Look, I’ll be honest, I haven’t even bothered listening to
anything else but Ariana today. Anne-Marie has an irksome song called 2002 that references a load of songs
that in fact didn’t even come out that year. There’s a new Liam Payne track
that’s probably rubbish. The Prince version of Nothing Compares 2 U can now be listened to whenever you like. And
then there’s some other stuff…I guess…
Ariana Grande – No Tears Left To Cry
This is weird. It’s slow and it’s fast. It’s yearning and
soulful and gospel, yet skittish and upbeat. It flits from minor to major. The
vocals soar and purr and rap. And which bit is the chorus?
All this written by Grande and Savan Kotecha, with
production from Ilya Salmanzadeh and Max Martin – yes, the guy who said Lorde’s
Green Light was “incorrect
songwriting”.
Thing is, this weirdness is fitting for an artist whose 2017
Manchester concert was overshadowed by tragedy after a suicide bomber killed 22
of her fans. The song, like Grande, can’t be pinned down. “Ain’t got no tears
left to cry,” she sings in a nod to the attack, “I’m lovin’, I’m livin’, I’m
pickin’ it up.” It’s a bold anthem of hope: the perfect response, the perfect
message to fans, the perfect pop song.
There are hints of Madonna’s Like A Prayer in the gospel opening, before it all erupts in a
swirling, heady vortex of dance beats, synth stabs and R&B rhythms, all led
by Grande’s voice that expertly traverses melodic and dynamic range. And that’s
before the choir step in: celestial voices raised in harmonious defiance. There
are so many details in this layered production, creative an addictive track
that invites repeat listens.
Above all the musicality, though, is Grande’s voice –
literal and metaphorical. This is a young popstar in her prime, delivering
assured pop and a powerful statement. Expect this to be played all summer long.
Add to playlist.
