than it is!

Posted by: JayYou'llBeThere Jun 2 2020, 08:14 PM

Negative out of the way first: get well soon goes on for too long, it loses my interest midway through. Positives: a flawless vocal performance, of course, and I like that it's another song that addresses anxiety issues.

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:15 PM

I like this, but don't love it. However the silence at the end to make the song 5.22 (22nd May!) is such a beautiful and haunting tribute. HER MIND.

The track itself is cute!

---

R A N K I N G:

01. no tears left to cry
02. God is a woman
03. Goodnight n go
04. breathin'
05. sweetener
06. better off
07. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)
08. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
09. everytime
10. get well soon
11. successful
12. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
13. R.E.M

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:15 PM

Get Well Soon is beautiful in concept and execution. From the song length (and the silence) to the hopeful vibe the track communicates, it's the perfect way to end the album.

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:16 PM

I never don't feel chills at this silence

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:17 PM

I do like this album a fair bit, but yeah. The issue is the order of the tracklisting for me

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:17 PM

Final ranking (minus intro):

01. God is a woman
02. no tears left to cry
03. breathin'
04. everytime
05. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
06. sweetener
07. better off
08. goodnight n go
09. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
10. R.E.M
11. get well soon
12. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)
13. successful

'successful' is the only one I'm not a fan of - this album is just really let down by the two massively different vibes / track list ordering!

Had a blast again final one already next week with 'thank u, next'

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:17 PM

I liked that more than I remembered.

01. no tears left to cry
02. breathin
03. God is woman
04. everytime
05. R.E.M.
06. goodnight n go
07. better off
08. sweetener
09. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
10. get well soon
11. successful
12. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
13. borderline (feat. Missy Elliot)

Posted by: Bré Jun 2 2020, 08:18 PM

Didn't really remember a great deal about any of these last 4 songs and I can quite easily see why listening to them again - all 4 of them are perfectly listenable but they're all a bit on the filler side. 'goodnight n go' probably my favourite of the 4.

Posted by: LewisGT Jun 2 2020, 08:18 PM

My attempt at a final ranking would look something like this.

1. Breathin
2. No Tears Left To Cry
3. Everytime
4. God Is A Woman
5. Successful
6. Goodnight n Go
7. The Light Is Coming
8. R.E.M.
9. Get Well Soon
10. Better Off
11. Sweetener
12. Raindrops (An Angel Cried)
13. Pete Davidson
14. Blazed
15. Borderline

I can't believe we're already down to the final album

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:19 PM

Thanks again so much to the host with the most 'Jade'! A pleasure as always and a massive thanks to everyone that decided to join us again this week!

Please check out my new "Rearrange: 'sweetener'" thread I just posted too, I want to hear the album from a better perspective!

Posted by: Jonjo Jun 2 2020, 08:20 PM

Been so much fun again

I've loved doing these with you all

Thank you for organising

Posted by: Andrew. Jun 2 2020, 08:20 PM

Another great session! Bring on the last one next week (we could do a features listen through for something different?)

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:20 PM

I'm REALLY looking forward to hearing 'thank u, next' with fresh ears too!!

Posted by: JulianNial Jun 2 2020, 08:21 PM

QUOTE(Andrew. @ Jun 2 2020, 09:20 PM)

Posted by: Jade Jun 2 2020, 08:24 PM

QUOTE(Andrew. @ Jun 2 2020, 09:20 PM)

Another great session! Bring on the last one next week (we could do a features listen through for something different?)