Following the success of the musical film Wicked, Ariana Grande released the deluxe version of her album Eternal Sunshine, now titled Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead. Continuing the emotional journey of the original album, the deluxe edition explores themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet memories that linger long after relationships end.
Released on March 28, the deluxe album includes six new tracks that expand the original album’s narrative arc. The additional songs not only complement the original album but also add layers to its story, creating a seamless continuation that avoids the common disjointedness of deluxe editions.
Diving deeper into the music, the deluxe album blends genres like emotive pop, R&B, and disco-funk, reflecting Grande’s versatility and artistry. Backed by her signature heavenly vocal layering and thoughtful production, it elevates the original album into a heartfelt journey of mourning, moving on, and finding light after the storm. With its release, Grande continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, offering fans a nuanced look at the beauty of love and the pain of heartbreak, all set against a backdrop of catchy melodies and evocative lyrics.
The cut that always bleeds
Venturing into her new album with an intro to the (end of the world), the song delves into the doubts that come with relationships. Blending elements of pop and subtle psychedelic influences, it is a melodic protest for love’s resilience when everything else is stripped away. Grande asks whether she would be remembered by her partner if the world were to end, pleading, “And if it all ended tomorrow, would you be the one on mine?”
Walk through the streets of London in Hampstead, as Grande sings the challenges of navigating her private affairs in the face of public eyes. An emotive-pop ballad, the song laments the misconceptions and media narratives that have surrounded her life. It is a message to those who scrutinize that, “Quite frankly, you’re still wrong about everything,” revealing the disconnect between public perception and reality.
Embodying the fifth stage of grief (acceptance), past life shines a light on what occurs when one finally moves on from a tumultuous relationship. The song features a slow build-up that juxtaposes with the empowering chorus, creating a reflective yet uplifting atmosphere. While it aligns with Grande's typical pop style, past life is imbued with the lingering themes of the deluxe.
Dance the sorrows away
Inspired by her viral leaked song Fantasize, Grande fulfilled the promise of making ‘girlboss’ anthem with the release of the boy is mine. An R&B track with influences from '90s R&B and modern house grooves, the song is a callback to the hit song of the same title by Brandy and Monica. With convictions backed by constellations, Grande believes that the universe aligns people to be together, “Le-let's get intertwined, the stars, they aligned.”
Grande responds to all scrutiny with two words and a question: yes, and? The song serves as a powerful statement against the negativity and criticism she faced, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one's own life rather than others'. A bouncy, Madonna-inspired house track that marks her return to music, it is the perfect track for embracing empowerment and dismissing external negativity.
Meanwhile, Dandelion starts with a sensual saxophone, setting a smoky and intimate mood that shifts into a more electric and synthetic beat. Using the flower as a metaphor for wish-making, Grande reflects on her personal journey of growth and self-discovery. By incorporating playful innuendos such as “I'm thinking you should plant this seed,” she aims to reclaim her agency and express her desires in a way that is both empowering and vulnerable.
Small step for man
Confusion, disbelief, and closure are all that reside in the twilight zone. The track conveys a sense of detachment and disbelief as Grande grapples with the idea that her relationship might have been a facade. Despite this, the chorus emphasizes her assertion that she doesn't miss the person, "I'm right here where I'm meant to be, not that I'd call you, I won't." Yet, she can't fully grasp how the relationship happened, still lost and wandering around the twilight zone.
With mid-tempo synthesizers and subtle guitar elements, eternal sunshine is a reflection on past relationships and the desire to move forward. Inspired by the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Grande explores themes of loss, heartache and moving on. Repeating the lyrics “Won't break, can't shake; this fate, rewrite,” the track is a reminder that there is always sunshine after the rain.
Grande bids her farewell with a simple bye, a vibrant dance-pop and disco-funk song that celebrates new beginnings. It is a one-of-a-kind breakup anthem, with the track’s disco-inspired sound adding a celebratory feel to the narrative of moving on in contrast with the typical somber tones. With lyrics, “I can't believe I'm finally movin' through my fears,” the song is about processing the end of a negative relationship, finding the strength to move on, and that it’s time to say “Bye-bye, it's over.”
Supplementary recommendations
warm - A journey from emotional isolation to embracing vulnerability and connection, accompanied by a gentle guitar riff to a rhythmic pop beat.
imperfect for you - Ode to embracing imperfection and a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of a flawed relationship.
Eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead is a celebration of resilience and reinvention, proving that even in heartbreak, there’s room to dance, heal, and move forward. Grande’s ability to balance vulnerability with empowerment makes this deluxe not just a listening experience, but an emotional companion for its audience. With brighter days ahead, Grande reminds listeners that every storm ends, and when it does, the sunshine feels even sweeter.
Shake off the rain clouds and raise a glass to the sun with Ariana Grande’s eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead, out now on all streaming platforms.
