Much like the album cover, Ariana Grande’s eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead (released on March 28) had me levitating to another dimension. Released just over a year after the original eternal sunshine album, following Ariana’s divorce from Dalton Gomez, the deluxe version includes five new songs – and an extended version of my favorite track, “intro (end of the world).”
The five new songs on the album include “twilight zone,” “warm,” “dandelion,” “past life” and “Hampstead”. They all have their own meanings and messages, so here’s my breakdown of each (in no particular order).
twilight zone
Most people have been calling this one the sister song to “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” and I completely agree. Not only that, but this one is for those who have healed from any heartbreak they experienced when the latter song came out (AKA me).
I think I just about rose from whatever mental slumber I was in on the first listen – I’m being so deadass. The song sums up how surreal Ariana’s marriage to Gomez was, and how even though there was a lot of hurt from that relationship, she wouldn’t change a thing because she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
warm
If there’s one thing about Ariana, it’s that she has range. Her vocals are always insane, and I love the way this song highlights them.
“Warm” is about finding emotional stability and a sense of intimacy and connection with a person. More than that, it focuses on how you can be okay and independent on your own but also be able to find comfort with a partner.
dandelion
Going back to her roots, “dandelion” is definitely one of the spicier songs on brighter days ahead. For most cultures, dandelions are a symbol of hope and resilience, some prominent themes in this album (which is centered on healing from a past relationship).
I loved the opening with the saxophone, giving it a jazzy, sensual feel before moving into a more bass-heavy track. Grande promises her partner that she can give him anything he needs, so long as he makes a wish on her (like you would on a dandelion – get it?).
past life
While I think all of the songs on the album have something to do with her ex-husband, “past life” is most directed towards him, in my opinion. She further reflects on how they were drifting apart in their marriage and that he wasn’t giving her what she needed.
Seemingly, Ethan Slater does give her what Dalton couldn’t, so I applaud you, little ginger boy.
Hampstead
Listed as the last song on the album’s track, “Hampstead” serves as the perfect goodbye to Ariana’s marriage and hello to her new life moving forward. Hampstead is the neighborhood Ariana lived in while filming Wicked in 2023. As most of us know, while she was filming there, she started dating her co-star (the previously mentioned Slater).
Since Slater had also recently split from his ex-wife, fans and tabloids started many affair rumors. In this song, Ariana acknowledges that there’s a lot the press doesn’t know about her relationship – both then and now.
I love one line that is totally directed at Gomez. It seemingly refers to the song “pov” from her Positions album (one that’s also about her ex-husband), where she says, “I’d rather be seen and alive than dying by your point of view.” I really do think it’s a symbol of her letting go of him and looking to the future.
I don’t know about you, but this deluxe album changed my brain chemistry. I’ve loved Ariana since her Victorious days as Cat Valentine, but her last year of discography has genuinely been so healing.
Ariana, I love you, and I hope SpongeBob treats you right.