On August 22, 2014, Ariana Grande released her sophomore album, “My Everything.” Still a flourishing artist at the time, Grande’s success on this album illuminated her pop music persona. With a higher maturity than her debut “Yours Truly,” “My Everything” set Grande up for the immense success she would go on to have later in her career.
The album cover alone was a world-shattering moment for the internet as many were partaking in a challenge: trying to sit on a stool like Grande is on the cover, which is still a mystery to this day, due to the fact that Grande’s pose requires immense flexibility.
“My Everything” also debuted on the Billboard Hot 200 and was later nominated at the 2015 Grammys for “Best Pop Vocal Album.”
Now, as the album celebrates its tenth birthday, let’s take a journey through the composition of this record, and celebrate “My Everything (Tenth Anniversary Edition).”
Intro
Enchanting and wholly magical, track one emphasizes Grande’s new sound and maturity. Though quite shorter than her previous album opener, “Honeymoon Avenue,” “Intro” works as the perfect bridge between Grande’s earlier sound, and her sound on this album.
This introduction speaks about Grande’s feelings towards a significant other, promising her love for them forever as Grande asks them to not “look back,” hoping that they’ll stick together for the rest of their lives.
Problem (featuring Iggy Azalea)
“Problem” was a record shattering single. The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, higher than Grande’s previous highest charting single, “The Way.”
This song was an immediate success, gaining hundreds of thousands of streams. Grande also released a music video for the song, which currently has over one hundred million views.
Its catchy chorus, rhythmic beat, and vocals from Grande’s ex-boyfriend and rapper Big Sean make this song timeless.
One Last Time
“One Last Time” was the last single to be released from this album. Instantly, the song became a hit, playing in radio stations all around the world.
With a synth line playing in the background, Grande’s powerful vocals come to fruition as she sings of spending time with her loved one one last time. The lyrics prove to be pretty self-effacing when analyzed, as Grande admits to lying during the relationship. Though a pretty heavy song lyrically, track three sparks a sort of hope, a new sense of belonging for the album.
Later on in her career, while on her record-breaking Dangerous Woman World Tour, a bombing took place at Grande’s concert in Manchester. A shocking moment for her fandom, Grande was left heartbroken by the twenty-two deaths that took place that day.
Two weeks later, Grande returned to Manchester to host a concert, called One Love Manchester, which raised money to help those that had been left wounded by the attacks. “One Last Time” became the theme song for the concert.
Why Try
“Why Try” speaks about the arguments and fights that occur during a relationship, as Grande questions keeping this relationship alive. Contradicting the previous track, “Why Try” highlights the idea that in order to have good moments, we must learn to live with the bad ones, too.
Break Free
The second single from this album, “Break Free” is the song we’ve all heard. Within days, the song went up on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the third single from this album to reach the charts.
Its heavy EDM and electro beats and energetic rhythms and production are what make it so memorable for many. Personally, I often find myself singing this song, its repetitive chorus repeating in my head.
Best Mistake (featuring Big Sean)
When I think of Grande’s discography, I tend to think of “My Everything” as having the most unique production styles of all seven of her albums. To me, the early 2010s vibe really helps distinguish this piece of work from her other musical pieces.
“Best Mistake” continues bringing that feeling to this record. Featured on the album for a second time, Sean brings his rapper persona to this song.
For me, this song was a very important moment on this record. It has two people who have been in a relationship, coming together to make a song about growing and learning from their mistakes. Though no longer together, there is no toxicity between the two, leaving space for mature interactions and wonderful songs, such as this one.
Be My Baby (featuring Cashmere Cat)
Personally, I like this song for its head-bopping tune and very early 2010s style and lyrical composition. Grande’s message on this track is simple: if you know how to love me, you can be my baby.
Break Your Heart Right Back (featuring Childish Gambino)
From the very second this song starts to play, I find myself moving to its rhythm and dancing to its beat.
Grande seeks revenge, wanting to break her ex’s heart right back, however, when looked into deeper, this song proves to be of a cheating ex, an unfaithful partner, as Grande uses lyrics such as “what goes around, comes around,” and “you said you wouldn’t lie,” to shade the person she is singing about.
Love Me Harder (featuring The Weeknd)
This was the very first time Grande collaborated with Grammy award winning artist The Weeknd, also known as Abel, whose soft and soothing voice fits perfectly with the strong vocals from Grande. When put together, their unique sound helps create the fourth single from this album.
Grande speaks of the adrenaline rush of being in love, asking her partner to never give up, always rooting for their connection. This idea is illustrated by the back and forth lines passed between the two singers towards the end of the song, when Abel asks, “What do I do if I can’t figure it out?” Grande replies with, “You got to try, try, try again.”
Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart
A fun fact many may not know about this mellow and heartbreaking song is that it’s originally written by Harry Styles.
If this album were a movie, this song would be the climax. Grande’s stunning vocals, with piano in the background, and deep lyrics are what make this song a pivotal moment on this record. It’s as if all the pent up emotion from the previous tracks is finally released, with Grande belting notes and singing falsetto to release everything that she has been feeling, from heartbreak, to anger, to sadness and hurt.
Hands On Me (featuring A$AP Ferg)
I’ve always questioned the track listing of this album when it came to this song. Following the heavy lyricism and grand vocals of the previous song, I’ve always thought it a little odd that this song was placed right here in the album.
Nonetheless, these feelings do not take away from the immaculate and near perfect production of this track. I listen to this song less for Grande’s voice and the lyrics, but rather more for its sound. The repetitive lyrics and chorus, however, do make this song very catchy.
My Everything
I think that having the title track as the last song on this album really helps put emphasis on the true meaning and the deeper message behind this record and all that it contains.
“My Everything” speaks about not knowing someone’s worth until they are gone. Highlighting Grande’s vulnerability, this track speaks of a very mature topic and gives the listener a direct window into Grande’s heartbreak, following the departure of her loved one.
Grande starts the song off with, “I’ve cried enough tears to see my own reflection in them,” as she confesses her true feelings, letting her fans in on a side of her that was previously hidden from the public. These emotions and feelings are only heightened as this song continues, and come to an all-time high at the end, when Grande starts repeating “you are my everything.”
This song is so important, not only because it’s the title track, but also because it wraps up the standard edition of this album perfectly. Grande reminisces on a time spent with a person she was in love with, and reflects on what life feels like now without them. She isn’t afraid to admit that she misses this person, however, she has also grown enough to know that going back wouldn’t do her any justice, either.
Bang Bang (with Jessie J. & Nicki Minaj)
Three bonus tracks were added onto the standard edition of this album as deluxe songs, the energetic “Bang Bang” being the first.
With powerhouse vocalists such as Grande herself and Jessie J., alongside rapper Nicki Minaj, this song was bound to be a superhit…and that’s exactly what it is.
Only 1
On this track, the instrumentals are more laid back and relaxed, paving the way for Grande’s immaculate vocals.
Switching between her chest voice and falsetto, Grande sings, “I can’t be your only one,” which is a compliment of sorts to the person she is singing about. Grande is saying that her lover is just too good-looking and captivating for her to be their sole admirer.
You Don’t Know Me
The final track on the deluxe edition of this album speaks about the media’s perception of Grande (and celebrities, in general), and how wrong they often are. Grande reminds the public that as much as they fan over and admire her, deep down, they do not actually know her.
Grande also shines light on the public’s narrow point of view when it comes to judging superstars, saying that they always “want a perfect picture to believe in.” She then contradicts the media’s opinions by saying that they “can’t be looking for her then,” emphasizing Grande’s humanity, and helping remind us that celebrities are humans, too.
As this album turns ten years old, Grande reflects on its impact on her life. Thanking her fans for their continuous support throughout the years, Grande announced that she would be releasing a new version of the album: “My Everything (Tenth Anniversary Edition).” This edition added two songs to the album, which were previously not available for streaming in some countries. These songs are “Cadillac Song” and “Too Close.”
Grande also put out new merchandise for the album, and new vinyl’s and cd variants of the record were also made available for purchase.
Ranking amongst my top three albums from Grande’s discography, the production and mature vulnerability of this record set it apart from Grande’s other works, making it highly memorable. The many hits from this album also help prove that it is an absolute masterpiece.
