Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead’
A year after the release of her introspective album Eternal Sunshine, Ariana Grande continues to delve into the emotional landscape of love and loss in her latest offering, Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead. This extended version of her critically acclaimed album further expands her narrative through five new tracks and a companion short film.
A Deep Dive into Emotion
In her sixth Number One album, Grande explores themes of romantic disillusionment and personal grappling. With hits like “Yes And?” and “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” the album showcases Grande’s lyrical prowess as she navigates the complexities of heartache. Moreover, the lesser-known track “Imperfect for You” has resonated deeply with fans, highlighting her ability to articulate vulnerability. Following the album’s initial release, Grande took a step back from the limelight, prioritizing her role in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked.
Extending the Narrative
The new tracks in Brighter Days Ahead pick up where Eternal Sunshine left off, retaining the essence of reflection and longing. The opening track, “Twilight Zone,” features Grande questioning her memories with poignant lyrics such as, “Did I dream the whole thing?” This bittersweet synth-pop piece reveals her struggle to detach from the past while simultaneously acknowledging its significance.
New Songs and Collaborations
Grande previously released a Slightly Deluxe edition, which included remixes and collaborations with artists like Mariah Carey and Troye Sivan. However, the new songs on Brighter Days Ahead are set apart as genuine explorations of her emotional evolution, brought to life by her longtime collaborators Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and Oscar Törres. In these tracks, she openly reflects on the lingering attachments to a former lover, stating, “Why do I still protect you?” in “Twilight Zone.”
Musical Highlights
Among the new offerings, “Dandelion” stands out with its innovative combination of jazzy horns and trap beats, as Grande seeks new romantic prospects while grappling with her past. In “Past Life,” she navigates the haunting remnants of her memories, contrasted by the vibrant sounds that accompany her. The song “Warm” features Bowie-esque influences with a blend of rock and disco, encapsulating the feeling of emotional detachment amidst a euphoric atmosphere. The album concludes on a reflective note with “Hampstead,” depicting a temporary escape during a London rendezvous as she sings, “I left my heart in a pub in Hampstead.”
Companion Film
In tandem with the musical release, Grande also directs a short film titled Brighter Days Ahead, featuring her character, Peaches, from the music video for “We Can’t Be Friends.” Drawing inspiration from Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the narrative follows Peaches as she attempts to erase memories of love at the Brighter Days Inc. clinic, only to realize that suppression isn’t the solution. Grande encapsulates this sentiment in “Hampstead” when she expresses, “I would rather feel everything than nothing.”
The Ongoing Journey
The overarching theme throughout the album and film culminates in a realization that moving on is a complex and arduous process. Grande concludes her journey in Brighter Days Ahead where she acknowledges, “I’m still the same but only entirely different.” The exploration of love, loss, and the difficulty of letting go resonates profoundly, showcasing why these songs continue to resonate with listeners.