Throwback Thursday: Ariana Grande, ‘Yours Truly’

Welcome to Throwback Thursday, a weekly series showcasing an album, single, music video or performance of a bygone era and its personal and/or cultural significance.

To say the last six months have been a career high for Ariana Grande would be an understatement. Fresh off the heels of releasing two critically-acclaimed, number one albums and winning her first Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, the vixen recently became the first solo artist ⏤ and second overall act, after The Beatles ⏤ to simultaneously claim the top three positions on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the fact that “record” breaking titles are so often given to artists like gold stars in a classroom, there is no doubt that this is a significant feat. And after a domino-like succession of tragic events the star has faced over the past year and a half, one can also say it is well deserved.

The singer we know now is a stark contrast from Grande’s days as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon ⏤ the only constant being her signature ponytail and a voice prowess that puts her in a league above most of her peers. Although it’s only been six years since her first album, Yours Truly, was released, her drastic evolution in image and sound makes it feel like much longer. In fact, compared to her latest chart-topper, Thank U, Next, her debut seems like it was recorded by a different artist entirely. Relying heavily on early ’90s R&B beats and ’50s doo-wop melodies, it’s a far cry from the trap- and synth-infused jams that have become staples on party playlists around the world. And even though it’s by far her least mature collection of work, there is no denying that Yours Truly is laden with pop gems that accomplished exactly what they set out to do: reinvent a child starlet into a full-fledged diva.

The most notable of all the tracks from Yours Truly is first single, “The Way,” featuring former boyfriend, the late Mac Miller. With an infectious, bouncy piano backing and an undeniable chemistry between the two leads, the song soared into the top 10 upon its initial release. It would have been easy to dismiss Grande as just another cash cow driven by corporate bigwigs, but her evident vocal abilities gave her instant credibility, making the masses more likely to sing along than they would be to say, Victoria Justice, Grande’s former on-screen co-star.

Subsequent singles “Baby I” and “Right There” follow a similar formula and emulate the same carefree effervescence, despite their inability to achieve the same commercial success. Grande’s voice fits seamlessly into the retro production, allowing her to flirt and flounce over syncopated beats and clapping drums with the confidence only a 20-year-old teen idol can possess. On album tracks “Lovin’ It” and “You’ll Never Know,” the coquettish fun continues. Grande turns up the sex appeal just enough to capture the attention of a mature audience, while remaining wholesome enough for her younger fans ⏤ a balance on which she quickly tips the scales with her sophomore album.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, “Tattooed Heart” and “Daydreamin'” stand out not for their chart-ready productions but their showcasing of Grande’s greatest asset: her golden vocal cords. Over sweeping, orchestral chords, she croons to the best of her best abilities about the unwavering love only a young girl can possess ⏤ stopping anyone who had their doubts about her talent fast in their tracks. She feels equally at home on her duet with Nathan Sykes, “Almost Is Never Enough,” a ballad that seems tailored made for her. She hits high notes with finesse, throwing darts blindfolded and hitting the bullseye dead center. After all, the myriad comparisons to Mariah Carey, however unfair to heap on a newly-established artist, didn’t come from left field. She effortlessly personifies both playful pop star and soaring songstress, tying the entire package together with shiny ribbon.

Whether or not Yours Truly is your cup of tea, it stands as a testament to the immense talent of one of today’s most prolific artists. The sheer fact that this album is so disparate from her current material shows just how much Grande has matured over the course of her career. One thing, though, remains unchanged: six years later, she still possesses the same self-assurance, bravado and commitment to quality that is weaved throughout her debut.

Follow B-Sides & Badlands on our socials: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram