My Everything: Ariana Grande (Music)

My Everything: Ariana Grande

My Everything, by Ariana Grande. Universal Republic, New York. ASIN: B00LFN01I2

Track Listing:

1: Intro

2: Problem (featuring Iggy Azelea)

3: One Last Time

4: Why Try

5: Break Free (featuring Zedd)

6: Best Mistake (featuring Big Sean)

7: Be my Baby (featuring Cashmere Cat)

8: Break Your Heart Right Back (featuring Childish Gambino)

9: Love Me Harder

10: Just A Little Bit of Your Heart

11: Hands on Me (featuring AS$AP Ferg)

12: My Everything

Summary

My Everything is the sophomore album from Ariana Grande.  According to Billboard Magazine, the album sold over 169,000 copies in its first week. (Ariana Grande Nabs Second No. 1 Album In Less Than A Year, Retrieved October 1^st 2014 from

http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6236678/ariana-grande-no-1-album-brad-paisley-kem) 
The album contains both ballads and dance hits, from “Just a Little Bit of Your Heart,” to “Hands on Me.”  Vocals and appearances from other artists such as Big Sean, Iggy Azela, and Childish Gambino also appear on the album.

The hit single “Problem” features a rap line from Australian rapper Iggy Azela, along with a bouncy trumpet  background.  “One Last Time” contains bittersweet lyrics about seeing a lost love one more time, and “Love Me Harder” has a throwback 80’s feel throughout the chorus. The chorus in “Be My Baby” is snappy and catchy, and “Break Free” is strong, independent anthem to letting go of a relationship gone wrong.

Critical Evaluation

My Everything contains a nice mix of dance songs and slower melodies.  There’s also a nice cross of music genres in the songs, from hip hop, R&B, and pure pop.  Grande’s voice really shines through with the ballads and she beautifully portrays the emotions of a young woman dealing with love and heartbreak.  While the songs featuring other artists give the songs are catchy, the songs solely featuring Grande are the real stand outs.

Grande has been compared to both Britney Spears and Mariah Carey, and it’s easy to see why.  She has the vocal range of both artists as well as the teen appeal. While some critics have described Grande as a diva, there’s no diva behavior in this album. Compared to other albums, the lyrics don’t contain any language. There are some brief references to sex, but they don’t overpower the other emotions in the songs.  Overall, Grande’s sophomore release is solid, with powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and songs to blast over the radio.  

Reader’s Annotation

With dance hits and bittersweet ballads, My Everything showcases the vocal range of Ariana Grande.

About the Artist

“ARIANA GRANDE first landed at the top with her first full-length album for Republic Records, Yours Truly. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, Billboard Digital Albums Chart, and iTunes Overall Albums Chart. Moreover, it yielded the game-changing pop smash "The Way" featuring Mac Miller. One of 2013's defining songs, the single went double-platinum, hit the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #1 on the iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart. In the aftermath, she was named “Best New Artist” at the American Music Awards in 2013.GRANDE's magnetic charm, impressive voice, and astounding presence have enchanted millions of fans worldwide. 2014 saw her reach incredible heights right out of the gate. The first single from her sophomore album, “Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea, saw her become the "youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week".

 In addition to ranking as the 4th "highest digital song debut for a female artist" and 8th highest ever, the platinum smash debuted at #1 in 65 countries, topping the iTunes overall Top Songs and Pop Songs charts for four weeks. Other accolades followed throughout the year with GRANDE winning "Favorite Breakout Artist" at the People's Choice Awards 2014, the "Young Influencer Award" at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the "Radio Disney Chart Topper Award", and more. Still, the future looks brighter than ever as her star continues to rise.”

(Ariana Grande Biography. Retrieved October 6^th, 2014 from http://www.amazon.com/Ariana-Grande/e/B00D8LQL6U)

Genres

Music

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Grades 8+

Challenge Issues

Brief sexual lyrics.

Defense File

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Why Included?

I included this CD, because it’s a popular and requested album. I also liked the mix of pop songs and ballads, as well as Grande’s beautiful vocal range.