Ariana Grande has navigated through her trauma with grace. Her ability to define their impacts and make music about her journey towards healing, and make a chart-topping song about having a panic attack has essentially become her brand. Her album Sweetener conveyed her joy, Thank u, next showed us her highs and lows, while her newest album, Positions, takes the listener along as Ariana searches for her inner peace. She starts the album by singing “Don’t be sad for me,” which sets the stage for the rest of the record. 

Grande is both in love and scared by it. Much of the album builds off of her song “Ghostin” from Thank u, next. Grande’s greatest skill as a pop star is her ability to make things personal feel universal, her honesty about her struggles is paired with her knowledge of what makes a song undeniable, and that combination is all over Positions. The song “Off the table,” featuring The Weekend, conveys Grande’s struggle with loving again after loss with grace. In “Shut up,” R&B tones flicker in and out, reflecting the sound of her debut album, Yours Truly. Tracks like “Six-thirty” and “Obvious” remind listeners of her Tthank u, next era. 

As a whole, Positions is a reflection of Grande’s 10 years as an artist, nodding to elements of her past while embracing her changes and self-growth. Music critics are in agreement that it’s a solid album, but does not have any standout tracks, and is missing some of her trademark flair.