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. kjhkjhk
    Aug 17, 2018
    4
    Yeah this was a pretty huge miss. I only ended up liking 3 songs - ntlc,breathin and god is a woman. Dangerous woman was a 100x better than this even though the writing was equally weak. From this its safe to say Max Martin has lost his zing. i had a feeling this album was going to struggle considering how pathetic Taylor's album was (which was also produced by Max) . Pharrell was also notYeah this was a pretty huge miss. I only ended up liking 3 songs - ntlc,breathin and god is a woman. Dangerous woman was a 100x better than this even though the writing was equally weak. From this its safe to say Max Martin has lost his zing. i had a feeling this album was going to struggle considering how pathetic Taylor's album was (which was also produced by Max) . Pharrell was also not a good choice for a producer after he royally messed up JT's Man of the Woods. Overall its a Yikes! from me. This why more artists should learn how to self produce like Lorde, St Vincent and Jack Antonoff. Their ideas might come out clearer and they also learn a lot more in the process.… Expand
  2. Liliia
    Aug 17, 2018
    4
    To me, it's her weakest album so far. I only like 3 songs - NTLTC, God is a woman and breathin. Totally not enough songs to make this album at least good. She could do better.
  3. RK13
    Jan 19, 2019
    4
    I think it is fair to say that we knew that Ariana was never going to top Dangerous Woman this era after 'no tears left to cry'. However in saying that, Sweetener is a close second to that album. The album is different to what listeners got to know from Ariana's last 3 eras. I think the laidback attitude of the album helps exude the whole theme of 'sweetening' tragic events so toxicI think it is fair to say that we knew that Ariana was never going to top Dangerous Woman this era after 'no tears left to cry'. However in saying that, Sweetener is a close second to that album. The album is different to what listeners got to know from Ariana's last 3 eras. I think the laidback attitude of the album helps exude the whole theme of 'sweetening' tragic events so toxic relationships, the terrible Manchester Attack. My personal favourites are 'God is a woman' and 'sweetener'. However in saying this, I don't think that trap suits Ariana. It has shown that from Yours Truly and Dangerous Woman that R&B suits her and is her best music.… Expand
  4. joshdkaye
    Sep 6, 2018
    4
    Ariana's voice sounds a lot fuller in this album compared to her others. The first few tracks are some decent bangers, and I started to realise why the album was rated so highly by critics. But the album takes a nosedive very quickly. Too many tracks and she doesn't sing with enough emotion. Catchy in parts though.
  5. AmirRocker
    Aug 18, 2018
    4
    this album insults music as well... talking about personal **** and a very very simple music. i just found breathin track acceptable but others is for kids. don't waste your time to hear such a **** album. music is dying these years, no true feelings no forte and no more master stroke anymore. just a few bands and artists that no one knows them :)
  6. NolanLundgaard
    Jan 30, 2021
    4
    Sweetener by Ariana Grande: 3.21

    raindrops (an angel cried): 1 blazed: 0.75 the light is coming: 0 R.E.M: 0.75 God is a woman: 0.25 sweetener: 0.25 successful: 0.25 everytime: 0.5 breathin: 1 :) no tears left to cry: 1 :) borderline: 1 :) better off: 0.75 goodnight n go: 0.5 pete davidson: 0 get well soon: 0.5 8.5/15 ~ .567 -> 3.21 Sweetener, Ariana Grande’s fourth    Sweetener by Ariana Grande: 3.21

    raindrops (an angel cried): 1
    blazed: 0.75
    the light is coming: 0
    R.E.M: 0.75
    God is a woman: 0.25
    sweetener: 0.25
    successful: 0.25
    everytime: 0.5
    breathin: 1 :)
    no tears left to cry: 1 :)
    borderline: 1 :)
    better off: 0.75
    goodnight n go: 0.5
    pete davidson: 0
    get well soon: 0.5

    8.5/15 ~ .567 -> 3.21

    Sweetener, Ariana Grande’s fourth studio release, was a major disappointment. Coming after “Dangerous Woman” (which I couldn’t quite give a good review but I loved many of its songs), I was hoping for something more like that (wonderful, upbeat, unique pop). Instead, I got generic drum beats and bass patterns on a good number of tracks and over-processed material across the board. In all, there are probably only three-ish songs from Sweetener that I would listen to again. A lot of the music was annoyingly similar in regards to percussive instruments, but I will give to it that some of the synth layering (and Ari’s voice when she isn’t overdoing it on autotune) is very impressive in its complexion. I was also fairly annoyed by almost every track being marked as explicit (especially as a lot of the labels were “false positives”), as then I was unable to see what was coming in terms of content within the song, which was also a bummer. I wish I could give my entire song to song commentary, as that would help people understand my ratings better, but I cannot because of the character limit. All in all, not a huge fan of Sweetener. I suppose there were some good songs hidden in here (the “three in a row” was nice), but overall there isn’t much in here that I was hoping for. I guess this means I will have to lower my expectations a bit for the next (see what I did there?) album, despite already anticipating an uneven work. If you are a fan of generic pop/trap music from five years ago, you’ll probably like this album. If you were hoping for a decent sequel to Dangerous Woman, you will be disappointed, as I was. All I can say is, I sure hope that “thank you, next” is a heck of a lot better than this misfire. Highlights: raindrops, breathin, no tears left to cry, and borderline.    … Expand
  7. Hotnicks
    Sep 5, 2018
    4
    I can tolerate about 40% of this album hence the 4 out of 10 ranking. I don't know if she was experimenting with her sound or truly believed the album was good?? And Pete Davidson as a track title?!? That's more permanent than a tattoo.
  8. Camiloaf
    Aug 18, 2018
    4
    I think all of these sounds were the same, it’s not a “too ahead of its time” album since all these sounds were similar to 2004-2007 music. Basically her worst album
  9. Danielmelodm
    Aug 17, 2018
    4
    I am very disappointed, unfortunetly this is her worst album, equal and boring songs
  10. XCXBOYY
    Aug 17, 2018
    4
    SEM DÚVIDAS ARIANA INOVOU MAS NÃO CONSEGUIU UM BOM RESULTADO, INFELIZMENTE FICOU HORRÍVEL!
  11. JuJuM13
    Aug 18, 2018
    4
    I'm disappointed. First singles were amazing but this album is very boring and ordinary.
  12. courtneyjohn
    Aug 18, 2018
    4
    Beyond the singles, there are perhaps three songs on the album that I have consistently enjoyed regardless of how many listens. I have added an extra point in order to show that I respect Ariana's experimentation. However, the simple fact is that I don't enjoy the album. I found the Pharrell-produced songs to be messy and difficult to listen to. I don't think the album is bad per say but IBeyond the singles, there are perhaps three songs on the album that I have consistently enjoyed regardless of how many listens. I have added an extra point in order to show that I respect Ariana's experimentation. However, the simple fact is that I don't enjoy the album. I found the Pharrell-produced songs to be messy and difficult to listen to. I don't think the album is bad per say but I had high expectations for Ariana and have found Sweetener to be overrated by reviewers and publications. Grande's vocals remain gorgeous, smooth and soft although her enunciation remains unclear on some songs. The structure of some songs is also messy and the songwriting is poor with very little complexity to some songs. Particular praise must be extended to no tears left to cry, god is a woman, raindrops, breathin which carry the album. Comparatively, the light is coming, blazed, successful, sweetener and borderline are just messy and a disappointment, particularly considering Ariana's considerable talent.… Expand
  13. AX3L022
    Sep 4, 2018
    4
    An album that has some great singles, but the other tracks are very basic to say so, not bad for the queen of anal sex
  14. nickixkingdom
    Sep 14, 2018
    4
    the album disappoints in lyrics, I expected to see the dark moment of Manchester in a powerful ballad, the production is crap for pharrell, its worst album at the moment.
  15. JeremySpears
    Aug 20, 2020
    4
    "Sweetener" was released two years ago this week.
    It’s Ariana's favorite album and was praised by critics. However, I stopped stanning her after this album because I just couldn’t connect with this album...at all.
    First the positive bits: The album's intro "raindrops (an angel cried)" is cute. She shows off her incredible voice in this interlude. The first track "blazed" featuring    "Sweetener" was released two years ago this week.
    It’s Ariana's favorite album and was praised by critics. However, I stopped stanning her after this album because I just couldn’t connect with this album...at all.

    First the positive bits:
    The album's intro "raindrops (an angel cried)" is cute. She shows off her incredible voice in this interlude.
    The first track "blazed" featuring Pharrell Williams is universally hated but it’s actually one of the few songs on the album that I like. I like the breathing in the background and the funk influences.
    There’s two groups of people when it comes to "the light is coming"; one group loves the song and the other group hates it. I immediately liked the song. It’s very different and actually probably the only experiment on this "experimental" album that worked for me. It’s very hip-hop influenced and I like the sample. Nicki's part is a little short on this one.
    "God is a woman", the album's second single, is an anthem! The message about female sexual empowerment is very powerful and Ariana's vocals on this song are outstanding.
    The album's third single "breathin" was immediately my favorite song when I first heard the album. It has a dance pop sound and is definitely the most poppy track on the album. Lyrically it talks about overcoming anxiety which is an incredible message and relatable for someone like me who struggles a lot with anxiety.
    Everyone knows the album's lead single "no tears left to cry" and everyone loves it. Rightfully so because it’s one of those perfect Max Martin pop songs. That man is a pop genius! It talks about the tragic Manchester attack and about overcoming a tragic event. Very serious theme but that song just always puts me in a good mood. The harmonies in the background are stunning.

    Now the negative parts:
    First the album's title track. Really? What is that? Not only are the lyrics annoyingly repetitive, bland and just stupid in parts but also the production is so damn messy and weird.
    "successful" is a song about Ariana being....successful. The chorus of the song can be fun at times but that Wii music in the background is almost laughable. It sounds a bit unfinished.
    "R.E.M" is a Beyoncé reject. It’s obvious why Bey didn’t want to put this on her album because it’s just so damn boring. There’s no lows or highs in this song it’s just so monotone. It’s funny that she sings about sleeping because the song will literally put you to sleep.
    "borderline" features the legendary Queen of Hip-Hop Missy Elliott. I expected a lot from it but it’s easily the worst song on this album. And that says a lot. Just like "R.E.M" there’s no highs or lows and the song is extremely monotone and it’s just...there. Missy's verse is boring too unfortunately.
    The album's final track "get well soon" talks about Ariana's personal anxiety and trauma following the Manchester attack. Beautiful meaning, terrible song. It’s extremely messy and feels like 90 different song rolled into one.

    I don't mind "everytime", "better off", "goodnight n go" and the "pete davidson" interlude. Those four tracks were simply okay. Not terrible but nothing special either.

    So "Sweetener" was not for me. It’s a very messy album with a lot of bad songs and fillers. Ariana constantly adding "yuh" to every line she sings doesn’t help as it just gets annoying at some point. I have no idea how this album got the critical acclaim it received but that’s just me. Anyway, the 5 (or 6) tracks that are good would’ve made a nice EP.

    At the end of the day though, Ariana likes the album, it helped her work through some things and her fans like it. That’s all that matters.    … Expand
  16. ocaiobaena
    Dec 20, 2019
    4
    'Sweetener' foi uma péssima combinação entre Pharrell Williams e Ariana Grande. Muitas músicas desse álbum possuem uma produção repetitiva e extremamente bagunçada. "raindrops", "God is a Woman" e "breathin" são as únicas três faixas em que Ariana possui um destaque vocal de excelência e são músicas extremamente bem produzidas. Mesmo sendo um álbum que faz um recorte de um momento bem'Sweetener' foi uma péssima combinação entre Pharrell Williams e Ariana Grande. Muitas músicas desse álbum possuem uma produção repetitiva e extremamente bagunçada. "raindrops", "God is a Woman" e "breathin" são as únicas três faixas em que Ariana possui um destaque vocal de excelência e são músicas extremamente bem produzidas. Mesmo sendo um álbum que faz um recorte de um momento bem delicado para Grande, o problema do álbum está na produção e na falta de organização. Tudo parece uma grande bagunça.
    "blazed", colaboração de Ariana com Pharrell, é um exemplo de uma faixa com uma produção bagunçada. Parece que tentaram misturar r&b com alguma outra coisa, e deixou a música completamente estranha e sem nenhuma característica. "sweetener", faixa título do álbum, é mais uma canção sem a mínima estrutura, que possui um refrão repetitivo, enjoativo, e que surge do nada na música; completamente desconexo, fazendo parecer que existem 5 músicas em uma. "the light is coming" um feat completamente desconexo com a rapper Nicki Minaj, uma batida bagunçada, enjoativa, com uma letra repetitiva e melodia mal criada; tornando-se uma das piores canções do álbum.
    "God is a Woman" e "breathin" são duas canções em que Ariana consegue fazer um trabalho muito bom. Tanto em relação à letra, quanto em relação a melodias e arranjos. Talvez sejam as melhores canções da carreira de Ariana Grande. São essas que sustentam o álbum todo e trazem uma sensação de verdade neste disco, que Grande ao menos tentou realizar.    … Expand
  17. joaotekiaware
    Jun 26, 2022
    4
    This album sounds like Pharrell's the owner, there's authenticity's lack in so many tracks. I wonder how 'no tears left to cry', 'God is a woman' and R.E.M (one of the best songs of her career) can divide the same space in a such bad album as sweetener. She lost her time featuring with big artists in a shameful and poor production. She could do more. This album is completely forgetable.
  18. Chlofa
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    Honestly this is just not good. Zero artists growth from Dangerous Woman - if anything its regressed back to Yours Truly. Her work with Pharrell is very hit and miss and most of them are a miss from me. The highlights are Everytime, Breathing and R.E.M. The worst are TLIC, Sweetener, Blazed and Borderline (which is the very definition of a dull, filler track). Pharrell’s adlibsHonestly this is just not good. Zero artists growth from Dangerous Woman - if anything its regressed back to Yours Truly. Her work with Pharrell is very hit and miss and most of them are a miss from me. The highlights are Everytime, Breathing and R.E.M. The worst are TLIC, Sweetener, Blazed and Borderline (which is the very definition of a dull, filler track). Pharrell’s adlibs throughout many of the tracks are unnecessary and ruin many of the songs (such as the sheesh in Sweetener). The lyrics on most tracks are cringy and hyper-sexual and there’s zero variation in topic. You could literally swap the verses of one song to any other song on the album and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. I’ve been a fan of Ari for a long time but this album is just so disappointing. By far her worst album to date.… Expand
  19. r_az
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    1- I can't stand Pharrell William's sonority
    2- the songs are bland except for those with a big anthematic pop production
    3- don't confuse experimental with bad
  20. poezwoez
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    Extremely disappointed in Ariana if I'm going to have to be honest. I was expecting a lot as she was talking about it like it was a masterpiece, I genuinely thought that Sweetener might even be able to top Dangerous Woman. But it's her worst album. In all the years that I've followed her, she never was able to disappoint me this much. Vocally, there isn't anything special except for someExtremely disappointed in Ariana if I'm going to have to be honest. I was expecting a lot as she was talking about it like it was a masterpiece, I genuinely thought that Sweetener might even be able to top Dangerous Woman. But it's her worst album. In all the years that I've followed her, she never was able to disappoint me this much. Vocally, there isn't anything special except for some ad libs. The songs lack powerful and/or catchy choruses, and when they're catchy ("The Light Is Coming"), they're just annoying and extremely repetitive. The album has a way too similar production towards each other. Pharrell is now known to me as the worst pop producer out there. Yes, it might not be basic generic pop, but the songs are still generic. The production is boring and lacks too much to keep you interested making it sound like a collection of fillers.
    No Tears Left To Cry, God Is A Woman and Breathin are great songs but the others just fail to satisfy or keep me interested.    … Expand
  21. supremehive
    May 10, 2020
    3
    This album has some pretty awesome some but the experience as a whole is pretty much bad.
  22. usukhu
    Feb 10, 2020
    3
    This is just an okay album. Nothing great. I mean Pharrell just kind of ruined the album with not-Ariana-friendly productions. Singles' choices were good, liked "no tears lef to cry", "the light is coming" and "sweetener".
  23. Khalid43
    Aug 20, 2022
    3
    Breathin, Sweetener and no tears left to cry are good singles material, but that is not enough to justify an un cohesive body of work
  24. Dono_AGB
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    Her biggest mistake was collaborating with Pharell Williams. The first half of the album which is produced by him is so painfully awful. It sounds more like his songs and less of Ariana's. I also cannot for the life of me find any single-worthy songs. The era should just be over, maybe release Breathin first which will flop and then move on.
  25. Jacqueamista
    Dec 23, 2018
    3
    Biggest let down of 2018. Cringeworthy lyrics and bad production. Pure noise. Really tried to like it but it didn't work. Giving a few points for breathin, giaw and successful.
  26. musicremarks
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    While Breathin and Everytime remain the standout tracks from the record. There is no other song which is single worthy. No Tears and God is a Woman were chosen well to serve as singles. Max Martin should have been more involved on the album compared to Pharrell whose production practically ruined the album. The album was rush released with most songs sounding the same and with zero lyricalWhile Breathin and Everytime remain the standout tracks from the record. There is no other song which is single worthy. No Tears and God is a Woman were chosen well to serve as singles. Max Martin should have been more involved on the album compared to Pharrell whose production practically ruined the album. The album was rush released with most songs sounding the same and with zero lyrical content. Her public breakup, toxic relationship and the Manchester bombing should have been addressed directly. There is no theme on the album. VERY Disappointed. Looks like after 3 widely successful albums. Ms Grande finally does/will have a least successful album which seems to be Sweetener in this case.… Expand
  27. JhosepKingsley
    Aug 26, 2018
    3
    After listening to songs like "no tears left to cry" and "God Is A Woman" we had many expectations of what would probably be one of the best albums of the career of Grande and pop history, however Ariana told us that really we would find ourselves with "The Light Is Coming" and we did not realize it. Although the album is quite consistent in terms of sounds presenting a mostly R & B lineAfter listening to songs like "no tears left to cry" and "God Is A Woman" we had many expectations of what would probably be one of the best albums of the career of Grande and pop history, however Ariana told us that really we would find ourselves with "The Light Is Coming" and we did not realize it. Although the album is quite consistent in terms of sounds presenting a mostly R & B line produced by Pharrel Williams that becomes so repetitive that it becomes boring, something that we can not blame Pharrel but the young singer because I get wrapped up quite well in the new genre. Understanding that it is a great change for the dangerous woman and she is still adapting to this new environment, we hope that in future work she will be able to mold herself well. Despite the bad taste of mouth that we take with the excess of filling in "Sweetener" it is necessary to speak of the masterpiece "breathin", one of the most precious jewels of the album in which it is impossible to highlight the majestic composition with the that Ariana transmitted a feeling with which she is easy to connect and the wonderful vocal performance that fits very well with the production (in which, curiously, Pharrel is not involved).… Expand
  28. dropdabenzoff
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    'Sweetener' is an album that you'd listen once just to see it it's worth your time...and when you're finished, you'll realise it's not. None of the songs (except the singles) are memorable, nothing stands out, the lyrics are often repetitive or poorly written. The production on almost every song is the same and at one point you get bored, hoping the next song is better...but it's not. The'Sweetener' is an album that you'd listen once just to see it it's worth your time...and when you're finished, you'll realise it's not. None of the songs (except the singles) are memorable, nothing stands out, the lyrics are often repetitive or poorly written. The production on almost every song is the same and at one point you get bored, hoping the next song is better...but it's not. The collabs on the album were unnecessary and pointless but the album would've been just as bad without them. I don't know what Ariana was thinking while working on this album (or if she was even thinking) but...this is NOT it!

    Best songs: God is a woman, no tears left to cry, breathin'    … Expand
  29. Idrees
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    Ariana's most anticipated album is out now- and it came to disappoint with bland sounds and generic undeveloped beats. The low-energy effort Ariana put into the songs didn't make the album sound dreamy or laid-back yet very lazy boring the listeners mid-way the track. Few tracks off the album are listenable such as, "Breathin'" where Ariana vocally creates a bold song which however doesAriana's most anticipated album is out now- and it came to disappoint with bland sounds and generic undeveloped beats. The low-energy effort Ariana put into the songs didn't make the album sound dreamy or laid-back yet very lazy boring the listeners mid-way the track. Few tracks off the album are listenable such as, "Breathin'" where Ariana vocally creates a bold song which however does include certain parts where her attempt to experimentally sound dreamy causes a drawback to the song. Most tracks sound very less produced and monotonous boring the listeners quickly ascertaining a skip. Some tracks had a potential yet however, Ariana failed to explore them properly as she continued to use the generic trap beats and the same monotonous sound listeners heard throughout the album. The album's best tracks are nothing compared to the lows of her previous studio album, Dangerous Woman.… Expand
  30. xadoregomez
    Aug 17, 2018
    3
    This album is definitely her worst by far. Pharrell totally ruined this album and there were only 3 to 4 good songs on this entire album. Also the song "Sweetener" was too bad for the album to be named after it. I feel like Ariana hyped it up too much because it didn't even deserve it. Also we were told that this album was supposed to be meaningful, but it wasn't. My everythingThis album is definitely her worst by far. Pharrell totally ruined this album and there were only 3 to 4 good songs on this entire album. Also the song "Sweetener" was too bad for the album to be named after it. I feel like Ariana hyped it up too much because it didn't even deserve it. Also we were told that this album was supposed to be meaningful, but it wasn't. My everything remains her best album ever released. I'm just disappointed that after releasing her past 3 albums which were amazing she put out this trash.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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