Music & Concerts

New Ariana Grande album traces breakup with sly sarcasm

Shangela cameo, same-sex flirtations all part of ‘Thank U, Next’

Published

6 years ago

February 15, 2019

It’s hard to imagine someone more on top of music world than Ariana Grande right now. It’s been less than six months since the release of “Sweetener,” which just won the Grammy for best pop vocal album of 2018, and Grande is already out with a follow-up. “Thank U, Next” is the fifth album from the 25-year-old singer and focuses on a darker side of her relationships.

The album’s release around Valentine’s Day is no doubt a strategic choice, but an interesting one at that. “Thank U, Next” is a breakup album and functions as the B-side of the more cheery “Sweetener.” The album cover art suggest as much, which, like “Sweetener” features an upside-down picture of Grande, but this time in black in lieu of pastels and platinum blonde.

In between the release of the two albums came Grande’s widely publicized break-up with SNL cast member Pete Davidson. But shortly after the split, Grande released the new album’s titular single, “Thank U, Next,” which became her first Billboard no. 1 single in the U.S.

If we’ve learned anything from Taylor Swift, it’s that break-ups are an inexhaustible source of song material. But Grande has none of Swift’s vengeful hyperbole. Instead, she treats her past relationships with playful sarcasm that nonetheless celebrates her independence. “Thank U, Next” does this in a clever way: “Plus, I met someone else/We havin’ better discussions/I know they say I move on too fast/But this one gon’ last/’Cause her name is Ari/And I’m so good with that.”

At this point the high quality of Grande’s musical output is a given and “Thank U, Next” doesn’t disappoint. But her ability to tap into the current cultural moment before it becomes cliché should not be sold short. “Self-care” has become the operative phrase governing millennial attitudes toward romantic relationships and friendships and Grande has written the “self-care” anthem.

The album opens with “Imagine,” a sexy R&B song that sets the tone. R&B has always been an important element of Grande’s music, but here it returns as the dominant influence for the first time since her 2013 debut “Yours Truly.” But even if R&B carries the day, she still pulls from a variety of places, including Broadway show tunes and trap music.

“NASA” is another excellent track. It starts with a play on Neil Armstrong’s famous phrase, spoken by none other than drag performer and three-time “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Shangela: “One small step for woman, one giant leap for womankind.” And the song is full of clever wordplay. “Baby, you know time apart is beneficial/It’s like I’m the universe and you’ll be N-A-S-A” goes the pre-chorus, followed by the line “You know I’m a star; space, I’ma need space” in the chorus.

“Ghostin” begins with sweeping synth sounds, creating a spacy, ethereal effect. Like the rest of the album, the production value on this track is extraordinary. It’s too slow for radio, but is not to be overlooked. “Bloodline” is another great track and hearkens back to her sound on the 2016 album “Dangerous Woman.”

The video for the most recent single “Break up with your boyfriend, I’m bored” has gained attention for Grande’s almost kiss with the girlfriend of her love interest in the video. It’s a suggestive choice for an artist who is particularly admired in the gay community.

What’s missing from “Thank U, Next” are the big dance tracks that have featured prominently on her last three albums — “Into You,” “Break Free,” “One Last Time,” “Problem” and “no tears left to cry” all come to mind. The single “7 rings” perhaps comes closest. The tune is adapted from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things,” but with a trap-influenced twist. Like much new pop music, getting into it requires more than one listen but it quickly becomes a ruthless earworm. The song is innovative, but far from the best track on the album.

The album shines brightest on tracks like “Bloodline,” “Ghostin,” “NASA” and “Needy.” But it struggles to measure up to “My Everything” (2014) and “Dangerous Woman,” which have set an almost impossibly high bar. Nonetheless, it’s a great complement to “Sweetener” and has more than enough substance to keep us hooked until the next one.

Up Next

Troye Sivan and Lauv release video for bitter banger ‘I’m So Tired’

Don't Miss

Ben Platt gets candid about his sexuality in personal new music

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Music & Concerts

Kylie brings ‘Tension’ tour to D.C.

Performance on Tuesday at Capital One Arena

Published

2 weeks ago

April 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Kylie Minogue visits D.C. on Tuesday.

Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue brings her acclaimed “Tension” world tour to D.C. next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital One Arena. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.

The show features songs spanning her long career, from 1987 debut single, “The Loco-Motion,” to “Padam, Padam” from her album, “Tension.”

Music & Concerts

Busy season for live music in D.C.

Erivo, Kylie, Sivan, and more headed our way this spring

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

Joe Reberkenny

Cynthia Erivo plays WorldPride in D.C. on June 7. (Photo courtesy of World Pride)

One sure sign of spring’s arrival is the fresh wave of live music coming to Washington. With more than 10 venues and a diverse lineup of artists, the city offers no shortage of live performances for the new season.

In addition to this impressive list, don’t forget the many artists coming to town for WorldPride, May 17-June 8. In addition to headliner Cynthia Erivo performing on Saturday, June 7 at the two-day street festival and concert, many other performers will be in town. Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and RuPaul are among the featured performers at the WorldPride Music Festival at the RFK Festival Grounds, June 6-7. Visit WorldPrideDC.org for a list of other performers.

MARCH

Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Mary J. Blige will take the stage at Capital One Arena on March 26 for her For My Fans tour. Two days later, on March 28, J Balvin will also perform at Capital One Arena for his Back to the Rayo tour.

The Lincoln Theatre will host the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington for three performances—one on March 15 and two on March 16.

If dance parties are more your vibe, you’re in luck. DC9 is hosting a series of themed dance parties this month, starting with Poker Face: 2000s + Dance Party on March 14, the ever-popular Peach Pit ’90s dance party on March 15, H.O.T.S.: A Sapphic Dance Party on March 22, and RageRiot!—a burlesque and drag revue featuring a lineup of local drag kings, queens, and everything in between on March 29.

APRIL

Australian queen of pop Kylie Minogue will bring her Tension tour to Capital One Arena on April 8, with British dance artist Romy as her special guest.

Indie singer-songwriter mxmtoon will stop in D.C. for their Liminal Space tour on April 4 at the 9:30 club, followed by indie rock band Gossip on April 5. The 9:30 club will also host two dance parties in April: Gimme Gimme Disco – a dance party inspired by ABBA on April 11 and Broadway Rave on April 18.

The Atlantis will feature Brooklyn-based indie rock band Pom Pom Squad on April 2.

Comedy duo Two Dykes and a Mic will bring their Going Hog Wild tour to the Howard Theatre on April 19.

DC9 has two dance parties lined up this month: Bimbo Night on April 4, hosted by Baltimore’s “premier red-tattooed Filipina diva” Beth Amphetamine, and Aqua Girls: A QTBIPOC Dance Party on April 5, celebrating “queer transcendence through music, movement, and community.”

The Anthem will welcome a lineup of big names in April, starting with Alessia Cara on April 8. Lucy Dacus will take the stage on April 18 and 19 for her Forever Is a Feeling tour, while funky pop artist Remi Wolf will headline on April 27, joined by special guests Dana and Alden.

MAY

Indie-pop artist Miya Folick will bring her Erotica Veronica tour to The Atlantis on May 1, followed by multi-genre musician SASAMI on May 2. Pop artist Snow Wife will close out the month at The Atlantis on May 31 as part of an official WorldPride 2025 event.

Queer rock band Lambrini Girls will perform at the Howard Theatre on May 4, while rock trio L.A. Witch will take the stage at DC9 on May 12.

Union Stage will feature Rachel Platten on May 3 for her Set Me Free tour, followed by Femme Fatale: A Queer Dance Party later that night.

The popular DJ festival Project Glow will return to RFK Stadium grounds on May 31 and June 1.

JUNE

Pride month kicks off with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Trixie Mattel, who will perform at Echostage on June 3 as part of a series of official WorldPride 2025 events.

Queer icons Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe will take over The Anthem on June 5 for a WorldPride 2025 event performance.

Perfume Genius will bring his signature sound to the 9:30 club on June 7 as part of WorldPride 2025 festivities. Later in the month, Blondshell will hit the 9:30 club for her If You Asked for a Tour on June 24.

Music & Concerts

Pride concert to take place at Strathmore after Kennedy Center rescinds invitation

International Pride Orchestra ‘heartbroken’ event ‘would no longer be welcome’ at DC venue

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2025

Jaylon Curry-Hagler

The Kennedy Center (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The International Pride Orchestra has announced its Pride concert will take place at the Strathmore Music Center on June 5 after the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts disinvited the group.

Since President Donald Trump took over the Kennedy Center during his first month in office, LGBTQ events and performances have been banned with community allies withdrawing in solidarity.

The Kennedy Center has cancelled “A Peacock Among Pigeons: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride,” a May 21 concert that was to feature the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. The International Pride Orchestra on Monday said its concert will now take place at the Strathmore.

“We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center,” said International Pride Orchestra Founding Artistic Director Michael Roest in a statement released by the orchestra’s media page. “The Kennedy Center has long been a symbol of artistic excellence, inclusivity, and freedom of expression. However, we are profoundly grateful to the Strathmore Music Center for opening their doors to us. Their willingness to host our Pride Celebration Concert ensures that our message of love, pride, and resilience will be heard on the doorstep of the nation’s capital.”

The Pride concert is among the events that have faced uncertainty since the Trump-Vance administration took office on Jan. 20. Many, however, are fighting back and looking for ways to push back against the bans and cancellations.

“We aim to create a powerful and positive representation of the queer community through music,” said Roest. “We want to show the world who we are, celebrate our queer identities, and amplify the work of organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.”

WorldPride is scheduled to take place in D.C. from May 17-June 8.