An honest track-by-track review of Ariana Grande’s newest album after five full listens.
Album Overview
- Artist: Ariana Grande
- Album: Petal
- Release Date: 31 July 2026
- Genre: pop album
- Number of Tracks: 12
- Length: 36:00 minutes
Before I Pressed Play
The last time I reviewed an album was “You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” and I was really surprised. She is not my favourite artist, but the album was too good. I have been listening to her since then.
And this makes me so excited about Ariana’s new album, because I absolutely love her.
Her last album “Eternal Sunshine” was so good, I have loved all of her albums. She is a great singer, and I have very high hopes.
I had the album “Petal” pre-saved, but didn’t had time to sit down and listen to it, as much as I wanted to.
So, I am doing it today, but rather than at 4 in the morning (or night, I don’t know), I am doing it at 18:55, so in the evening, while my Mother and brother are in the other room watching a new series on TV. 🙂
The reason I decided to listen to this album is because I love Ari. She is one of my favourite singers. Her voice is angelic. I love everything she ever did, no skips so far.
So here I am 😁
I am gonna read about each song, what their stories are and everything to try and understand this album as much as I can. Although, I do keep up with my girlie.
She did say she wrote the album with rage, so I am expecting some really angry songs (I don’t know maybe like a Cypher of her own, which reminds me, I hope BTS makes Cypher 5….. And YES I AM TALKING ABOUT BTS AGAIN. WHAT IS IT TO YOU?)
Anyways, here I go with my headphones 🎧 on, let’s keep our hands crossed and hopes high (I don’t know, I am actually scared)….😶
Track 1: [Kiss Me]
First Listen
It was a nice song, I liked it. It’s a good opener, letting the listener into her album.
She did already reveal it on her tour I think. I just love Ariana’s voice so much.
This has me bopping honestly. It’s catchy and growing on me. I loved how the song faded in the end.
Lyrics
Okay the lyrics do talk about a relationship, but also talks about society
“Society desperate for remedy
Empathy, fix this reality
You know I don’t believe I“
The lyrics express an awareness that a relationship is coming to an end. There’s desperation and hope for something from the partner, so that the outcome could be different.
Production
It sets a soft, synth-heavy, and cinematic mood for the rest of the album.
I liked how it started out slow and then faded in the end.
Standout Moment
The climatic bridge into the final chorus, where the song’s soft synth production completely drops out, leaving only a haunting acapella vocal chain.
Ari’s voice herself is a standout.
Replay Value
I am not sure if I would willingly come back to it, but if the song plays I will not skip it.
Rating
⭐ 7/10
Track 2: [Hate that I made you love me]
First Listen
Okay, so I already heard the song when it first came out, and I loved it. (Which is, duh I love her. Very given🙂)
But when I talked to my friend about it, she didn’t like it. She said she didn’t find the song that appealing. A lot of people have mixed reactions about this.
But I loved it the first time, and I love it now too. I loved the music video with it.
This song is definitely a message to her fans, because of how much they love her, but hate everything she does too.
And I could hear it as well, she goes through a lot of scrutiny every other day for anything she does, from her weight to her relationships, everything is scrutinised by the public. So this song makes sense.
Lyrics
There is a lyric “I’ve held your projections when you’ve felt so insecure”
“Tell me, why is it this way?
Why you so hate to see women endure?”
This is so relatable to me, being a woman myself.
Production
The track blends elements of downtempo synth-pop, R&B, and contemporary trap rhythms.
And I of course have been grooving to it for a long time.
Standout Moment
The ultimate standout moment of “hate that i made you love me” for me is the transition from the bridge into the final chorus, specifically on the line “like flowers from a tomb.”
This is one of my top 5.
Replay Value
It is in my playlist. I have been playing it since release, I won’t say it’s her best. But it is still good.
Rating
⭐9 /10
Track 3: [Petal]
First Listen
Oh this is angry Ariana.
This has rage in it.
This is the energy I was waiting for. 😲
It is a raw, self-reflective anthem about reclaiming her independence, refusing to play the victim, and finding the inner strength to heal from external chaos and public judgment.
I love the music video too, she is showing how showbiz is, how it changes you, and then doesn’t accept you because you changed.
It shows the hypocrisy of the industry. At the end she refuses it, and ends up reclaiming herself.
Lyrics
“It’s such a fucked situation
Petal in the pavement
Just as long as she keeps getting it right
Heartbreak won’t bite here in paradise
This is such a convenient conflation
This record in rotation
Long as she gets the ovation each night
Heartbreak won’t bite, this is paradisе“
The chorus focuses on the central image of a “petal in the pavement”. As Ariana explained during her album release, the song uses the lotus flower concept—a delicate organism capable of breaking through rigid, cold concrete to bloom—as a direct metaphor for thriving through intense psychological and public pressure.
Production
The song was produced, written, and arranged by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, and Ilya Salmanzadeh.
I enjoyed it a lot.
Standout Moment
For me, the lyrics of this song are the standout.
“Tеll me who’s to blame, is it the people or myself? Yep
But this time feels so very different”
And the music video too, I was angry watching the music video, but when she killed those men, I was so happy. 😂
Like, who even are you judging the girlies, and then pointing out their insecurities and then rejecting them when they move away from it? Hello?
Ari is such a good actress. You have to love her.
Replay Value
Another top 5 Ari, you did it again my girl!!!
I have been dancing on this.
This is worth checking out.
Rating
⭐ 9.5/10
Track 4: [Stay]
First Listen
Oh wait… this is a shift from other songs.
Girl you have to stop falling for men. 🧍
Get up…
Good song, but I am not really a fan of this one. There is life missing from this song.
Lyrics
It’s fine. I don’t find the lyrics that outstanding. It’s fine. Nothing too much.
Production
The production was good, the production is what saved the song. The lyrics are just mediocre..
Standout Moment
It’s quite slow, it could grow on me. But I am not holding my hand out for it.
Replay Value
I actually would not play this. This is a skip for me.
Rating
⭐ 5.5/10
Track 5: [Oh Well]
First Listen
Hmm at first listen, I can tell this song is more about liberation.
Like realizing she is no longer responsible for a toxic partner’s feelings, and definitively letting go of an ex without wishing them well.
Good for her…..
But I have mixed feelings about this one. I don’t like the song, the lyrics are sub-par.
Lyrics
Corus was probably the only good part for me.
“Good things can replace dysfunction, obsession
Friends I used to need, but now
The bad guys all go to Hell
Good things can replace dysfunction, obsession
Thanks, but I’ll see you right out
Good luck on your way to Hell
Oh well”
Production
It has a moody, organic counterpoint to the synthetic garage beats by layering live violin, viola, and cello arrangements into the background.
The production carried the song more than the lyrics.
Standout Moment
There aren’t really many standout parts for me. It is a fine song, not too crazy about it.
Replay Value
I would not play it, I might skip it. Maybe it’s a grower, but the initial response, not a fav.
Rating
⭐ 5/10
Track 6: [Big Feeling]
First Listen
It is a playful, witty, and slightly provocative track about navigating an unbalanced relationship where a guy is significantly more emotionally invested in her than she is in him.
Again… not feeling it that much. I don’t know why but I am not vibing with these songs much.
I don’t know what happened to her. I am kind of disappointed.
She had provocative lyrics before, and I love songs like 34-35, side to side, nasty, love me harder, everyday… I love these songs. But this is not it.
Lyrics
No, absolutely not. I didn’t like the song or the lyrics.
Production
The production was the only saving grace.
I kinda feel like the production is what carrying these songs.
Standout Moment
Nothing much stood out here. I don’t like the song.
Replay Value
No replay value. I would skip.
Rating
⭐5 /10
Track 7: [Freak]
First Listen
Okay, a decent song, thank god.
It is a moody, mid-tempo ballad about the exhaustion of falling in love under intense public scrutiny and a fierce declaration of autonomy against someone trying to control her.
Lyrics
I loved the lyrics of this one a lot.
“Someday, all the seeds will open
All of the life I’ve been denied of
Will bloom all around, unfrozen
How will it feel? How will it feel?” Beautiful.
Production
The song moves at a heavy, deliberate, mid-tempo pace.
I can appreciate this, so far the production is carrying this album.
Standout Moment
The song is pretty actually, Of course what stands out for me the most are the lyrics (writer’s brain).
“I don’t wanna go, let me go (I don’t want to go)
Can you do it now?
Please, let me go now
Na-na-na-na
What can you give me now?”
Replay Value
Yes, I would replay it, the lyrics were good, and I liked the song.
Rating
⭐ 7.5/10
Track 8: [Warning Signs (interlude)]
First Listen
This is an interlude. So like a minute long, It divides the album into a new direction.
I really liked how it started right where Freak ended, it creates a perfect bridge between freak and warning songs.
It serves as the crucial emotional turning point of the album, shifting from initial romantic infatuation to the painful realization of manipulation and red flags.
Lyrics
It’s an interlude, so it’s not really a typical song. But we all know interludes / the shortest Ariana songs are the best.
My favourite lyrics are “My pain is music, do you hear me everywhere?
Wear me like your new tattoos
And yet your favorite muse just simply disappears.”
Production
The production is good. The track’s primary instrumental foundation is a direct copy-paste of the moody synth-loop and bassline from the previous track, “freak”.
This production choice makes the two tracks sound like one continuous musical chapter, showing how a safe space can turn into a hostile one.
Standout Moment
The song is mesmerising. I could say one of the top 5.
The standout are the lyrics of course for me.
Replay Value
Yes, replaying it. Instant save for me.
Rating
⭐ 9.5/10
Track 9: [Like I do]
First Listen
Ummm… What the hell?
This starts as if it is a horror song.
I like how it is a sensual, explicit alternative R&B track. And I freaking love R&B.
It’s a passionate, magnetic physical connection while setting a firm boundary to keep things strictly casual.
Okay Ariana I see you. Girl this is you. What were those other songs? 😭
Lyrics
“I’m making friends with my consequence (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Way up high like my consciousness (Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Keep my heels tall, my ego small
But I’m still Grande” Chef’s kiss 🤌🏻
I see what you did there gir.
Production
The production on the album is immaculate. It breaks away from the delicate pop tones found in the previous songs on the album.
Standout Moment
It’s very sexy, the song is another great one, finally something I really like.
Replay Value
Yes, it has replay value, I will be playing it again. This one’s staying in my rotation.
Definitely recommend this one.
Rating
⭐ 10/10
Track 10: [Never get over me]
First Listen
Why are these songs starting like those horror movie sounds? 🤣
Honestly. I liked it. That’s it. It’s not too good, but it’s not bad.
This song is basically Ariana telling someone they’ll never get over her, since being intimate with her…
Okay… But why would I wanna know that?
Lyrics
It’s good, I am not that much a fan of this as much as I would have loved to be.
I don’t care that people have intimacy with her and can’t get over her… I can’t take this seriously 💀
Production
This gives me quite a late-’90s and early-2000s R&B vibe, which is great.
No wonder it sounds a bit nostalgic.
Standout Moment
There is none. It’s mid. I am not a fan. I am actually starting to be disappointed.
Replay Value
Won’t be playing it again. But I don’t think I’ll skip it. If it does come
Rating
⭐ 5/10
Track 11: [Bad thing (bunny hop)]
First Listen
Okay, why is this here?
It is a catchy, lighthearted song, which fans and media have heavily tied to her real-life 2026 romance reunion with ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez. (and it’s none of our business to be honest)
But, it’s not really getting to me. This is another fine track, there is nothing special about it at all.
The lyrics are good, but there is something missing in this album. Sometimes, the lyrics are good but the production is subpar, and when the production is good the lyrics are mediocre at best.
I am not feeling any of these songs.
Lyrics
Nothing too out there.
I like the chorus “Oh, baby, you’re a real nightmare
And it’s super unfair how much
This is a bad thing
This is a bad, bad thing”.
Production
The production on this one is cute, it’s playful.
But it does not hit me like any of her other songs.
Standout Moment
There are none actually. But if I really have to, I would say the production. It is the playful instrumental breakdown. And vocal giggles during the final 30 seconds of the song. Very Ariana.
Replay Value
Not really, I won’t willingly play it. But I won’t skip it either.
Rating
⭐ 5/10
Track 12: [Nowhere, Nobody]
First Listen
The last track of the album. 🙍🏻
I am tired. I can’t do this anymore.
Nowhere, Nobody is the ultimate emotional resolution to the album.
Man I don’t know if there is something wrong with the album, or something wrong with me. I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not this.
I am not a fan of this album at all. I am starting to get sick of this.
What is going on with 2026 Music?
Lyrics
I find the lyrics quite healing actually.
“Voices in my head been trying to swallow me
But I don’t bite (I don’t bite)
Yeah, I’m alright, I’ve
Been holding hands with so much complexity (Ooh)
Since I was five, mm
But we’ve done alright”.
Production
It is an 80s inspired song. This goes well with the lyrics, I have realised she is really inspired by Pop-rock a lot in her songs.
Standout Moment
Definitely the Corus “So, deep breaths, honey
There’s no more running
And there’s nowhere with nobody else that I’d rather be
I’m taking you
Deep breaths, honey
We’ve at least ’til morning
Then there’s nowhere, nobody else that I’d rather be with.”
Replay Value
Sure, I would be replaying it. But it doesn’t really stand out like a great song. But it’s better than other songs.
Rating
⭐ 6.5/10
Final Thoughts
I have listened to this album 5 times…. And none of my thoughts changed.
Man, I am so not happy, and I feel so disappointed. This is not it, this album is (For me) the weakest album so far.
After thinking about it, I realised why this album didn’t connect with me. Ariana has always balanced vulnerability with unforgettable melodies. On Petal, I found plenty of vulnerability, but not enough songs that stayed with me after they ended. Everything sounded beautiful, but very few tracks made me want to immediately hit replay.
I was actually bored listening to this album, which never happened to me with an Ariana album before. I just wanted to hit pause, close and never come back.
2026 has been a strange year for me musically. Very few albums have truly stayed with me.
2 albums are the only decent albums this year for me. Unfortunately, Petal isn’t one of them.
Ladyink with love 