Sweetener
by Ariana Grande
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Aug 17, 2018
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3093 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,340 out of 3093
  2. Mixed: 204 out of 3093
  3. Negative: 549 out of 3093
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  1. vitoriajauregui
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amei simplesmente perfeito, R&B impecável. Voz da geração mais uma vez mostrou pra que veio… Expand
  2. Izzyxxx
    Aug 17, 2018
    6
    This album is decent, but unfortunately doesn't match the amount of hype it was given. Started off strong with a brief ballad, but then we get into Pharrell's territory, who has a very distinctive production style that Ariana's voice (often monotonous) just doesn't suit very well. When they team up, it's either a hit or miss. I can imagine other artists who always seem to do his productionThis album is decent, but unfortunately doesn't match the amount of hype it was given. Started off strong with a brief ballad, but then we get into Pharrell's territory, who has a very distinctive production style that Ariana's voice (often monotonous) just doesn't suit very well. When they team up, it's either a hit or miss. I can imagine other artists who always seem to do his production justice, like Camila Cabello or Janelle Monae, bodying some of the songs that she botched, such as Blazed and Sweetener. Although, there were some great moments that held my attention, like God Is A Woman and Goodnight n Go. Not a terrible album, but definitely her weakest project.… Expand
  3. Grandepower
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    First I didn't like it so much, but now that I listened to it a few times, I love it and this might be her best album yet.
  4. MusicAnswers
    Aug 17, 2018
    5
    Ariana Grande is back on another album. So excited to see her back in action. Her album however was more of a disappointment rather than enjoyment.

    I am a fan, and just love her but I feel let down. This is Pharrell Williams album. Great vocals as always
  5. platonkift
    Aug 17, 2018
    0
    this album is so bad, all the songs sound absolutely the same, her fans believe that the album is art, when it really is not. shame to Ariana(
  6. nokyam1
    Aug 17, 2018
    2
    Definitivamente esse é o pior trabalho da Ariana, músicas completamente esquecíveis e mal produzidas, Bordeline é uma bomba sonora não consigo entender como essa música foi parar no álbum, Breathing, Everytime, No Tears Left to Cry e God is a Woman são as únicas músicas memoráveis e que se destacam na imensa bagunça que é esse álbum. Verdadeira decepção.
  7. Jhonn
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    "Sweetener" melhor álbum da carreira da Ariana, ele explora sua maturidade e neste álbum Grande mostra que está disponível a tentar novos tipos de sons e o R&B vem com grande força neste álbum maravilhoso
  8. druneyy
    Aug 17, 2018
    9
    The album is clearly a grower but Ariana stil needs to use her voice more, raindrops & sweetener (the song) are the best
  9. elvisarrival
    Aug 17, 2018
    0
    this album is bad, all the songs sound absolutely the same, her fans believe that the album is art, when it really is not
  10. gorgeoustaytay3
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    experimenting with different sounds Is a good thing to do.. its okay to try something new and Ariana has done that, her best album so far
  11. wesleisorato
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Muito bom, sem dúvidas o melhor álbum da carreira. Que continue esse diamante do pop
  12. Hericksousa
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A Ariana mais uma vez nos mostrou que não tem medo de arriscar, estou amando o álbum.… Expand
  13. NETMUSIC
    Aug 17, 2018
    9
    Really incredible fourth album from Ariana. Her working with Pharell is so great.

    Best Song(s):
    breathin
    blazed ft Pharell Williams
    no tears left to cry
    God is a woman
    get well soon
    borderline
    raindrops (an angel cried)

    Worst Song(s):
    R.E.M
  14. amarogcosta
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    The best album of the year, Ariana put R&B songs with pleasure. Sweetener is her most confident album. Song how Breathin, show how Ariana is the best artist of 2000’s era. This is the album that we needed in a long time. Congrats Ariana ♡
  15. DriesT
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    her best, most cohesive album with amazing lyrics and production. good balance between pop and r&b
  16. camsjdhsj
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Perfeito. Melhor álbum da princesa do pop até agora! Inovou em tudo, saiu da sua zona de conforto. Está impecável!!
  17. JMiddleton
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    .- I thought it was a great album!
    - Definitely something new.
    - I do wish she showed more of her vocals as I really don't think she showcased them enough. - Not as many great songs as her previous albums. Favourites: (NOT IN ORDER) 1. Raindrops 2. Blazed Ft Pharrell 3. God Is A Woman (Favourite song from the album) 4. Everytime 5. Breathin 6. No Tears Left To Cry 7. Goodnight    .- I thought it was a great album!
    - Definitely something new.
    - I do wish she showed more of her vocals as I really don't think she showcased them enough.
    - Not as many great songs as her previous albums.

    Favourites: (NOT IN ORDER)
    1. Raindrops
    2. Blazed Ft Pharrell
    3. God Is A Woman (Favourite song from the album)
    4. Everytime
    5. Breathin
    6. No Tears Left To Cry
    7. Goodnight N Go

    Least Favourites: (IN ORDER)
    1. The Light Is Coming
    2. Borderline Ft Missy Elliott

    Out of her 4 albums, I would rank this 3rd!    … Expand
  18. Sebastian2018
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Sweetener is something different in her, we all expected her sensuality and glamor. but come on, it's time to reinvent yourself
  19. Aricharts
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    An amazing album . She is so talented and deserves a 80+ on metacritics for her voice and her growth in the music scene
  20. brunoxcx
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    One of the best albums released in 2018, the most authentic and brilliant album by Ariana Grande, all tracks are amazing, except for "the light is coming" this is the only bad thing in this album.
  21. robertryan
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Ariana as always making incredible albums, it is always good to evolve and mature
  22. aamandabxavier
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Ari, I love your work and your songs, each time you get over it, it was better!
  23. CaiqueArreaga
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Simplesmente impecável. Eu amei todas, Breathin musica do album. O AOTY vem
  24. sweetboo
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    De longe o trabalho mais puro e lindo da Ariana, um album cheio de sentimentos e cheio de lindos vocais, letras impecaveis
  25. MiguelMartinez
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Melhor albúm da carreira ,onde Ariana se mostra estar mais madura e mais confiante transmitindo boas vibrações para seu público ,simplesmente incrível
  26. Savior1
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Perfeito. O trabalho mais doce da Ariana. O álbum consegue te levar para outro estado de espírito.
  27. Gabriel_Henriq3
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Surpreendendo a todos mais uma vez, Ariana mostra seu incrível talento e controle vocal no seu melhor e mais potente álbum de estúdio. Saindo da mesmice e da sua zona de conforto, ela traz um trabalho doce e impecável como o sweetener, mostrando que é uma das maiores vozes e promessas da música. O cover da obra de Imogen Heap fica divino com os vocais angelicais de Ariana! Rezo para queSurpreendendo a todos mais uma vez, Ariana mostra seu incrível talento e controle vocal no seu melhor e mais potente álbum de estúdio. Saindo da mesmice e da sua zona de conforto, ela traz um trabalho doce e impecável como o sweetener, mostrando que é uma das maiores vozes e promessas da música. O cover da obra de Imogen Heap fica divino com os vocais angelicais de Ariana! Rezo para que ela trague a turne para o Brasil!
    Melhores tracks: 1- goodnight n go 2- breathin 3- get well soon 4-better off 5- no tears left to cry    … Expand
  28. Agusdiaz23
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    Pop art!!! This is totally different to other albums, but i lo evita it so much !!! I have no words her best album
  29. ctmarie5
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    this album is so different than her other ones and she did an incredible job her voice sounds amazing
  30. IvanMoonlight15
    Aug 17, 2018
    10
    This album is completely different from her anterior albums. This new sound definitely suits her. Amazing job
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2018
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The Quietus
    Aug 31, 2018
    70
    Grande’s new sound, the Williams-produced Not-Bangers, only make up half of the album. These standout tracks are interspersed between standard pop tracks. ... That’s not to say that the Bangers on Sweetener are bad--it’s more that they belong in previous era of Grande and they spoil the flow between songs. Sweetener may not be the dawning of a new age for Ariana but it could be a step towards somewhere weird and wonderful.
    Read full review
  2. The New York Times
    Aug 29, 2018
    90
    Ms. Grande backs up her statements with song-and-dance mastery. ... She’s her own choir, support group and posse. While a few guest vocalists (Mr. Williams, Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott) provide a little grit for contrast, Ms. Grande sails above any fray, past or present. Her aplomb is her triumph.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Aug 28, 2018
    80
    An album that coheres in a way other Ariana Grande albums don't, which means Sweetener is something of a double triumph: she's come through a tough time stronger and better than before.
    Read full review
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