grande verse / eras / positions
2020 · republic records · released 2020-10-30
positions
the quiet one — r&b, strings, and no interest in being loud
the story
released into the back half of 2020 with almost no rollout, this is the least attention-seeking record in her catalogue and it is better than its reputation. the arrangements are built on real string writing rather than sampled pads, and the drums sit further back than on anything since the debut.
the vocal approach is the story: almost entirely head voice and breath, very little belting, harmonies doubled three and four deep. it asks to be listened to on headphones, which is an odd request for a pop album and the reason it was initially underrated.
it is also the most sexually frank record she has made, delivered in the most understated voice she has used. that contrast is the whole design.
worth knowingthe string arrangements are performed, not programmed — unusual for a mainstream pop record of that year and the main reason it still sounds warm.
why it looks like this
warm parchment, sage green, a hint of gold leaf. the era's visual language was regal and slightly ornate — softer than dangerous woman, more formal than sweetener — and the palette sits in that gap.
the songs
around the same time
standalone singles and collaborations released alongside this era rather than on it.