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. Max_Cat_Supreme
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    After listening for the first time, it immediately becomes clear to me that the album "Sweetener" is some kind of an attempt to return to the origins, its origins - "Yours Truly", with a cross between the following album in the form of a couple of tracks.
    In general - not bad, but it could be much better
  2. sammyanthony
    Aug 20, 2018
    7
    Brave move from Ariana to work with Pharrell. Her vocal still on point in several tracks, and Pharrell gave many spectrum track by track, giving different taste, even though he already boasted those tunes not long ago (in Pharrell's previous project). For the impact, Ariana redeemed her vocal for the sake of production, and in return, we reminded how good her vocal is, compared to theBrave move from Ariana to work with Pharrell. Her vocal still on point in several tracks, and Pharrell gave many spectrum track by track, giving different taste, even though he already boasted those tunes not long ago (in Pharrell's previous project). For the impact, Ariana redeemed her vocal for the sake of production, and in return, we reminded how good her vocal is, compared to the low-key sound she gave in some tracks like Sweetener and The Light is Coming.… Expand
  3. brandmathew
    Nov 28, 2018
    7
    Soft and powerful, delightful and empowered this is what we can call ''sweetener'' her most mature album, sounded differently of her latest works, the R&B calls out so differently and beautiful, the lyrics are so personal and more meaningful than ever.
  4. Masquic
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    It is incredibly that every song that Pharrell isn't involved in the production or composition are the bests from the album. It's not her best work but it surely has some amazing songs, like breathin, oh, the vibes and lyrics of this song are just on point.
  5. PaulYordan
    Aug 23, 2018
    7
    The album is good. It's demonstrates why Ariana can be distinguished from most pop artists in special moments when her voice sounds at its peak. Also, It has some songs that his voice is used to the maximum potential, but in other songs the typical Ariana sounds that his voice is devalued with generic pop rhythms and songs. In addition, it is full of collaborations that did not addThe album is good. It's demonstrates why Ariana can be distinguished from most pop artists in special moments when her voice sounds at its peak. Also, It has some songs that his voice is used to the maximum potential, but in other songs the typical Ariana sounds that his voice is devalued with generic pop rhythms and songs. In addition, it is full of collaborations that did not add anything new to the album.… Expand
  6. theblackrhose
    Mar 19, 2019
    7
    "Sweetener" is a grower. With the drastic change of sound it has, it definitely shocks the audience and keeps you wondering which direction she's trying to go. Although it is a very cohesive album, there are some songs that are amazing and others that are just not it; some of the production lacks that "Ariana" feel. The lyrics are very basic, considering it is an album that was supposed to"Sweetener" is a grower. With the drastic change of sound it has, it definitely shocks the audience and keeps you wondering which direction she's trying to go. Although it is a very cohesive album, there are some songs that are amazing and others that are just not it; some of the production lacks that "Ariana" feel. The lyrics are very basic, considering it is an album that was supposed to tell her story after all the pain she had been through previous her release. This was definitely a promising transition from full pop to pop-R&B, leaving her audience with high hopes and wanting more.… Expand
  7. prestonhung
    Dec 21, 2018
    7
    I appreciate Grande's experimental take on this new project, and personally, I think this album is one of her best. The experimental take would go too far in some of the songs, making them either horrid or boring to the ear.
    Best tracks: the light is coming, God is a woman, everytime, breathin, no tears left to cry, goodnight n go, pete davidson, get well soon
    Worst tracks: REM, better off
  8. muhamad
    Aug 19, 2018
    7
    good album, but the duo that is pharrell williams & ariana feels very "hit or miss". with less gymnastic vocals the album is left with all the attention on lyrics and production, the production was great on most tracks but there's no lyrical growth coming from ariana. hoping she'll do better.
  9. gabrielcipriano
    Dec 21, 2018
    7
    The Sweetener had its side to explore new waves and this gave until certain, however the album of this type has much that evolves and does not become a tiring thing! The vocals on this album are impeccable, lacking an essence in the songs. Ariana is in her prime, and for sure if she invests in it and evolves as much as it evolved it will be awesome!
  10. TheReviewr
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    Sweetener is interesting... all the songs really do sound the same and the singles by far outdo the other tracks. I don't know how to feel after listening to this project.

    1. raindrops (an angel cried), a beautiful 37 sec track of Ari's voice and nothing else 8/10 2. blazed ft. Pharrell Williams, this track is so good and Pharrell gives it soul 10/10 3. the light is coming ft. Nicki    Sweetener is interesting... all the songs really do sound the same and the singles by far outdo the other tracks. I don't know how to feel after listening to this project.

    1. raindrops (an angel cried), a beautiful 37 sec track of Ari's voice and nothing else 8/10
    2. blazed ft. Pharrell Williams, this track is so good and Pharrell gives it soul 10/10
    3. the light is coming ft. Nicki Minaj, why tf would you put Nicki on this boring song... 6/10
    4. R.E.M, a very dreamy song that is a little longer than it needed to be but it is good 9/10
    5. God is a woman, the best track from the album its amazing i couldn't believe it 10/10
    6. sweetener, oh my god this track is so disappointing.... we have heard this so many times 2/10
    7. successful, ok this is fine but I'm not a fan of this track by any means 5/10
    8. everytime, I feel this one, its pretty fire tbh. Her vocals are on point 8/10
    9. breathin, ok this sound good but a bit familiar... Break Free clone? 6/10
    10. no tears left to cry, well its amazing and we all have to admit it wasn't a flop 10/10
    11. borderline ft. Missy Elliott, I'm not a fan of this track, its so bad why did she agree? 3/10
    12. better off, boring intro to a boring song. its just ok 5/10
    13. goodnight and go, its a different sound but im feeling it a little 7/10
    14. pete davidson, its a good interlude for sure this should have been a song 8/10
    15. get well soon, 5:22 of good christmas music lol. it really gives christmas vibes 8/10

    Standouts are blazed, God is a woman & no tears left to cry

    Overall: 7 (no rounding needed) even though it was a 7, I felt a bit disappointed listening to this record, Ariana Grande could have made some better songs than that for sure... its frustrating to see all that songwriting talent from Dangerous Woman go to waist to a degree....    … Expand
  11. fabienmrd
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    This is not Ariana’s best album, however she came with something really different from her other albums and I appreciate that. I also think that Breathin is the only song that could do well as a single.
  12. ozzyw
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    From poor songwriting skills to similar production in 1/2 of the tracks, Sweetener is definitely not Ariana's best album, but is not a bad album. More specifically, I would say all the Pharrell produced tracks are the 'bad' ones on the album, as the production sounds extremely similar for them, and I hope Ariana doesn't work with him again. All the others were excellent, though theFrom poor songwriting skills to similar production in 1/2 of the tracks, Sweetener is definitely not Ariana's best album, but is not a bad album. More specifically, I would say all the Pharrell produced tracks are the 'bad' ones on the album, as the production sounds extremely similar for them, and I hope Ariana doesn't work with him again. All the others were excellent, though the songwriting was mediocre at best for the entire album. The production was excellent. I can see Ariana really experimented in this album and tried to achieve a new sound, but it turned out to be a bit messy. The singles 'No Tears Left to Cry' and 'God is a Woman' were extremely good, which gave me false hope for the album, as I thought it would be more pop-oriented. Overall, I would say half of the album is good, though two (R.E.M, Borderline) of the Pharell tracks are good. I feel like if it was reworked, it would be better. However, not just the Pharell produced ones, I would say that some songs had really good potential, but was wasted as the harmonies and vocal layers were all over the place (Examples: Goodnight n Go, Get Well Soon). The standouts of this album were definitely 'God is a Woman', 'Everytime', 'Breathin', 'Goodnight n Go' and 'No Tears Left to Cry'.… Expand
  13. JDCortes
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    This is not Ariana's best album, but it's not her worst. Pharrell Williams is the reason why the album got a 7 for me. Max Martin and his team saved it with ''Everytime'' and ''Breathin''. I expected much more from Ariana since it's her fourth album and the last one was Dangerous Woman, her best body of work to date. In addition, Ariana has said before that this is her most personal album,This is not Ariana's best album, but it's not her worst. Pharrell Williams is the reason why the album got a 7 for me. Max Martin and his team saved it with ''Everytime'' and ''Breathin''. I expected much more from Ariana since it's her fourth album and the last one was Dangerous Woman, her best body of work to date. In addition, Ariana has said before that this is her most personal album, but she hasn't even co-written most of the songs. I feel a bit dissapointed because the singles were so good and they don't tell the truth about the album's real sound.
    Ariana, please, make ''Breathin'' the next single and save the era.    … Expand
  14. 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
  15. Kuloon
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's really hard for me to describe this album. Songs at start aren't anything super-impressive, but the rest is quite descent. Still I think Dangerous Woman is her best album.
    Best Songs - no tears left to cry, everytime, breathin', successful
    Worst Songs - first 4    … Expand
  16. StavoSwift13
    Sep 3, 2018
    7
    Un trabajo que se aleja bastante de sus ultimos 2 trabajos discográficos pero nos muestra una Ariana más madura, con ganas de experimentar y dar su álbum más personal. Si bien muchos pueden defender este álbum de alejarse de lo comercial e irse más a lo íntimo y personal, en un punto llegas a ver un desastre de mezclas que no terminan de funcionar, un pop tradicional de Ariana, más ritmosUn trabajo que se aleja bastante de sus ultimos 2 trabajos discográficos pero nos muestra una Ariana más madura, con ganas de experimentar y dar su álbum más personal. Si bien muchos pueden defender este álbum de alejarse de lo comercial e irse más a lo íntimo y personal, en un punto llegas a ver un desastre de mezclas que no terminan de funcionar, un pop tradicional de Ariana, más ritmos R&B, más mezclas y samples de otras canciónes/voces, más la mala producción al estilo Mi Villano Favorito del muy innecesario Pharrel Williams que es el cáncer de este trabajo. Sin duda entre mi top de queda 1. God Is A Woman 2. Breathin 3. Everytime 4. R.E.M. De ahi 3 o 4 canciones están totalmente de sobra y el resto, relleno cómodo de escuchar. Buen álbum pero hasta ahí nada memorable. Calificación final 7.8… Expand
  17. manu7_1642
    Aug 17, 2018
    7
    the album have a big point of division(pharell obviously) when i hear the album the first time all the songs pharell produced is like a big ft. and I don't like that . Maybe the album need less songs like blazed & successful even sweetener was weak but is a good way to make more experimental music and for the future she gonna make better things with this . I recommended the album /yes butthe album have a big point of division(pharell obviously) when i hear the album the first time all the songs pharell produced is like a big ft. and I don't like that . Maybe the album need less songs like blazed & successful even sweetener was weak but is a good way to make more experimental music and for the future she gonna make better things with this . I recommended the album /yes but this don't have the force for be better than her past album… Expand
  18. musiclover199
    Aug 18, 2018
    7
    There are some moments on the album but in the most part it falls flat. I don't think most of the tracks have any replay value
  19. jards
    Aug 18, 2018
    7
    Apesar de Ariana sempre ter tido influências de R&B, acho que nesse album ela traz isso mais fortemente, além de se apresentar com vocais e arranjos bem incomuns, se comparados aos trabalhos anteriores.
  20. MatthewGO
    Aug 18, 2018
    7
    Im an arianator and i have to say that this album is amazing but Pharrell songs could be better bc these sounds so lazy :/
  21. jordancastro
    Aug 22, 2018
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un buen disco,con buenos ritmos, eso esta claro pero no es lo suficientemente bueno para Ariana. Esta desperdiciando la gran voz que tiene.… Expand
  22. RoyRunt
    Sep 16, 2018
    7
    Sweetener has solidified itself to be one of the many important albums that will go down in music history. With Ariana's sweet voice and creative mind, she can either make herself sound like a dream (R.E.M) or a full choir (God is a woman). However, Pharrell Williams' produced songs (Blazed, R.E.M, The Light is Coming, Sweetener, Successful, Borderline and Get Well Soon) were weak, withSweetener has solidified itself to be one of the many important albums that will go down in music history. With Ariana's sweet voice and creative mind, she can either make herself sound like a dream (R.E.M) or a full choir (God is a woman). However, Pharrell Williams' produced songs (Blazed, R.E.M, The Light is Coming, Sweetener, Successful, Borderline and Get Well Soon) were weak, with the exception of Get Well Soon. The production of the said tracks weren't on par with the rest of the songs produced by Max Martin and the like, receiving mixed reactions because of how small the impact is but personally, he did fair. However above all things, we can respect Ariana Grande's decision to experiment and for me, it is a good experiment.… Expand
  23. Jeffwith2fs
    Jan 11, 2020
    7
    I have mixed feelings about this body of work, it has like 6-7 bops but the rest i would totally skip. not even close to her best albums like dangerous woman and thank u, next.
  24. piscesloverboy
    Nov 17, 2018
    7
    This album had great potential, but lyric choices, lack of cohesion, and the weak start to the album after Raindrops are the downfall of the album. The album had quality highs however, my top picks are R.E.M, she makes beautiful use of her lower register for the first time in her career I believe, giving the song an enjoyable laid back sound, and No Tears Left To Cry which is pop gold, aThis album had great potential, but lyric choices, lack of cohesion, and the weak start to the album after Raindrops are the downfall of the album. The album had quality highs however, my top picks are R.E.M, she makes beautiful use of her lower register for the first time in her career I believe, giving the song an enjoyable laid back sound, and No Tears Left To Cry which is pop gold, a feel good song about picking yourself up, her vocals shined in this track. However the rest of the songs were okay and there were a few tracks that in my opinion brought the album down with the questionable production, namely The Light Is Coming and Blazed. Finally, the lyrics lacked much substance, you'll dance to a lot of this album, but if you're looking for more, look elsewhere.… Expand
  25. sharpea
    Dec 11, 2019
    7
    Sweetener shows a sonically new side from Ariana muchly supported by Pharrell's production but still showcases her vocal ability. Standout tracks include God Is A Woman, Successful, Get Well Soon, among others. The skips are Blazed, Borderline, Better Off, & Goodnight N Go.
  26. theoldjs
    Feb 20, 2019
    7
    4st Album: Sweetener: 74

    1. raindrops (an angel cried): 100/100 2. blazed: 20/100 3. the light is coming: 45/100 4. R.E.M: 50/100 5. God is a woman: 100/100 6. sweetener: 70/100 7. successful: 60/100 8. everytime: 85/100 9. breathin: 100/100 10. no tears left to cry: 100/100 11. borderline: 40/100 12. better off: 85/100 13. goodnight n go: 85/100 14. pete davidson: 80/100    4st Album: Sweetener: 74

    1. raindrops (an angel cried): 100/100
    2. blazed: 20/100
    3. the light is coming: 45/100
    4. R.E.M: 50/100
    5. God is a woman: 100/100
    6. sweetener: 70/100
    7. successful: 60/100
    8. everytime: 85/100
    9. breathin: 100/100
    10. no tears left to cry: 100/100
    11. borderline: 40/100
    12. better off: 85/100
    13. goodnight n go: 85/100
    14. pete davidson: 80/100
    15. get well soon: 90/100    … Expand
  27. rosuxx
    Sep 15, 2019
    7
    revoltante porque é um álbum sem meios termos... metade das músicas são impecáveis e a outra metade horríveis. funcionaria melhor como um ep de 7 faixas.
  28. viniciuspotrich
    May 29, 2019
    7
    De sonoridade doce e agradável, Sweetener é um palco para Ariana mostrar seu talento vocal e compor canções sobre amor, ansiedade, bem-estar e superação.
  29. ewertonmm
    Jun 15, 2019
    7
    The highlight for this extended play is, yet again, Ariana's natural powerful voice. The tracks aren't as appealing as her last record, "Dangerous Woman". But she delivers a good work despite the lack of creativity used on this record.
  30. lavieenrose
    Sep 1, 2019
    7
    best tracks: god is a woman, goodnight n go, better off, everytime, sweetener
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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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