Positions
by Ariana Grande
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2020
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5940 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,157 out of 5940
  2. Mixed: 417 out of 5940
  3. Negative: 1,366 out of 5940
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  1. piscesprincess
    Nov 24, 2020
    8
    An amazing album in every points. Ariana outdone herself while trying new things that fit soo good with her voice. - : she should have been more confident in not using trap sounds and really be rnb/soul
    + : motive and safety net. strings. high note verse in my hair
  2. MusicloverDave
    Apr 18, 2021
    8
    As an Ariana Grande fan for a long time, I think I can be honest about her music. I really loved the Sweetener and Thank u, next era but after those massive albums, I'm a bit sad, listening to Positions. I could not rate any of the songs 10/10, but positions and pov are at a very strong 9.5. All. Of the rest are below, between 6 and 9, but my calculations resulted a total of 7.85 rate. SoAs an Ariana Grande fan for a long time, I think I can be honest about her music. I really loved the Sweetener and Thank u, next era but after those massive albums, I'm a bit sad, listening to Positions. I could not rate any of the songs 10/10, but positions and pov are at a very strong 9.5. All. Of the rest are below, between 6 and 9, but my calculations resulted a total of 7.85 rate. So it's rather an upper 7 than a 8, but it is what it is. Looking forward to her 7th era… Expand
  3. mariaclarap
    Dec 4, 2020
    8
    This album gave me goosebumps and still does every time I hear it. Shut up was a great song to start, her vocals are unbelievable. Although the firsts songs of Positions are the weakest comparing to the rest of it, Just like magic comes with beautiful details that brings everything else to a better place. Off the table is beautifully honest and The Weeknd fits extremely well in this song,This album gave me goosebumps and still does every time I hear it. Shut up was a great song to start, her vocals are unbelievable. Although the firsts songs of Positions are the weakest comparing to the rest of it, Just like magic comes with beautiful details that brings everything else to a better place. Off the table is beautifully honest and The Weeknd fits extremely well in this song, it also talks about healing and grief from a point of view that most people do not, which is very interesting, definetly one of my favorite Ariana's lyrics. My hair has some traits of Amy Winehouse and the late 2000's, in it's lyrics, theme and melody, which I appreciate a lot. POV was also an amazing song to close the whole thing. I think my only criticism in Positions is that it doesn't have a theme itself, even though the title track and it's music video has a strong meaning. The songs have few connections with each other, which I consider really important for an album, but it does have some parallels with her old ones. Besides that, it does feel like a complete piece and it's why I think it deserves a high score. Great Pop/R&B, amazing collabs, incredible lyrics, unbelievable vocals: this is Positions, this is Ariana Grande.… Expand
  4. Rubenselektra
    Dec 12, 2020
    8
    Não é o melhor trabalho da Ariana, mas mesmo assim é mágico e interessante, algo puro e quente, porém sensível. Essa obra consolida a Ariana como uma das maiores de sua geração
  5. Xcg31_
    Dec 18, 2020
    8
    Es un buen álbum, igual se siente que le falta algo tienes grandes canciones y buenos instrumentales, claro no es un álbum movido ni para bailar pero hay canciones como shut Up que pudieron a ver dado más por el excelente instrumental que tiene pero letras algo raras y pues medio incoherente, canciones como nasty o safety net demuestran que con poca producción y buenas letras y gran rangoEs un buen álbum, igual se siente que le falta algo tienes grandes canciones y buenos instrumentales, claro no es un álbum movido ni para bailar pero hay canciones como shut Up que pudieron a ver dado más por el excelente instrumental que tiene pero letras algo raras y pues medio incoherente, canciones como nasty o safety net demuestran que con poca producción y buenas letras y gran rango vocal se puede hacer algo increíble, si hubiese quitado canciones como west side y cambiar cierta parte de canciones que pueden dar mucho más como shut Up u obvius hubiese sido un álbum increíble, es un trabajo Bastante maduro pero con ciertos fallos… Expand
  6. unknownhoe
    Dec 30, 2020
    8
    Positions isn't my favorite performance from her, she could do better. But there are still amazing tracks like 34+35, safety net, pov, just like magic, and more. However some songs like off the table, shut up, and west side are just lacking something. I still like this album a great amount though.
  7. Logan1492
    Jan 10, 2021
    8
    The album is really good, its only problem is that almost no song is going to represent a significant advance in Ariana Grande's career, it lacks a bit of intensity in my opinion, but after all, the album is still enjoyable, but far from be the best of her career.
  8. ViolaXie
    Jan 24, 2021
    8
    i love the timing and the emotions expressed in this album of ariana shes one of the most amazing women i know about. in this album she brings the fans a feeling of joy by describing her love life and we're all absolutely addicted to the melody. what i think was missing in this piece is some sparks. i find it hard to find something outstanding that i can use to suggest this album to myi love the timing and the emotions expressed in this album of ariana shes one of the most amazing women i know about. in this album she brings the fans a feeling of joy by describing her love life and we're all absolutely addicted to the melody. what i think was missing in this piece is some sparks. i find it hard to find something outstanding that i can use to suggest this album to my friends. a spark or two would make this piece perfect. itz still better than the most. luv ya ariana.… Expand
  9. gngtini
    Mar 5, 2021
    8
    as much as i always love ariana's work, i think it's not her best project even tho there are some of her best songs on here
  10. igorwrightsilva
    Aug 17, 2022
    8
    This album shows her best vocals ever and a marvelous craft on arrangement.
  11. azvdweslei
    Apr 3, 2021
    8
    Really good album, although it’s not her best one. Just it. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  12. xnicrv
    Aug 26, 2023
    8
    More confident, more sure of herself, more satisfied and sexier. This is what Ariana Grande looks like on her sixth studio album Positions.
    The sound of Positions is certainly new: pop has taken a back seat and contemporary R&B is the real protagonist. Entirely written by the performer herself, assisted by close friends and collaborators, Positions offers some of the freest and most    More confident, more sure of herself, more satisfied and sexier. This is what Ariana Grande looks like on her sixth studio album Positions.
    The sound of Positions is certainly new: pop has taken a back seat and contemporary R&B is the real protagonist. Entirely written by the performer herself, assisted by close friends and collaborators, Positions offers some of the freest and most unfiltered lyrics that Grande has ever sung and performed. Tracks like My Hair, Love Language and Just Like Magic are real anthems to femininity, sexuality, power, and freedom, the central themes of the record.
    Although there are sentimental and intimate ballads such as Off the Table and POV, among the best composed songs by Grande, the main purpose of Positions is the exaltation of a captivating and at times provocative positivity, which wants to leave old painful experiences behind.
    While sticking to an R&B line as strong as ever, it's hard for Grande and her producers to break away from the trap and hip hop influences introduced first with Sweetener, then especially with Thank U, Next. The general production of the record maintains a more than sufficient quality. The main flaw is the weak musical cohesion between the different tracks of the project, which is sometimes fluctuating.
    Textually speaking, Positions sees Grande taking the reins as songwriter more freely, sexily and forcefully than ever before. Nonetheless, qualitatively defining the lyrics of the project in a single way is quite difficult: the attention, care and choice of linguistic register depend on the individual songs. If with the title track, Shut Up, Just Like Magic and Motive Grande keeps herself on a level suitable for a pop star, in Off The Table, Safety Net and POV she surpasses herself, demonstrating a very high compositional ability. The single 34+35, the most sexually explicit song ever performed by Grande, and the track Nasty are instead the most ambiguous songs: frivolous, simple and not at all sentimental, they definitely lower the quality of the album, despite being catchy and captivating.
    The real highlight of the album is undoubtedly Grande's vocal virtuosity. Never so light and powerful at the same time, never so spontaneous, never so clean has Ariana Grande been in the interpretation of her songs. To say that in My Hair her whistle register is jaw-dropping is an understatement.
    Overall, Positions presents itself as a project full of potential. Although difficult to delineate qualitatively in a universal way, it was certainly useful for its interpreter to write more lightheartedly about her life and feelings, to let go of the pressure, and to explore new musical fields; and that's what matters to Grande.    … Expand
  13. Coppeddem
    Apr 26, 2021
    8
    A solid 8. This is probably her 3rd best album after the masterpieces that are sweetener and thank u next.
  14. arianagrande626
    May 8, 2021
    8
    Just because a song is about sex doesn't mean that it's poor quality. I agree that it's not her best album but her vocals are awesome. It's a grower. If you're not into R&B I don't recommend it but if you like R&B you should definetly give it a listen! My favorites are Off The Table, Safety Net, My Hair, Love Language, POV and Test Drive.
  15. MSCD
    May 17, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Positions is a great album, Grande shower what she can make with R&B and Pop in one album, the ballad POV it's a great way to finish the album… Expand
  16. mileyrockstar
    Jun 1, 2021
    8
    people hated on this album a lot tbh but I found the harmonies and beats pretty good, it was a typical ari album that I enjoy I feel like she has distinct sound nowadays anyway so people should stop expecting DW 2.0
  17. lipehbryant
    Jun 29, 2021
    8
    Positions are good. But when it comes to Ariana Grande I expected more. I didn't like so many songs, some even seem to come from the Thank U Next era for their trap-pop melody and beat.
  18. ichigotts
    Aug 18, 2021
    8
    the songs are so good but generic at the same time, i love the vibe from the album and even if its not one of her best albums, still a great one
  19. Chiaotzuss
    Aug 25, 2021
    8
    Grower, not good first listen. Still many songs fall but on the other hand a lot of songs carry this album
  20. westsideti
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    this album tells the story of rediscovering love greatly and it`s a fantastic piece of work.
    i do think it lacks something i can`t point out but it`s still amazing
  21. 9906dimatulac
    Feb 5, 2022
    8
    Positions by Ariana Grande is a good album. I think this album is a good, perfect yet classic album. I love the "POV" and "Position." But some are not enjoyable songs like "34+35". I wish I could like this. But still, I love her album, and by the way, her cover and her face were beautiful.
  22. rafacritique
    Sep 18, 2022
    8
    Ariana Grande é muito talentosa e sabe o que está fazendo com cada uma de suas músicas e com o Positions não foi diferente, o álbum traz uma tentativa sem se esforçar muito de ser um RNB mas acaba indo muito pras batidas repetitivas de trap e pop, mas músicas como pov, safety net, obvious, my hair e nasty conseguem trazer um ar de algo novo e belíssimo pra carreira de Ariana, masAriana Grande é muito talentosa e sabe o que está fazendo com cada uma de suas músicas e com o Positions não foi diferente, o álbum traz uma tentativa sem se esforçar muito de ser um RNB mas acaba indo muito pras batidas repetitivas de trap e pop, mas músicas como pov, safety net, obvious, my hair e nasty conseguem trazer um ar de algo novo e belíssimo pra carreira de Ariana, mas definitivamente não consegue chegar a álbuns como o Sweetener e o Thank U, Next.… Expand
  23. 0987
    Oct 31, 2020
    7
    Definitely a listenable album, but comparing to "Sweetener" and "Thank U Next", definitely not a masterpiece. It's good, not bad at all, but not excellent.
  24. CDizzness
    Nov 3, 2020
    7
    I have to agree, this album feels rushed, there are good songs....but it felt generic and the first half of the album felt like one song. Minus, Motive...
  25. 0ndresousa
    Dec 11, 2020
    7
    Sem sair da zona de conforto, Ariana repete o mesmo de Thank U Next, mas sem nenhuma faixa que realmente chame atenção
  26. Alexcritik
    Oct 30, 2020
    7
    Álbum muito bom, mas carece de algo a mais para se destacar, os feats. Parecem jogados num montante de faixas que emulam um R&B retro em meio ao "Trapop" que a própria Ariana SATUROU e agora parece presa nele pra sempre! Talvez se o álbum tivesse produções do Max Martin e Ilya e menos músicas com o Tommy Brown e a Victoria Monet, teria um substancial maior pra entregar!
  27. NolanLundgaard
    May 7, 2021
    7
    nasty: 0.75
    west side: 1
    love language: 0.75 positions: 1 :) obvious: 1 pov: 1 :) someone like u: 0.5 test drive: 0.75 worst behavior: 1 :) main thing: 0.75 14.5/18 ~ .806 -> 6.50 I found Positions, Ariana Grande’s latest album, to be her best yet, and the only one I have given a positive review to so far (though “Dangerous Woman” came very close). The reason for this? Her    nasty: 0.75
    west side: 1
    love language: 0.75
    positions: 1 :)
    obvious: 1
    pov: 1 :)
    someone like u: 0.5
    test drive: 0.75
    worst behavior: 1 :)
    main thing: 0.75

    14.5/18 ~ .806 -> 6.50

    I found Positions, Ariana Grande’s latest album, to be her best yet, and the only one I have given a positive review to so far (though “Dangerous Woman” came very close). The reason for this? Her music became so much better. Sure, the lyrics can be a little dicey at times (I wish she wouldn’t sexualize them as much), though from a musical standpoint, at least in my opinion Positions is leaps and bounds over its predecessors, “Sweetener” and “thank u, next”. The lyrics were also far less annoying than in “Sweetener” and though just as expletive-ridden as “thank u, next”, the lyrics seemed to me to be more well-written. Now, this is not to say that Positions isn’t without its issues, with trap drums in several songs (though it seems as if Grande is moving away from those, or maybe that’s just my optimism speaking) and many of the swearing seeming a bit unnecessary. Overall though, I was left with a fairly positive experience. Thanks to the character limit, I am unable to provide my song-by-song commentary. In general, I actually really liked Grande’s latest. It’s a musical upgrade from her previous releases and perhaps is her best yet in that regard (less uneven than “Dangerous Woman”). There really is a lot to be admired in this release, though it would have been nice if it wasn’t as sexualized. Then again, I guess that is just Grande’s style. Anyway, I really hope that Grande continues the one-a-year streak that has been going on for a while, and now that I am all caught up with her albums, hopefully we have reached the point where her music style changes a bit. (Adult or older teen) Fans of pop will appreciate this album, as well as Grande’s fanbase. I look forward to listening to Grande’s next release whenever it comes out, and hopefully she will establish an album winning streak building off of Positions. Highlights: just like magic, safety net, my hair, west side, positions, obvious, pov, and worst behavior.    … Expand
  28. ArtemSaloev
    Oct 31, 2020
    7
    Ariana is trying to find a new style of music and do it quiet successfully. However, some songs may sound almost the same and meaningless. But experiments in music often lead to occurrence of some mistakes.
  29. SavioLombardi
    Nov 27, 2020
    7
    "Ariana Grande se jogou no R&B e abusou de seus incríveis vocais. Demonstrando maturidade e sexualidade, Grande pode ter se perdido em uma extrema horizontalidade musical em seu novo álbum. Com alguns sons que parecem preguiçosos, a faixa-título é a de maior destaque, mas ainda podemos citar motive, parceria com Doja Cat, e pov. Não é um disco ruim, mas talvez não te deixe entusiasmado"Ariana Grande se jogou no R&B e abusou de seus incríveis vocais. Demonstrando maturidade e sexualidade, Grande pode ter se perdido em uma extrema horizontalidade musical em seu novo álbum. Com alguns sons que parecem preguiçosos, a faixa-título é a de maior destaque, mas ainda podemos citar motive, parceria com Doja Cat, e pov. Não é um disco ruim, mas talvez não te deixe entusiasmado para ouvir de novo."… Expand
  30. Nonoo
    Nov 1, 2020
    7
    Not bad, not great, just... in the middle. I put a 7 thanks to Ariana's amazing vocals & harmonies and because of some songs that I enjoyed so far like Off The Table (really beautiful), My Hair (my god her whistle notes in this song!), Pov (really beautiful song too), Positions (love it) and Safety Net (great collab). Other songs like Motive, Just Like Magic, Nasty, Love Language, ObviousNot bad, not great, just... in the middle. I put a 7 thanks to Ariana's amazing vocals & harmonies and because of some songs that I enjoyed so far like Off The Table (really beautiful), My Hair (my god her whistle notes in this song!), Pov (really beautiful song too), Positions (love it) and Safety Net (great collab). Other songs like Motive, Just Like Magic, Nasty, Love Language, Obvious & 34+35 could grow on me later. However I'm indifferent to Shut Up (flat..), West Side & Six thirty.
    Now, I think Ariana should take a real break and come back stronger with new original content and new ideas.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Paste Magazine
    Dec 2, 2020
    72
    Grande is making no effort to be discreet, instead explicitly owning her sexuality—the album is called Positions, after all. The juxtaposition of beautiful violin sounds and risqué lyrics has become one of Grande’s signature sounds, and it suits her well.
    Read full review
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Grande laid bare may well be seen as a stopgap in her canon, using taboo to checkmate her past trauma, but it does pull off the rare feat of at least sounding effortless.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Nov 5, 2020
    80
    With little conflict and few psychological insights, Positions zeroes in on the enviable confidence that only pop stars on top of the world and with nothing to lose can afford. It's easy to write it off as empty calories, but pop has always been described in such terms: cake, candy, chocolate, confection. Positions isn't a "sweetener" but pure sugar.
    Read full review
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