TRACK BY TRACK: Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead'

After a 2024 defined by Wicked, Ariana Grande is looking forward to the release of Wicked: For Good later this year, but in the meantime, she’s released Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, an extended edition of her 7th album Eternal Sunshine which she released over a year ago. Following a year where she’s been popping up around every corner, Ariana’s reflecting on what that experience has been like. Let’s break down these extra tracks!

"intro (end of the world) [extended]"

Grande adds a second verse to the song, turning it from a hope for the future to a reflection on the past. She speaks on grieving a past relationship that she may have let go on for too long. It’s clear that she still misses this person, and maybe that’s why she clung on for so long.

Favorite Lyrics: "While I jump into your skin and change your eyes / So you see things through mine..."

"twilight zone"

This dreamy pop song uses surrealist imagery to talk about a past relationship. She’s treating the relationship like something that happened to her rather than something she was a part of. The quick, happy beat of the song is in contrast to the edgier lyrics, which might mirror her feelings about that relationship.

Favorite Lyrics: "Is this a black-and-white scene? / If so then I’m in the gray one..."

"warm"

This is an electro-pop dance track that we can totally see in a Charli XCX mashup. Grande talks about single life and that it’s not bad, but she wants to have someone else. She’s telling this almost-partner that he’s welcome to join her, but she won’t be changing for him. It’s a fun club beat with a good message.

Favorite Lyrics: "If you dare, meet me there / I’ll be higher than the exosphere..."

"dandelion"

The warbling trumpet is a striking hook to this otherwise house/electric track. It maintains a sensual energy throughout, with some creative flower innuendo. It’s an interesting take on a dark and sexy style.

Favorite Lyrics: "You can get anything you’d like / Can’t you see I bloom at night?"

"past life"

Ariana brings back the supernatural imagery to discuss a relationship. She expands on the feeling that it was dead before it was officially over and wonders if her partner ever knew her at all. The dance beat and electro-pop sounds are still here, and the tone is more hopeful than it’s been in the last few songs.

Favorite Lyrics: "Used to think you were the medicine, but you were just code blue..."

"Hampstead"

Hampstead is an area in London where Ariana lived for the duration of filming Wicked and Wicked: For Good. She about leaving her ex-husband and moving on, and she recognizes that her reputation was hurt, which we think refers to the backlash she received for her breakup with husband Dalton Gomez and ensuing relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, but she maintains that the breakup was necessary. It’s a moving ballad about the closing of a chapter in her life, and it’s a good way to end the album.

Favorite Lyrics: "I’d rather be seen and alive than dying by your point of view..."