thank u, next
by Ariana Grande
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Feb 8, 2019
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3536 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,661 out of 3536
  2. Mixed: 141 out of 3536
  3. Negative: 734 out of 3536
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  1. albumreview4
    Oct 30, 2020
    7
    Songs like Thank u next, 7 rings, imagine, bad idea, and ghostin are stand outs. You can tell this album was made in 3 months because tracks like make up, bloodline, and needy needed a lot more work.
  2. mattiazisa
    Feb 9, 2019
    7
    It is the most cohesive between Ariana's works. It makes perfect sense. It's not perfect, like Sweetener, but better than this one. Ariana is following the right path, in my opinion, that is leading her to the best version of her music that she can have. Again, like in Sweetener, there are some tracks better than others, but there is less difference here. And I love it.
    Well done, Ari.    It is the most cohesive between Ariana's works. It makes perfect sense. It's not perfect, like Sweetener, but better than this one. Ariana is following the right path, in my opinion, that is leading her to the best version of her music that she can have. Again, like in Sweetener, there are some tracks better than others, but there is less difference here. And I love it.
    Well done, Ari.

    Fav tracks:
    1) 7 rings
    2) imagine
    3) break up with your girlfriend, I'm bored

    My score: 8,7/10 (9/10 for metacritic)    … Expand
  3. Markini
    Feb 21, 2019
    7
    Thank U, Next is definitely Ariana's best album. There are a couple of great songs, like bloodline and break up with your boyfriend, i'm bored. If you heard the single Thank U, Next you heard the best song. Some other songs will decent are nothing too special. The album is best when listening to it as a whole.
  4. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    7
    Ariana's best and a record for the ages. Born in the throes of an unexpected death that probably unstuck her engagement to pete davidson thank you next is a testament to growth. The lead title track is a rare kiss off that doesn't become accusatory and hateful, instead taking each lost relationship as lessons. It's popularity wasn't surprising giving how well ariana packages a record andAriana's best and a record for the ages. Born in the throes of an unexpected death that probably unstuck her engagement to pete davidson thank you next is a testament to growth. The lead title track is a rare kiss off that doesn't become accusatory and hateful, instead taking each lost relationship as lessons. It's popularity wasn't surprising giving how well ariana packages a record and captures a zietgist so wholly. Tge aforementioned is present on the capitalist 'girlboss' sound of music indept "7rings"(possibly her biggest commercial song ) which despite it's confusing use of AAVE , blackfishing or theft of art direction from 2chainz is an achievement. The emotional centerpiece "ghostin" is one of her most personal songs (even sampling it's subject matters song "2003"). It's a insight into grieving an ex who stayed as a friend whilst you've moved on,the confusing politics of that loss and the uncomfortable position it places your partner. This is truly a pop masterpiece with no skip in sight. The catchy AF ''NASA" makes time to oneself an interstellar commitment or the fun "in my head " makes an exercise out of deciphering a lovers intentions &actions . The production deserves it's own mention, it's sprawling quasi-trap with the essential violins/orchestra embellishments. A true magnum opus for sure.… Expand
  5. mileycoming
    Feb 8, 2019
    7
    The album is really great, just some songs doesn't match of the others. some of 'em is really repetitve, but in general the album is actually good.
  6. henri99
    Feb 15, 2019
    7
    This album is amazing indeed, fun, upbeat. Her best album together with dangerous woman, but i don't understand one thing: why did critic reviews not give Avril lavigne's HAW the same great reviews TUN received? This just isn't fair, i love both albums but i think HAW is better bc it has true emotion in it and talent( something TUN have too but HAW has more) and it should be praised by theThis album is amazing indeed, fun, upbeat. Her best album together with dangerous woman, but i don't understand one thing: why did critic reviews not give Avril lavigne's HAW the same great reviews TUN received? This just isn't fair, i love both albums but i think HAW is better bc it has true emotion in it and talent( something TUN have too but HAW has more) and it should be praised by the critics. It's just not fair!… Expand
  7. P7TRIQUE
    Mar 29, 2019
    7
    Honestly I thought it's gonna be her best album ever. It's fine, she deserves the number one spot for sure. But I think Dangerous Woman is way way better.
  8. EnzoSantini
    Dec 6, 2019
    7
    it's a nice album, but it seems very repetitive and generic
    Dangerous Woman is better
  9. luc-as-c
    Mar 12, 2021
    7
    The album is good but in my opinions all songs look the same and it is a kinda repetitive.
  10. Celiaafn
    Oct 31, 2020
    7
    A cohesive album but not my fave of ariana.
    Favorites : imagine, bloodline, fake smile, thank u next
  11. RajP
    Jul 30, 2021
    7
    ghostin saved this album. I don't like the production of most songs, and her vocals are more restrained.
  12. marc_0317
    Mar 27, 2020
    7
    The album is good since his voice is unique but many songs are too long for me. My favorite songs are 7 rings thank u next and break up with your girlfriend. Production is pretty good and I think it deserves more than 86
  13. adriana0110
    Jul 24, 2020
    7
    Its cute, still I think she can do better she has potential yall!!???????!!!
  14. hellokittypie
    Sep 3, 2020
    7
    It's a good album, but the songs look the same throughout the album, I could call the album generic, but being generic doesn't mean it's bad. It's not a bad album, but compared to the sweetener, it gets to be average.
  15. Saraafn
    Nov 1, 2020
    7
    not my fav album by her. I didn't dislike tracks maybe excpet make up but the other ones didn't impress me except some songs.
    Favorites: Imagine, Fake Smile, Needy and thank u next
  16. Musicfan17
    Oct 6, 2020
    7
    It's a good album but it is too mainstream, the production is catchy but something is missing for me it all seems pretty superficial and radio play based. I am not sure whether Ariana writes the songs herself or not but it feels kinda impersonal
  17. Luna10
    Aug 28, 2020
    7
    I love ariana’s voice but I don’t like all of the songs because of the lyrics. Doesn’t mean that she got a hot music video she got a overrated album
  18. normanfgabriel
    Apr 24, 2021
    7
    Ignorando 7 rings e break up with your girlfriend, esse álbum é pessoal, trazendo a tona ex-namorados, e uma resposta para a fama. A sonoridade dele é muito influenciada pelo trap, mas é mais sofisticado do que o trap cliche, ainda acrescentando alguns momentos de violino, backing vocals, guitarra.
  19. dianalugoar
    Sep 23, 2020
    7
    I really like this album, but I really don't like the singles, I feel like they are the weakest of the album. But the album is good.
  20. vote4ghosts
    Nov 28, 2020
    7
    I don't have any major negatives from this album, except "in my head" is a mess of a track. I just feel like a lot of the songs from this album were filler that didn't make it onto Dangerous Woman or Sweetener (bloodline, break up with your girlfriend, make up, NASA really feel this way to me). That's not to say the songs are bad - NASA is one of my favorites from this album, for example.I don't have any major negatives from this album, except "in my head" is a mess of a track. I just feel like a lot of the songs from this album were filler that didn't make it onto Dangerous Woman or Sweetener (bloodline, break up with your girlfriend, make up, NASA really feel this way to me). That's not to say the songs are bad - NASA is one of my favorites from this album, for example. Maybe because the album came out so quickly after Sweetener, and a few of the songs were just so-so, that the album feels disingenuous to me at times. Others though, she is so vulnerable with "ghostin" and "imagine" that it makes up for it, so I generally like this album, it's just not my favorite.… Expand
  21. Vanyagranderia
    Mar 29, 2021
    7
    With this album, Ariana showed herself what she is capable of setting a bunch of new records that have not yet been broken
  22. idroJ2-2
    Jun 10, 2022
    7
    The album that brought Ariana Grande to stardom is a very complete album without skips and an admirable production.
  23. estevancomn
    Feb 9, 2019
    6
    Seis meses atrás, Ariana Grande provava para o mundo que havia encontrado sua identidade e que era sim uma das grandes popstars
    da atualidade (sendo a principal de sua geração) com o ótimo Sweetener. Hoje, após o lançamento de mais um disco, a teoria se confirma! No entanto, não de uma forma tão positiva quanto o álbum antecessor. Com a produção impecável e limpa de Max Martin, além da    Seis meses atrás, Ariana Grande provava para o mundo que havia encontrado sua identidade e que era sim uma das grandes popstars
    da atualidade (sendo a principal de sua geração) com o ótimo Sweetener. Hoje, após o lançamento de mais um disco, a teoria se confirma! No entanto, não de uma forma tão positiva quanto o álbum antecessor. Com a produção impecável e limpa de Max Martin, além da voz perfeita de Grande, Thank U, Next se consolida como um registro pop, com os dois pés fincados no hip-hop - Assim confirmando uma tendência mundial desta década, de que "o trap é o novo pop". Liricamente, as faixas são um tanto rasas e sem inspiração. Os singles, apesar de conquistarem o topo das principais paradas musicais, são fracos se comparamos com outras canções da mesma artista, como No Tears Left to Cry e Into You. Principalmente 7 Rings - talvez uma das piores canções de Grande.
    De forma geral, o disco tem seus momentos de brilho e que consolidam o talento de Ariana Grande.    … Expand
  24. halisolleon
    Feb 9, 2019
    6
    This album is a perfect storm with a rainbow inside. Repetitive production with a great songwriting isn't a good combination. Sounds like a lost and weak twin of the prodigious 'sweetener'.
  25. ultimatemusic
    Feb 16, 2019
    6
    I guess this album I do have to get something off my chest a little bit. Ariana Grande has certainly worked hard and been through a hell of a lot to get where she is today. She is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop stars on the planet right now, and if her success matches her last 2 albums, she could become a huge household name and path the way for new and upcoming artists in years toI guess this album I do have to get something off my chest a little bit. Ariana Grande has certainly worked hard and been through a hell of a lot to get where she is today. She is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop stars on the planet right now, and if her success matches her last 2 albums, she could become a huge household name and path the way for new and upcoming artists in years to come. But not if she continues to make music like this.

    Ariana started off creating music that was suited to her. It was her style, and for me, that’s why I loved about her. I loved this whole bubblegum pop, the innocence of a new artist confessing her love for guys and creating these really happy songs, and whilst I understand that Ariana has evolved, she has evolved on the wrong path. She has been caught up in this “trend” of trap music and songs that are being played on the radio now. Ariana for me, doesn’t need to do that. She could make any song she wanted and it would be a hit. I’m not sure if tis is because this is genuinely the type of artists that she wants to be, or if this is simply just because her and her team are playing it safe and they know that releasing this kind of music would nab the attention. I do hate to say it because Ariana has the potential to really blow sit out of the park, and we’ve seen her do that.

    Whilst I grasp the concept that this album was released and recorded as part of therapy for Ariana, I feel like this album has been rushed in moer ways than one. A lot of the tracks are the same start to finish. Same melodies, same baking track… I don’t feel like this album takes you on a journey. There are the few exceptions, but I just don’t get the whole Ariana Grande package. There are a lot of people that will disagree with me, but I feel like we’re losing the Ariana Grande that had her own body of work and image and was creating music that could have longevity, to releasing those quick fire singles that burn out after 3 months, and it’s a shame because Ariana is probably one of the last real genuinely talented artists out there at the moment that could reach and do so many iconic things in her career, but she’s fitting into this mould of money making, music trend artist, and they just aren’t remembered.

    Favourite song? ghostin or bloodline    … Expand
  26. andres288
    Jan 10, 2020
    6
    So much potential wasted, I think this was a rush, she must have take more time between Sweetener an this, to allow her to heal from what she suffered and where she is now. This is an album with a lot of bops but not much personal.
  27. gabrielfalb
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    It's a pretty good album overall, the vocals were on point, but the lyrics are not really good. "make up" is by far the worst.
  28. iamxpedro
    Mar 10, 2019
    6
    She can do so much better than this. Not her best album, but has some catchy, danceable songs that I could enjoy in a party with my friends, but won't listen in my headphones. Still it's a great album and some of the lyrics have a meaning.
  29. ewertonmm
    Jun 15, 2019
    6
    This is ok. Her voice saves most of the tracks. But it lacks some originality. Why does she wants to be black so bad?
  30. IlanBrem
    Jun 22, 2019
    6
    imagine 7/10 the beat is good and Ariana's singing is really good, but it drags in the end.
    needy 6/10 i really like the beat and ariana's singing is good here.
    NASA 5.5/10 the beat is okay here and Ariana's singing is okay too... this is a skip. bloodline 5/10 the beat isn't good here and Ariana is average here. fake smile 7/10 the beat is really good and Ariana does a good job here.    imagine 7/10 the beat is good and Ariana's singing is really good, but it drags in the end.
    needy 6/10 i really like the beat and ariana's singing is good here.
    NASA 5.5/10 the beat is okay here and Ariana's singing is okay too... this is a skip.
    bloodline 5/10 the beat isn't good here and Ariana is average here.
    fake smile 7/10 the beat is really good and Ariana does a good job here.
    bad idea 6/10 the beat is good and so is Ariana but nothing special.
    make up 5.5/10 the beat is average but isn't Ariana good here
    ghostin 6/10 the beat is really good and so is Ariana.
    in my head 5.5/10 the beat here is really good but Ariana doesn't work here.
    7 rings 1.5/10 the beat is really bad and so is Ariana here one of the most annoying songs of the year.
    thank u, next 8/10 the beat is great and so is Ariana but this song is overrated.
    break up with ur girlfriend, i'm bored 7/10 the beat is amazing but Ariana is only okay.
    overall 5.8/10 isn't as good as i thought it will be.    … Expand
  31. marrbo
    Aug 23, 2019
    6
    Not a bad album but honestly sweetener was better. It has some bops but not as much good songs.
  32. soundmate
    Sep 15, 2019
    6
    Thank U, Next is the Ariana Grande album every fan of her wants to have if you have been a fan of her work since 2016 and have only listened to her radio-friendly singles. Being a fan of her since her 2013 debut studio album "Yours Truly" I have been able to see Grande's musical evolution. She began in the music industry as this little girl meant to be a main pop icon but with a lack ofThank U, Next is the Ariana Grande album every fan of her wants to have if you have been a fan of her work since 2016 and have only listened to her radio-friendly singles. Being a fan of her since her 2013 debut studio album "Yours Truly" I have been able to see Grande's musical evolution. She began in the music industry as this little girl meant to be a main pop icon but with a lack of confidence and extrovertism. Through the years she has been able to find her own sound with her previous album "Sweetener", released in August 2018. The different sound this album had in comparison with her first three was shocking but at the same time empowering. I really thought Grande had found her sound and voice through American producer Pharrell Williams but, in Thank U Next, sadly, I don't see any evolution but a mix of all her previous songs. Some songs on the album like Needy, Ghostin or the title track are deep, personal and emotional but we can't name this neither the best or the most political album of Grande. Ariana, I wanna know you. I want to know your opinion on politics, on love, on climate change, on life. I see you tweeting about all this topics but I really want to listen to you talking about them in your music. Dear Ariana, you have an amazing vocal ability and you're one of the most popular and followed singers on earth; you can definitely change the world in a second. Don't hide your feelings. I know you have a message, let it go.… Expand
  33. kanaan88
    Jan 11, 2020
    6
    Ariana lo hace bien, pero hay algunas canciones que no logran dar el alto por las demás.
  34. Barbara1234
    Jan 12, 2020
    6
    I only liked a few songs but overall it was an average album. The songs are a bit too similar with the whole pop vibe and one "ballad". There is 4 songs excluding the single that I would replay so 5/6 out of 10 would give it my rating!! See Ariana fan that's how you rate an album not with 0 because you want another artist user metacritic score to be lower!!
  35. Afterglow_0202
    Jan 14, 2020
    6
    In the rare spots where the production is grating and the writing limp, Grande makes up for it with skill and intuition. The songs that hew closer to pop than hip-hop are the strongest because they show the most confidence, both vocally and musically. That there is even a disparity, however, points to the biggest problem with «thank u, next»: its occasional lack of a clear identity. It mayIn the rare spots where the production is grating and the writing limp, Grande makes up for it with skill and intuition. The songs that hew closer to pop than hip-hop are the strongest because they show the most confidence, both vocally and musically. That there is even a disparity, however, points to the biggest problem with «thank u, next»: its occasional lack of a clear identity. It may be an imperfect album but it’s a perfectly normal next chapter.… Expand
  36. AlistairTun
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Thank u next has good songs but isn't Ariana's best album, better than Yours Truly but below Dangerous Woman and Sweetener.
  37. BrieLYNN
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    I think this is my favorite Ari album by far. There are some awesome catchy pop songs that get stuck in your head for days. I only gave it a 6 however because the lyrics start to feel pretty repetitive half way through the album, and same with the songs. They don't ALL sound the same, but it's like because she has such a powerful beautiful voice - she depends on that and never switches itI think this is my favorite Ari album by far. There are some awesome catchy pop songs that get stuck in your head for days. I only gave it a 6 however because the lyrics start to feel pretty repetitive half way through the album, and same with the songs. They don't ALL sound the same, but it's like because she has such a powerful beautiful voice - she depends on that and never switches it up enough. If you have heard Ari whistle and do runs in one song, you've heard half of her discography.… Expand
  38. fernandoserna
    Nov 3, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un pésimo trabajo pero esto es más de lo que merece, quizá lo único que lo recata es su potencia vocal… Expand
  39. phamhung211001
    Dec 12, 2020
    6
    Cet album me montre la vérité: Ariana Grande ne pourra pas produire un grand album comme Sweetener. Cependant, dans cet album, il y a encore de très bonnes chansons.
  40. NETMUSIC
    Apr 7, 2019
    5
    Disappointing return from Ariana Grande, especially after Sweetener.

    Album highlights; 'needy', '7 rings', 'nasa', 'thank u, next' and 'bloodline'
    Album downfalls: 'in my head' and 'make up'
  41. DrBlahBlah
    Feb 17, 2019
    5
    Why do so many critics like this derivative pablum? "7 Rings" is a rip off of at least three far better songs, "My Favorite Things" in particular, and "Thank U Next," while catchy, and despite its good intentions, is one of the most self-aggrandizing tunes in recent memory. The rest of the tracks are more or less interchangeable, with occasional flickers of originality that only slightlyWhy do so many critics like this derivative pablum? "7 Rings" is a rip off of at least three far better songs, "My Favorite Things" in particular, and "Thank U Next," while catchy, and despite its good intentions, is one of the most self-aggrandizing tunes in recent memory. The rest of the tracks are more or less interchangeable, with occasional flickers of originality that only slightly redeem the album's lyrical and sonic banality. (Thank u, next.)… Expand
  42. MusicSpy
    Apr 2, 2019
    5
    Ariana didnt’t do nothing but give us the trap vibes we are tired to see. Seems like the ascend pop girl’s trying to enter in a rap game she can’t handle, if we analyse the whole album. It’s incohesive, super repetitive and enjoative at the same time, excluding the tracks “Ghostin” and “Bad Idea” which give the real great vocal range and personal lyrics, strong content & production with aAriana didnt’t do nothing but give us the trap vibes we are tired to see. Seems like the ascend pop girl’s trying to enter in a rap game she can’t handle, if we analyse the whole album. It’s incohesive, super repetitive and enjoative at the same time, excluding the tracks “Ghostin” and “Bad Idea” which give the real great vocal range and personal lyrics, strong content & production with a good outro, unfortunally the rest of the album didn’t do this job. (5.3/10)… Expand
  43. Wishah
    Aug 23, 2019
    5
    Her songs almost sounds so similar and the lyrics are not that sharp! Some songs are cute and catchy but I don’t think this is her finest work!
  44. zinedinrabia
    Sep 5, 2019
    5
    Ariana Grande took everything i liked about her and threw it out of the window
    Thank U, Next is 12 generic "pop" tracks that try so desperately to appeal to hip hop listeners... songs like 7 rings break up... sound so basic let alone the bad messages behind the lyrics...
    in my head imagine needy are all forgettable tracks
    overall it's an ok project that aged after few weeks
  45. perrydelrey
    Jan 26, 2020
    5
    Ariana Grande voltou com seu mais novo álbum e com isso atingiu o auge de sua carreira. Embora tenha feito um grande sucesso nas paradas musicais o álbum em si demonstra ser mais um álbum pop com uma pegada R&B + Trap em que esse último gênero citado é o que está fazendo sucesso atualmente. Assim como o Sweetener, Grande não conseguiu entregar nada de inovador. Que fique claro que o álbumAriana Grande voltou com seu mais novo álbum e com isso atingiu o auge de sua carreira. Embora tenha feito um grande sucesso nas paradas musicais o álbum em si demonstra ser mais um álbum pop com uma pegada R&B + Trap em que esse último gênero citado é o que está fazendo sucesso atualmente. Assim como o Sweetener, Grande não conseguiu entregar nada de inovador. Que fique claro que o álbum não é ruim, longe disso, é apenas mais um álbum "ok" lançado para fazer sucesso.… Expand
  46. K5144
    Sep 2, 2019
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was an ok album, songs such as NASA, ghostin and bloodline are fantastic, however, a lot of the songs seem rushed and repetitive. thank u next was boring and a little overrated. Her worst album so far, it was quite disappointing just because I thought sweetener was so amazing and so very creative.… Expand
  47. witchrosa
    Sep 1, 2019
    5
    Ariana is a very talented artist with a beautiful voice. That being said, Thank u next is not her best work. It's a bit repetitive and incoherent. I am still looking forward to whatever she comes out with next.
  48. TUNex
    Nov 30, 2019
    5
    Her best work yet. Already can't wait for her next one. For now I gonna keep enjoying this one until I'm tired. It's hard to pick favorite track but if I have to I'll choose 'ghostin'.
  49. Fra101
    Oct 31, 2020
    5
    I like Ariana Grande, I gave green/good scores to Dangerous Woman, Sweetener and Positions, so it's hard for me to give a bad score to an album by Ari, but I always skip this album, i'm sorry. Imagine is a good song, but then I feel like Needy is a little too much, and then there's NASA, which would be a good song as a buzz single, but inside of the album it sounds wrong to me, it's tooI like Ariana Grande, I gave green/good scores to Dangerous Woman, Sweetener and Positions, so it's hard for me to give a bad score to an album by Ari, but I always skip this album, i'm sorry. Imagine is a good song, but then I feel like Needy is a little too much, and then there's NASA, which would be a good song as a buzz single, but inside of the album it sounds wrong to me, it's too far from Needy. Not a big fan of the trap-vibes of some songs. 7 rings is just too much for me. Thank U Next is a funny song, so I do like it. The whole album is a mixture of songs which are not always linked to each other, some of them are good, some of them are not. I know Ariana made this album in a few months, and I think she should have waited a little more. More time, more inspiration, and a specific theme, would have made this album way better. In conclusion, I like some songs, but I don't like the album itself.… Expand
  50. moonxgoodnight
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    as usual, Ariana delivers a powerful album and switches her style to pop/r&b, with songs to dance and cry to, which makes it a little treasure.
  51. joaotekiaware
    Jun 26, 2022
    5
    This is album is basic for an 'aoty' nomination. There's some good songs, but most of the album sounds uncreative, boring and generic. It's not a trash, but still not gold, she can do more. The melancholy songs are the best part, but the whole album sounds repetitive.
  52. gingerpresident
    Jul 12, 2019
    4
    I laugh out loud sometimes.

    Ariana Grande has talent and a beautiful voice, she did good albums in the past, but this album is her worst. Even worse than the already extra boring Sweetener, that, at least, had some very good songs. The very big track in here is Bloodline.
  53. FDuarte
    Feb 10, 2019
    4
    It's a perfect album. Ariana Grande is the new pop revolution
  54. filipkazm
    Feb 11, 2019
    4
    It definitelly has some stand-out moments but clearly looks like a rushed effort to cash in on thank u next going viral. I like needy and NASA but some of the tracks feel very iunderwritten, this album really doesn't look to great when you compare it to last years Sweetner
  55. bodakyellow
    Feb 10, 2019
    4
    The album is nothing compared to Sweetener. Most songs are simply radio-friendly tracks that sound too mainstream despite their lyrical depth. Favourite tracks: imagine, needy, 7 rings, thank u, next
  56. NolanLundgaard
    Mar 4, 2021
    4
    thank u, next by Ariana Grande: 3.17

    imagine: 0.5 needy: 1 NASA: 0.25 bloodline: 0.75 fake smile: 0.5 bad idea: 0.75 make up: 0.25 ghostin: 1 in my head: 0.5 7 rings: 0 thank u, next: 1 :) break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored: 0.25 6.75/12 ~ .563 -> 3.17 How many misfires does it take for these mistakes to become a new normal? This is what I am experiencing with    thank u, next by Ariana Grande: 3.17

    imagine: 0.5
    needy: 1
    NASA: 0.25
    bloodline: 0.75
    fake smile: 0.5
    bad idea: 0.75
    make up: 0.25
    ghostin: 1
    in my head: 0.5
    7 rings: 0
    thank u, next: 1 :)
    break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored: 0.25

    6.75/12 ~ .563 -> 3.17

    How many misfires does it take for these mistakes to become a new normal? This is what I am experiencing with Ariana Grande. Her previous two albums, “Sweetener” and “thank u, next” have both been pretty darn bad, which is a disappointment after the semi-decent hit-or-miss “Dangerous Woman.” Almost every song on thank u, next is plagued by electronic drum kits that just don’t sound that great, which becomes repetitive and tiring. A lot of the songs are also pretty oversexualized and Grande uses so much language that it becomes distracting. Unfortunately, this is what happens when pop artists go “current.” They get so focused on popularity that they will sacrifice their music quality for radio plays. This is not always a bad thing, though. Some artists have been able to do this fairly well, though Grande seems to have fallen into the trap (get it?) of low-effort, explicit tunes, which is very disappointing for someone who just wants some good pop. With thank u, next, Ariana Grande establishes a rather unfortunate losing streak. I viewed Sweetener as bad because a lot of the music sounded the same and I saw an overall decrease in quality in the lyrics. thank u, next is the same story: not great lyrics (though less annoying than Sweetener), including lots of unnecessary expletives, and generic music throughout (even Sweetener had a couple good poppy songs sprinkled in). I really hope that Grande strays from this style that she has adopted and goes back to something like Dangerous Woman. Fans of current, generic music will appreciate this album. Otherwise, it’s hard for me to see anyone liking this as a whole, except for huge Ariana Grande fans of course. I will listen to Positions, her next, but I sure hope that it is better than this. Highlights: needy; ghostin; and thank u, next.    … Expand
  57. thecarlos97
    Jun 20, 2019
    4
    A very repetitive sound for the album. There is still more room to grow, sadly she went for the most commercial sound right now.
  58. TriciaHikari
    Aug 23, 2019
    4
    This album contains alot of explicit content but still the Production is good but few songs do sounds alike.
  59. deefr
    Aug 25, 2019
    4
    Ariana Grande clearly saw that she was a sucess with "sweteener" and made a new album in hurry, trying to make the same success with the new one. But it happens that "thank u, next" it's a really annoying album and much inferior to his predecessor.
    "7 Rings", "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored", "Needy" and "Thank U, Next" are great songs indeed. But the rest of the album contains    Ariana Grande clearly saw that she was a sucess with "sweteener" and made a new album in hurry, trying to make the same success with the new one. But it happens that "thank u, next" it's a really annoying album and much inferior to his predecessor.
    "7 Rings", "Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored", "Needy" and "Thank U, Next" are great songs indeed. But the rest of the album contains the songs with the most annoying lyrics of the year.    … Expand
  60. Boyvirgoo
    Aug 30, 2019
    4
    This album is decent but overall, quite bland. Ariana does contradict herself in some points of songwriting and some tracks are just poorly done.
  61. martam
    Nov 2, 2020
    4
    A bunch of radio friendly songs put together, all songs are ''bops'', but that is all, it was an successful atemnpt to keep Ariana relevante ater Sweetner being dislike by her teenage fandom. With some exeptions like ''thank u, next'', the vocals are amazing, lyrics are overall generic, silly and boring and. production is repetitive. In conclusion great for the charts, no wonder this wasA bunch of radio friendly songs put together, all songs are ''bops'', but that is all, it was an successful atemnpt to keep Ariana relevante ater Sweetner being dislike by her teenage fandom. With some exeptions like ''thank u, next'', the vocals are amazing, lyrics are overall generic, silly and boring and. production is repetitive. In conclusion great for the charts, no wonder this was her biggest era… Expand
  62. cipriano
    Feb 6, 2020
    4
    Unlike everyone, the album has its totally basic and generic footprint. It appears to be totally commercial, and it does not convey anything rather than having anything to show by Ariana's own career evolution. It has the trap/pop footprint and it sounded in the ears a terrible thing, I can not disregard the fact of flawless vocals and that never lacks on its part, but its production andUnlike everyone, the album has its totally basic and generic footprint. It appears to be totally commercial, and it does not convey anything rather than having anything to show by Ariana's own career evolution. It has the trap/pop footprint and it sounded in the ears a terrible thing, I can not disregard the fact of flawless vocals and that never lacks on its part, but its production and compositions (with gigantic number) had to be reviewed.… Expand
  63. SnHAIM
    Apr 19, 2020
    4
    How did this album score an 86, exactly? Will someone please explain that to me? I'm sure I'm not the only one who's genuinely curious. This album is definitely NOT a B+. Sure, it's a little bit better than Sweetener (which was an even bigger mess), but it isn't a good album. The lyrics are predictably unimpressive, and the subject matter isn't any better. Most of it is shallow, lacking inHow did this album score an 86, exactly? Will someone please explain that to me? I'm sure I'm not the only one who's genuinely curious. This album is definitely NOT a B+. Sure, it's a little bit better than Sweetener (which was an even bigger mess), but it isn't a good album. The lyrics are predictably unimpressive, and the subject matter isn't any better. Most of it is shallow, lacking in any kind of substance and depth. When she IS singing about something meaningful (Needy), her tone is still so breathy and sexy that it ruins the atmosphere of the whole song.… Expand
  64. TheLakes
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Buen álbum, pero siento que le falto, muy sobrevalorado, amo a Ariana pero sinceramente dangerous woman es mucho mejor.
  65. Stavush
    Apr 12, 2022
    4
    My least favourite from Ariana. Very dull musically and not as impressive vocally as her other albums. The more personal and vulnerable lyrics are overshadowed by the overly-minimalistic cheeky production that repeats itself on most tracks.
  66. JaggedLittlePil
    Feb 10, 2019
    3
    What are we even talking about? This album was just made up to use the success of Sweetener so Ariana and her label could make more money. It has 3/12 good songs (bloodline, the title track and fake smile. It's kinda useless and so disappointing that Ariana has to do this boring songs while she could make grat albums like Dangerous Woman. So, I gotta say, without a thank you... NEXT!
  67. marcoAlb
    Jul 29, 2020
    3
    It’s a Meh album for me, idk why people can love this. It’s just ok.
    I respect her music and I also think this was 100% better than sweetner
  68. popdod
    Feb 15, 2019
    3
    Way overrated. It's all about mainstream music trends, nothing at all innovative, nothing stands out. The message of the songs is kind of rotten as well, reflecting the dismal state of modern romance for young people but not in a critical way, instead glorifying it. Also, don't trust these reviews. Listen yourself and make up your own mind. The professional critics never give trendy popWay overrated. It's all about mainstream music trends, nothing at all innovative, nothing stands out. The message of the songs is kind of rotten as well, reflecting the dismal state of modern romance for young people but not in a critical way, instead glorifying it. Also, don't trust these reviews. Listen yourself and make up your own mind. The professional critics never give trendy pop stars low reviews. The user reviews are 95% her diehard fans who would give an album of audio recordings of her doing house chores a 10/10.… Expand
  69. Theoutsider93
    Feb 8, 2019
    3
    Her worst album, it's so basic, monotonous and simple, I don't like Sweetener but it's better than this sh*t, where's the real Ari? where??? I miss her!!!
  70. anada
    Apr 2, 2019
    3
    It's very boring and the lyrics are trash...She has good songs like Bloodline, Imagine, Ghostin and In My Head but everything else is really bad.
  71. delreym4a
    Jun 25, 2019
    3
    I want it I got it
    I want it I got it.
    This is repetitive than melodrama.
    Thank you, next.
    Thank you, next.
  72. Klebiojunior
    Aug 24, 2019
    3
    .................Some good songs but dont change nothing os his career, is generical
  73. slitherswifts
    Aug 30, 2019
    3
    As Ariana Grande said in her #1 smash hit, Thank u, next. this album is full of skips lit rally no good songs except buwygib, 7 rings and fake smile i said what i said
  74. brrunosouzza
    Sep 9, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. talvez seja o álbum que menos gostei da Ariana. os vocais são bons e bem trabalhados mas sem arriscar, se mantendo dentro daquilo que já ouvimos em todas as outras faixas dos outros álbuns.

    isso me deixa cabisbaixo pra ouvir o álbum ou de ser uns dos meus favoritos.    … Expand
  75. dlwlrma
    Sep 19, 2019
    3
    certainly one of pop's most forgettable albums. ariana grande makes music with valid data for a maximum of three months
  76. Ricardobv9
    Oct 1, 2019
    3
    Thank u, Next, de Ariana Grande es un Album muy repetitivo que no innova y muy plano, Ariana Grande no arriesga en este Album, aunque no sea del todo malo pero es como si cada canción sonara muy similar, incluso a su antecesor Album "Sweetener", y aveces se hace algo aburrido.
  77. Mamateunhuevo
    Dec 7, 2019
    3
    Es un álbum bastante aburrido, muy vacío, muy repetitivo, su peor trabajo hasta ahora
  78. guikim13
    Jan 10, 2020
    3
    não gostei... sinceramente esse álbum é uma chacota e trap puro. Ariana tem sorte de ter uma voz potente
  79. DianaCaroline13
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    An extremely generic pop album. She can do better, she has a good voice, she should be more pick with what she sings.
  80. arigrandefans
    Jul 24, 2020
    3
    I love this album
    is so amazing
    But this have so much writers.
    i love ariana
    ahhhhhjh
  81. richbispo13
    Feb 19, 2019
    2
    Esse album é muito bom nao, Ariana volta pra era antiga !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  82. PsychoLevi
    Aug 31, 2019
    2
    2 points are given to the song "Ghosting". And the rest of the album is just meaningless. Take 7 RINGS for an example, it spread the value of wealth and showing off.
  83. TurkeyBoi
    Feb 10, 2019
    2
    I've looked through the critic's reviews of this album and I just cannot understand, after multiple listens through this record, the hype around this. Every. Single. Song. On. This. Album. Sounds. The. Same.

    I cannot make this up. For the most part, apart from maybe two or three songs scattered across this album, these tracks are not distinguishable from each other. They all include    I've looked through the critic's reviews of this album and I just cannot understand, after multiple listens through this record, the hype around this. Every. Single. Song. On. This. Album. Sounds. The. Same.

    I cannot make this up. For the most part, apart from maybe two or three songs scattered across this album, these tracks are not distinguishable from each other. They all include trap-influenced production solely to chart, as you could stick any one of these songs on and not even know the difference between them.

    There are a couple of tracks on here which actually sound distinguishable and memorable, such as the lead single to this album, 'thank u, next', a lovely 90s, R&B throwback song with some of Ariana's most personal lyrics yet. Another highlight is the cut 'ghostin' which contains her strongest vocal performance on the album and the most laid-back instrumental, a refreshing break from the barrage of trap-influenced cut after trap-influenced cut. The track '7 rings', which I did not like prior to the release of this record actually sounds MEMORABLE here, which does say something about the sonic diversity of this record, as it contains some clean production and a pretty nice flow near the back end of the track, but apart from a couple of production quirks on a couple of different songs on here, these tracks are just totally forgettable.

    The album, as a whole, is not unlike 6ix9ine's 'Dummy Boy' record, released last year, in terms of PR. A mediocre album rushed because a certain artist is in the news, with as many 'bangers' it can fit in, so Spotify can spam their curated playlists with each one, and usually because of the buzz behind one particular single. It really does say something about this record that I remember more tracks off of **** DUMMY BOY than this piece of **** record.

    I mean seriously. Listen to the tracks 'make up', 'in my head' and 'break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored' and tell me the difference between those cuts. There is none. They sound exactly the same, and that is the core problem with this album.

    It really pains me to have to give this score, because I really like Ariana Grande, I think her music is some of the most eclectic and daring in mainstream pop music today, peaking with Sweetener, an album I really really liked, and this pales in comparison to albums like Sweetener and Dangerous Woman. At least those albums sounded like it had an artistic direction, or an actual music passion, this sounds like a cash-in album.

    This is a pointless record and I hate the fact I'll have to hear this over and over again on the radio and pop charts because of how popular this album will be.

    Shameful stuff, it's like Ariana and her producers weren't even trying.    … Expand
  84. santiago11orozc
    Aug 23, 2019
    2
    I like the album, the problem is that is not an album. Theres not a specific idea behind it, it just a compilations of songs that could sell. I feel like its just another pop album we've heard before.
  85. lucyluciiana
    Feb 15, 2019
    2
    Generic. She's so talented, I really don't understand why she's only done boring and bad music. She needs a vacation.
  86. cynicalvodka
    Sep 22, 2019
    2
    The album is boring, as all song sound nearly identical. I can give her credit as the self love themes are quite nice, but they degenerate into pure selfishness as we arrive at break up with your girlfriend. Lyrically, the songs are childish, and the album shows no growth between sweetener and thank u, next. In my opinion, it is really overrated, much like Ariana herself.
  87. LokeshGarg
    Jul 25, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have never listened to an album that feels as much of a product as this album does it just feel like calculated sounds made solely for commercial success. The music meh.. the only song that I really liked was needy, because it's the only song that feels personal. But hearing how she was forced to put that on the album by her manager makes me sick.
    Artists need to take control over their art and put out what they feel passionate abou. Not what the music moguls force them to make for high commercial success.    … Expand
  88. Soonyoullgetbet
    Aug 24, 2019
    2
    Too generic. Good songs but will age like milk. This album only target people to listen on it, not to analyze it.
  89. Praathamm
    Aug 28, 2019
    2
    Ugly but sorry it aged like milk and it made me realize that the music is just catchy and not good i am dissapointed. Dangerous woman was that girl. I miss that ari
  90. LittleBastard
    Jan 11, 2020
    2
    I could only say this is the worst female album of 2019, the sounds are similar, did Ariana make the same song over and over again?
  91. BryanPilco
    Jan 11, 2020
    2
    Es demasiado repetitivo, y algunas letras son profundas a comparación con sus anteriores álbums
  92. Pris615
    May 25, 2020
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Malo no me gusto, muy básico y siempre lo mismo, repetitivo y con canciones plagiadas… Expand
  93. Beautifulnights
    Aug 28, 2020
    2
    Ariana changing her music style by bringing it drastically into the over played nuisance zone. Love the artist but this is not her at her best. She can do much better and I hope she does.
  94. Gloria7
    Mar 16, 2021
    2
    She has incredible voice but the lyrics are not The most meaningful .. she has been doing the same is nothing new or challenge
  95. art2503
    Feb 17, 2019
    1
    Apart from her great voice, there's nothing special on this new album. She is wasting her talent on mawkish and repetitive songs as most teenager artists serve.

    Thank you, next....album, please!
  96. Sebastian081100
    Jun 3, 2019
    1
    Muy repetitivo, solo hace música comercial y siempre vemos lo mismo en cada era
  97. CristianG
    Jun 3, 2019
    1
    The worst Ariana's Álbum. Plastic songs. Without good vocals, she is a good singer but her music & her Style is so fake & trash. She doesn't write her music, she is only a doll, fake & stupid doll, poor her.
  98. Aboutluccas
    Feb 8, 2019
    1
    Uma verdadeira bomba. Ariana deveria ter focado no álbum anterior e feito dele algo memorável. Esse novo parece uma B-SIDE do anterior cheio de musicas descartáveis.
  99. ArthurMorgan
    Feb 8, 2019
    1
    Unbelievably overrated.

    Juvenile musings on a bankrupt world view and lifestyle that ends only in personal delusion and despair. There are some quality, musically uplifting moments (Breathin), some up down bounce and fun, but no amount of sugar and spice can save this album from the vapid, hollow ideology driving it all.

    Miserable, soulless candy..
  100. Jesus333
    Feb 8, 2019
    1
    Dangerous Woman still remains her peak album. boring and repetitive. thank u next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2019
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 25, 2019
    90
    Occasionally, rarely, a record comes along that restores our faith. If this is the future of pop-music, then sign me up.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 20, 2019
    90
    thank u, next builds on Sweetener by switching modes of scale. It’s less about looking at the world than being by yourself, more focused on the textures of memory than our actions stemming from it. ... thank u, next is also Ariana’s most stunning vocal album.
    Read full review
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 19, 2019
    60
    [7 Rings] is a hit, but isn’t actually all that great, using Rodgers and Hammerstein’s My Favourite Things as its sing-song musical base. The rest of the album remains of interest for its evolutions in sound, delivery and attitude.
    Read full review
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