Ariana Grande spent the better part of almost two decades in the spotlight capturing the attention of fans worldwide. Whether it be from her time on the hit TV show “Victorious” or her award-winning music career, Grande has proven herself to be a cultural icon.

It has been four years since the release of her album “Positions,” and fans have anxiously been awaiting new music. March 8, Grande released her seventh studio album, “eternal sunshine,” which is partly based on the 2004 movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and partly based on her recent divorce from Dalton Gomez. 

Grande is no stranger to the public sharing opinions on her personal life, something she often channels into her music. In her latest work, she dives deep into her emotions. Regardless of the opinions one may have about her personal life, this album does not miss the mark.

Grande opens the 13-track album with “intro (end of the world)” and lets listeners in on what is to come — heartbreak, healing and moving on. This slower track is a nice, short opener for Grande to begin to share her truth.

Straight after the intro is “bye,” an upbeat song that is sure to have any heartbroken person moving on in no time. As she sings “bye-bye, it’s over, it’s over, oh yeah,” Grande shows hints of a new style in this track, shaping it to be one of the best of the album. 

Grande recognizes her faults and struggles in track three, “don’t wanna break up again.” Grande showcases her ever-growing talent in this soft pop melody as she sings about the realization that “this situationship has to end,” despite her feelings. However, the soft melody is not enough to counteract the simple chorus heard throughout.

Track four is an interlude titled, “Saturn Returns Interlude” in which astrologist Diana Garland says “it’s time for you to get real about life and sort out who you really are.” This short interlude sets up the rest of the album nicely.

The title track, “eternal sunshine,” dives into the possibility of infidelity on Grande’s partner’s side and the realization that they are still her “eternal sunshine.” The catchy post-chorus leads nicely into track six, “supernatural.” This catchy love song dives into Grande’s feelings that this love is “taking over.” The love mentioned is likely to be her new relationship with “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater, whom many publications have relentlessly torn into.

In “true story,” Grande states, “I’ll play the villain if you need me to,” as she knows the truth surrounding her divorce and new relationship and is not afraid to share it. The lyrics are a bit simple and repetitive as Grande sings “gimme love, love” a bit too much, but the funky tone in this track leads nicely into track eight, “the boy is mine.” Grande defends her relationship once again in this upbeat and steamy pop love song.

The only single from this album, “yes, and?” is not one of the strongest on the album lyrically, but it certainly is catchy and steamy. With lyrics such as “everybody’s tired and healin’ from somebody” and “my tongue is sacred, I speak upon what I like,” Grande is further sharing her thoughts on how she has moved on and wishes everyone else would too.

Grande has a moment of reflection in “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” as she states, “I don’t like how you paint me, yet I’m still here hanging.” She recognizes that she cannot have a friendship with her ex-husband but would “like to just pretend.”

Tracks 11 and 12, “i wish i hated you” and “imperfect for you,” explore Grande’s insecurities following the end of her marriage and bring on heartbreak as the album reaches its end.

Grande concludes with the only feature track of the album, “ordinary things (feat. Nonna).” She longs to have more time with her partner and recognizes that there are “no ordinary things” with the one you love. The album closes nicely with Nonna, Grande’s grandmother, advising her to “never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight.”

Grande takes fans on a beautiful journey of heartbreak, healing and finding love again. While she has some hits within this album, several tracks lack lyrical complexity, leaving fans wondering if Grande will ever leave the pop genre behind for something more challenging. As a whole, “eternal sunshine” is a nice return to the music industry for Grande.