Positions
by Ariana Grande
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2020
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5940 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,157 out of 5940
  2. Mixed: 417 out of 5940
  3. Negative: 1,366 out of 5940
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  1. davifontenelle
    Mar 26, 2023
    6
    Positions, Ariana Grande’s 6th studio album came after a streak in her career. 2 successful albums and the predecessor being her biggest to date. With this said, Positions feels a little bit rushed and one of the weakest albums of the year. Still, there are some highlights in this record, such as “pov”, “safety net” and the vocal masterpiece “my hair”.
  2. marialuizadiasd
    Mar 24, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. eu amo os vocais da ari nesse álbum aqui, porém o álbum é tão fraquinho na minha humilde opinião. mas não é ruim viu… Expand
  3. miguelcstb
    Oct 28, 2022
    4
    So after listening to "thank u, next" I had some expectation for this album, and they were met, some of them. The production, for example, I think is impeccable. This is such a well produced album... and that's all. This is one of the most mediocre and forgettable albums I've heard. I feel like she made it because she needed something to give to her label. Excluding the production andSo after listening to "thank u, next" I had some expectation for this album, and they were met, some of them. The production, for example, I think is impeccable. This is such a well produced album... and that's all. This is one of the most mediocre and forgettable albums I've heard. I feel like she made it because she needed something to give to her label. Excluding the production and mixing, this album feels rushed, and most of the songs are filllers with mediocre lyrics. Once again, we have a case of an artist with an incredible voice but with zero idea of what to do with it.… Expand
  4. Dracoshi
    Oct 23, 2022
    5
    I really want to love this album, but any time I think about it critically, all I do is compare it negatively to how incredible Ariana's past albums were. Positions isn't necessarily a bad album, it just feels stale to me. There's a severe lack of stand-out songs, the majority of the songs feel too short, the beats all feel too similar, and the lyrics are average. Ariana Grande has one ofI really want to love this album, but any time I think about it critically, all I do is compare it negatively to how incredible Ariana's past albums were. Positions isn't necessarily a bad album, it just feels stale to me. There's a severe lack of stand-out songs, the majority of the songs feel too short, the beats all feel too similar, and the lyrics are average. Ariana Grande has one of the greatest voices of our generation, and I can't help but feel like that is being wasted on an album like this. Dangerous Woman and thank u, next were both masterpieces. I even felt that half of Sweetener was incredible too. And unfortunately Positions can't even hold a candle to them. But hey, at least this album gave us Safety Net, one of the greatest songs Ariana Grande has ever released!… Expand
  5. submnibiriyae
    May 20, 2022
    6
    Meh… commercial album. And most of songs long less than three minutes. Could be WAY BETTER
  6. someonewhocares
    Jul 4, 2022
    6
    The songs are not very long, in fact they're quite short. I mean that's not bad, but it really isn't a good thing if you're trying to impress your fans, or leave your fans satisfied with that one song that you don't need to hear more than once to understand or even like it. Positions is about the vocals and the orchestral strings, which is the best part of the album. Some songs I like, butThe songs are not very long, in fact they're quite short. I mean that's not bad, but it really isn't a good thing if you're trying to impress your fans, or leave your fans satisfied with that one song that you don't need to hear more than once to understand or even like it. Positions is about the vocals and the orchestral strings, which is the best part of the album. Some songs I like, but the ones i like are the ones that aren't catchy enough to stay in your head. I'm sorry Ariana, but it's the truth!… Expand
  7. Olivier1
    Jan 13, 2022
    6
    This is not a bad album per se. In fact, it's pretty entertaining. However, in the grander scheme of things, i.e. Grande's career, it's very uncompelling. The lyrics are very trite and the music sounds overproduced and unfinished at the same time (it's really weird). Overall, it's actually quite enjoyable and not at all boring.
  8. LilScience
    Jan 13, 2022
    6
    Um álbum r&b que não impressiona por muita coisa, faixas aceitáveis, confesso que esperava mais do sucessor do 'thank u, next', o primeiro single de primeiro não gostei, mas fui ouvindo e agradou; já o seu segundo single 34+35 achei o clipe bem produzido porém acho que a letra ficou a desejar, seguindo o mesmo estilo das músicas que estão sendo sucesso nas paradas.

    Faixas favoritas:    Um álbum r&b que não impressiona por muita coisa, faixas aceitáveis, confesso que esperava mais do sucessor do 'thank u, next', o primeiro single de primeiro não gostei, mas fui ouvindo e agradou; já o seu segundo single 34+35 achei o clipe bem produzido porém acho que a letra ficou a desejar, seguindo o mesmo estilo das músicas que estão sendo sucesso nas paradas.

    Faixas favoritas: motive, positions, just like magic e nasty.    … Expand
  9. Eno25
    Nov 19, 2021
    4
    The album is nothing different. It sounds repetitive, does not give the kicks like thank you next.
  10. aftergiowhore
    Nov 4, 2021
    6
    i honestly wasn't the biggest fan of this album when i first listened to it and still don't 'love' it but if for sure is an appreciable body of work. Though a downgrade from her previous 2 albums it very much does have some of the best songs in her discography (ex. title track,pov,worst behaviour)
  11. Samuuel
    Sep 30, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Positions is a good album, but I don't consider it one of the best. The instrumentals got saturated and sloppy, some songs are boring to listen to, she could have chosen the singles better, like "Positions", "Motive", "PoV" were great choices. the album doesn't motivate you to keep listening, plus the songwriting is boring. The album was badly publicized and lazy marketing. On the other hand, I liked "positions", "motive", I liked the photo shoot, I liked some partnerships, I liked the reception, I liked some other tracks.… Expand
  12. classydwarf
    Aug 20, 2021
    6
    gosto de metade das músicas, não gosto da outra metade. as músicas boas são muito boas, mas as ruins são muito ruins. não é o melhor álbum dela mas também não acho ele tão horrível assim. dá pra salvar.
  13. RajP
    Jul 30, 2021
    6
    Repetitive production and boring lyrics. She doesn't exploit the full potential of her beautiful voice on this album.
  14. Weare
    Jun 24, 2021
    6
    Ariana rlly got messed up while doing this album, they look like the scrapped songs from the other albums, i would skip a lot of tracks, but some are rlly good tho
  15. GamePlayer77
    Jun 17, 2021
    4
    Although Ariana Grande goes through a ton of maturing on Positions, she loses most of the charm that made her a good artist.

    FAV TRACK: off the table
    LEAST FAV TRACK: motive
  16. ililbo
    Jun 16, 2021
    4
    Quando eu achei que nenhum álbum poderia superar o sweetener, o postions conseguiu, tomando seu lugar de pior álbum da Ariana. Eu não posso dizer que é horrível pq tem aquela maravilha chamada "pov", que é um colírio para os ouvidos com certeza. O restante das músicas é como se fossem todas parecidas, com batidas super previsíveis e letras de amarrar a boca.
  17. MARTINCARDENAS
    Jun 9, 2021
    6
    "Positions".... what can we say, this album could have been better if Ariana had kept the magic that she used in her previous work. Most of the songs do not make sense and get confused, they sound similar, or like a single and long song
  18. moonlightify
    Apr 29, 2021
    5
    Definitely not her best piece of work, especially compared to her previous album Thank U, Next. There are several standout tracks amongst the lot which I enjoyed immensely, but they were overshadowed by the repetitive and outright boring fillers in the album. Several had awkward and incohesive bridges, choruses or outros, ruining the entire song. A lot of room for improvement and I wishDefinitely not her best piece of work, especially compared to her previous album Thank U, Next. There are several standout tracks amongst the lot which I enjoyed immensely, but they were overshadowed by the repetitive and outright boring fillers in the album. Several had awkward and incohesive bridges, choruses or outros, ruining the entire song. A lot of room for improvement and I wish the next album will be free from these flaws.… Expand
  19. normanfgabriel
    Apr 24, 2021
    5
    Ariana tem caminhado desde sweetener em fundir pop com r&b e trap, nesse trabalho ela reforçou isso, mas de uma maneira mais superficial, tanto na produção quanto liricamente. Ao menos ela serviu alguns vocais bonitos. Não é um álbum que eu ouviria novamente.
  20. Manueldavid29
    Apr 10, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The sounds of the album and the theme are spectacular, in terms of composition we continue to see Grande with co-writers, she does not exceed her predecessor Thank U, Next
    Great is the best voice in our generation but this time it was not luck    … Expand
  21. angel_swift
    Apr 10, 2021
    4
    In my view, this is the worst album by Ariana. I was expecting for this album for something better; I dislike the songwriting, talks much about s*x. Mostly about s*x, and I don’t like those songs that contain those lyrics. The production of the songs are almost the same. Sorry if I had to give this a 4/10 review, mostly in a song, I look up on the message and meaning of the song, and allIn my view, this is the worst album by Ariana. I was expecting for this album for something better; I dislike the songwriting, talks much about s*x. Mostly about s*x, and I don’t like those songs that contain those lyrics. The production of the songs are almost the same. Sorry if I had to give this a 4/10 review, mostly in a song, I look up on the message and meaning of the song, and all of the songs’ meanings are the same — which is yeah, s*x (you know that’s why she had a song called “34+35” and it talks about s*x position). I just liked one of the songs, which is pov. It’s the most meaningful one.… Expand
  22. afanshabri
    Apr 10, 2021
    6
    I really love Ari and her past five albums, but for the first time the production feels so.. rash. It gives us some bops like positions and pov, of course. but the rest of the album needs better work to put
  23. alextay
    Apr 9, 2021
    4
    Not her best more like she trying to follow the trend and nearly all the songs has the same R&B production and some weird ad-lib kinda disappointed.
  24. Vanyagranderia
    Mar 29, 2021
    4
    I hate this album,Absolutely boring album, nothing new and the fans are happy that Ariana released such trash
  25. AalexB
    Mar 26, 2021
    6
    Not as catchy and immediate as her previews works. But perhaps her most mature album. The vocal production, lead by Ariana herself, shows her talent and how much she does enjoy her work. But the music... it almost seems like a one 40 minutes straight song (not to mention that each song lasts less than 3 minutes... too short). I don't know, I'm not fully convinced.
  26. Americae
    Mar 23, 2021
    6
    Ari has more than this to offer us. Some are good songs but not a good body of work.
  27. Giopy
    Mar 22, 2021
    4
    basic productions, dangerous woman is still a superior album, this trappy beats are so repetitive
  28. mathic
    Mar 21, 2021
    4
    It’s very sad to see a incredible artist like Ariana release a poor album like this one, nothing works well on positions. Seems clearly that this album is made for radios and for play in every supermarket. The production is literally the same song by song, changing some melodies and vocals. Positions is more one of that horrible generical premolded albums, i hope that’s will be the lastIt’s very sad to see a incredible artist like Ariana release a poor album like this one, nothing works well on positions. Seems clearly that this album is made for radios and for play in every supermarket. The production is literally the same song by song, changing some melodies and vocals. Positions is more one of that horrible generical premolded albums, i hope that’s will be the last Ariana’s work like this.… Expand
  29. EduardoJames
    Mar 21, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Su mismo sonido de discos pasados, scooter le hace falta mejorar los discos de sus clientes… Expand
  30. Crowded98
    Mar 21, 2021
    6
    Ariana Grande has been very predictable with her latest releases, it seems her last 3 albums have the same sound in all the songs and only the lyrics change. Despite that, it brings some good and powerful songs, which stand out in the middle of so many fillers!
  31. Erymel
    Mar 20, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum bom,músicas boas mas não me empolgou muito! Ela está de parabéns pelo álbum!… Expand
  32. Vidal
    Mar 20, 2021
    4
    Grande tenta fazer seu som ser mais R&B, mas desde o Sweetener é notório que ela não consegue muito bem se encaixar nesse gênero.
  33. guidoxp
    Mar 20, 2021
    6
    Ariana Grande é sem dúvida um dos grandes nomes da música, com um longo caminho até o aclamado "Thank u, next", a cantora nos supreende com o lançamento de seu substituto. Iniciando o álbum com a inovadora "shut up", que envolve alguns belos recursos digitais, o lindíssimo fundo com violino e a sua potência vocal, a música nos leva a algum tipo de realidade alternativa, mágica, como seAriana Grande é sem dúvida um dos grandes nomes da música, com um longo caminho até o aclamado "Thank u, next", a cantora nos supreende com o lançamento de seu substituto. Iniciando o álbum com a inovadora "shut up", que envolve alguns belos recursos digitais, o lindíssimo fundo com violino e a sua potência vocal, a música nos leva a algum tipo de realidade alternativa, mágica, como se estivessemos em um desenho animado. O grande problema aqui é que esse nível grandioso não se mantem durante o álbum, abusando de recursos digitais e um pouco pobre em relação aos instrumentos (em relação ao belo violino da faixa 1 ou o piano no "sweetener"), o álbum transmite a sensação de pouca inovação em relação aos seus antecessores e nos faz refletir sobre como seria uma Ariana se aventurando em outros genêros, ou se aventurando dentro de suas próprias composições. Embora algumas faixas sejam grandiosas, como "Nasty" e "Pov", o álbum nos deixa perdidos em relação a sua própria sonoridade e identidade, faixas como "Positions" mostra como seria um pop com recursos digitais em décadas passadas, o álbum soa conceitualmente como algo dos anos 20' o que seria inovador e grandioso, mas foi pouco aprofundado. Algo deve ser dito, Ariana foi muito perspicaz em adicionar sons de fundo, como: grilos e sons de água, isso mostra delicadeza na produção. Com o "deluxe" que poderia corrigir esses problemas, surge uma decepção, as faixas são muito curtas e seguem o mesmo padrão quase repetitivo do "standart". Ariana criou um lindo conceito com esse álbum, toda a estética é muito bonita e soa inovadora, o que pode ter sido o erro aqui foi a previsibilidade quanto a sonoridade, falta de profundidade nas letras e principalmente o gostinho de "quero mais" da faixa 1. Isso me faz pensar em como seria uma era disco, de década ou de algum novo genêro seria bom nessa étapa para a Ariana, se reinventar e ousar é um dos grandes pilares de uma discografia de grandes nomes da música.
    Destaque para: "Shut up", "Off the table", "West side" e "Pov"    … Expand
  34. oisoueu
    Mar 20, 2021
    6
    not her best album for sure, but not her worst either....................anyways
  35. Vpavon
    Mar 20, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like the álbum but is not her Best álbum so far i like 3 or 4 songs no más … Expand
  36. Athenab
    Mar 20, 2021
    5
    There are only a few good songs in here. Just Like Magic, Off The Table, Safety Net, Worst Behavior, Shut Up, 34+35 are the only good songs
  37. mushypotato
    Feb 27, 2021
    4
    Out of all of her albums, this one is the weakest album second to Sweetener. Some things that I don’t like about this album are:
    -> There’s one song that’s a carbon copy of thank u, next.
    -> A lot of songs are forgettable. -> Some of the song’s production value is mediocre at best. -> Some of the song’s lyrics are generic or even worse. -> Ariana didn’t take enough break. She released 3    Out of all of her albums, this one is the weakest album second to Sweetener. Some things that I don’t like about this album are:
    -> There’s one song that’s a carbon copy of thank u, next.
    -> A lot of songs are forgettable.
    -> Some of the song’s production value is mediocre at best.
    -> Some of the song’s lyrics are generic or even worse.
    -> Ariana didn’t take enough break. She released 3 albums in 12 months time frame (sweetener, thank u, next, and positions) and it’s taking a toll on her creativity and artistry. Out of 14 songs, I only like 6 songs. So it’s only around 43% of the album’s entire content. Songs that I like are:
    -> motive ft. Doja Cat (since Doja’s verse saved the song).
    -> just like magic (even though it’s a trap song, she delivered it really well).
    -> safety net ft. ty dolla $ign (they both carried the song really well).
    -> my hair (the entire album should’ve had this song’s vibe since it sounds like a good RnB song in this album).
    -> positions (a well-made lead single).
    -> pov (should’ve been a single instead of 34+35).

    Songs that I don’t like:
    -> shut up (I can’t recognize the song’s structure).
    -> 34+35 (lyric is not good, instrumental is a carbon copy of thank u, next).
    -> nasty (I was excited when I heard the snippet. when I heard the entire song it was a big disappointment for me).
    -> west side (very boring).
    -> love language (the production is a bit messy, especially at the end. she shouldn’t include that part into the song).
    -> obvious (-ly forgettable). About “off the table ft. The Weeknd”, that song is not bad. Lyrics and production value is good. The only drawback is the tempo. It’s too slow for my taste and I almost fell asleep while listening to it. Overall, this album was a whole rollercoaster. Many ups, many downs. And let me remind you that there are 21 producers (including Ariana herself) working in this album so that tells you a lot.    … Expand
  38. MusicNerdViking
    Feb 21, 2021
    6
    This album is pretty meh to me. I do like the combination of orchestral instruments and electronic beats on some of the songs (shut up, 34+35, love language, etc) but sadly the album doesn't explore that sound as much as I thought it would. Everything after track 3 kinda felt like listening to a vacuum of pop noise, but then after "Nasty", everything gets good again. So I dunno what to sayThis album is pretty meh to me. I do like the combination of orchestral instruments and electronic beats on some of the songs (shut up, 34+35, love language, etc) but sadly the album doesn't explore that sound as much as I thought it would. Everything after track 3 kinda felt like listening to a vacuum of pop noise, but then after "Nasty", everything gets good again. So I dunno what to say about this album really, other than it reeks with lost potential and that the production is somewhat decent.
    Overall score: 5-6/10
    The album is: Filled with lost potential, has a nice aesthetic(?), it's pretty okay
    Fav tracks: 34+35, West Side, Love Language, Positions
    Least fav tracks: POV, Shut Up    … Expand
  39. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Feb 15, 2021
    6
    While the album is not awful i was definitely underwhelmed. I thought the album was a step backwards from her previous 2019 effort. Some of the songs are far too generic and underwritten . The albums central theme is sex which in itself is a good thing but the repetitiveness of some of these songs is a big let down. i do think the 3 collaborations are probably some of the best songs on theWhile the album is not awful i was definitely underwhelmed. I thought the album was a step backwards from her previous 2019 effort. Some of the songs are far too generic and underwritten . The albums central theme is sex which in itself is a good thing but the repetitiveness of some of these songs is a big let down. i do think the 3 collaborations are probably some of the best songs on the album, especially the one with Doja Cat. The lead single, Positions was also a strong tune which showcases her great vocals. The best song on the album has to POV ,a beautiful ballad, one of her best if i do say so myself. This album is just a step backwards for her, in my opinion.… Expand
  40. Emozz91
    Jan 20, 2021
    5
    It's likely to Thank you Next or Sweetner, nothing new, just 6 song are worth it: Safety Net, POV, Obvious, Off The Table and Just like Magic and Positions... the other are fillers...
  41. DiegoEspinosa
    Jan 8, 2021
    6
    After releasing two of the best pop albums in the last years, Ariana tried to find herself in a bunch of songs that didn't felt unique or authentic. Even that it has some of her best songs to date (Safety Net, Positions, Pov) she fails to deliver artistic growth on it.
  42. JeremySpears
    Jan 4, 2021
    4
    I used to be a pretty big Ariana fan. When I was 10 I listened to her cover version of "Grenade" and the "Victorious" songs before her debut album was even released. "My Everything" was the first album of hers that I bought and I liked it and I was obsessed with "Dangerous Woman". But then she released the disappointing "Sweetener" and my Ariana phase ended abruptly. I did however loveI used to be a pretty big Ariana fan. When I was 10 I listened to her cover version of "Grenade" and the "Victorious" songs before her debut album was even released. "My Everything" was the first album of hers that I bought and I liked it and I was obsessed with "Dangerous Woman". But then she released the disappointing "Sweetener" and my Ariana phase ended abruptly. I did however love "thank u, next" and I hoped that she would be back on track now but now she released "Positions" and it's a big downgrade from its predecessor. When I heard that it’s a concept album about sex I was excited at first and expected something like Madonna's "Erotica" or Janet Jackson's "Janet". Turns out that my expectations were way too high.

    The album starts off with "shut up". A ridiculously short and ridiculously terrible song. The lyrics and the melody sound like the writers/Ariana did not even try to create a good song. Sonically it reminds me of her debut album "Yours Truly". The worst album opener and one of the worst songs of Ariana's career. Ariana's current single "34+35" is the second song on the album. The lyrics and the song's "creative" title are so in your face it's kind of like when a kid learns about something "bad" and can’t stop talking about it obsessively. It’s kind of tacky. The track is also very generic and boring. "motive", the highly anticipated Doja Cat collaboration, is the third track. It’s one of the few highlights on the album, I really like it. Doja's verse is very good and her and Ariana's voice sound nice together. The song's production is also not as boring and predictable as most of the album's tracks.
    The next song is "just like magic". Is it just me or does the majority of this song sound exactly like "Everyday"? The verses are okay but the monotone chorus ruins it. Next there’s "off the table", a fan favorite and Ariana's second collaboration with The Weeknd. Lyrically the song is very nice but sonically it’s just very boring. Imma stick to "Love Me Harder".
    "six thirty" is the sixth track and I hate it. Will this girl ever leave the tired trap sound alone? This song is painfully generic and I can’t believe that she thought repeating "are you down wassup?" would make a good chorus. NO! I like the song's intro/outro though so that’s something I guess.
    "safety net" featuring Ty Dolla $ign is the seventh song on the album. This one had to grow on me but it finally clicked and now I really really like it. I gotta point out the track's intro as well because it’s heaven. A highlight.
    "my hair" is another fan favorite and I actually started to like this one as well over time. It’s a fun track that incorporates elements of doo-wop. The next song "nasty" was the first song that stood out when I first heard the album. I knew that fans were excited about this one before the album came out so I was curious to see what the hype is all about. It’s a very sexy R&B song and a clear standout track on this record. I don’t have anything to say about "west side". In my opinion that song is just there. Not good, not bad, just very boring and kinda monotonous.
    "love language" gets a very clear no from me. This song is another "Sweetener" mess aka it sounds like Wii music. It’s a very uneventful song and I don’t like the chorus at all. I also don’t know why it needed that outro? I do like the strings (?) that you can hear in the intro and in the chorus. When the title track was released I was very disappointed at first. It wasn’t bad but not as good as her previous lead singles. Not even on the same level as "The Way". The song grew on me but I still don’t think it’s lead single material. I really don’t know what I can say about "obvious". It’s another song that’s just there. The pre-chorus is kinda bad. Definitely a filler. The album ends with the fan favorite "pov" which is currently becoming another "breathin" type of sleeper hit for Ariana. I really like it lyrically and the vocals on this song are beautiful. It’s an alright song overall and a cute outro but not one of my faves. Definitely one of the better songs on this album though.

    This album was another "Sweetener" situation for me. I had high expectations and ended up being very disappointed. It’s not a terrible album but it’s just painfully boring and monotonous. You have to give this album a couple of listens because on my first few spins everything sounded the exact same and I only discovered my highlights after a while. This might be my least favorite Ariana album. "Sweetener" had ridiculously bad lows but its rare highs were much better than the highlights on "Positions". Overall, an okay album that feels very rushed. But if you ever need something that you can play in the background this album is perfect for that.

    Highlights: safety net, motive, nasty, my hair & positions    … Expand
  43. Arianagrandefa
    Dec 28, 2020
    5
    Is really a cute a good album with something new in this 2020 and the best álbum of 2020
  44. perrydelrey
    Dec 27, 2020
    4
    E pensar que era impossível a Ariana Grande lançar um álbum pior que o thank u, next e o sweetener, mas ela simplesmente conseguiu esse feito lançando o positions!
  45. RonniJhay
    Dec 25, 2020
    6
    I can best describe this album as Dangerous Woman mixed with thank u, next. Two very different albums from an incredible artist but sadly it didn't worked this time. Ariana was stuck in her thank u, next era production. Very weak lyricism as always, you can't even barely understand some of them tbh. pov is the best one here, I enjoyed obvious, motive, just like magic and 34+35 not gonnaI can best describe this album as Dangerous Woman mixed with thank u, next. Two very different albums from an incredible artist but sadly it didn't worked this time. Ariana was stuck in her thank u, next era production. Very weak lyricism as always, you can't even barely understand some of them tbh. pov is the best one here, I enjoyed obvious, motive, just like magic and 34+35 not gonna lie but the rest of the album felt rushed. In conclusion, I think that it's better for her to take a rest, reinvent herself, a ballad album would be great, but if she keeps on putting out Rnb albums, i'm afraid she will experience a major decline.… Expand
  46. Alfie22
    Dec 22, 2020
    4
    The only way I can describe this album is just having a lack of character. Each song feels same-y, a bit boring - no uniqueness. It is a disappointment, especially since her last 2 albums, sweetener and thank u next were so full of character and life. Each song felt unique, if anything. The title track for positions is the hit of the album, for sure. It is the only track to break away fromThe only way I can describe this album is just having a lack of character. Each song feels same-y, a bit boring - no uniqueness. It is a disappointment, especially since her last 2 albums, sweetener and thank u next were so full of character and life. Each song felt unique, if anything. The title track for positions is the hit of the album, for sure. It is the only track to break away from the muddy synths with layers of heavily reverbed vocals and is instead very snappy and definitely a treat for the ears.… Expand
  47. DaveWarren
    Dec 15, 2020
    6
    The first single is very good, the music video it's great. The album sounds good but the the songs are too repetitive.
  48. Carlesff
    Dec 15, 2020
    6
    Just the same as TU,N. All songs sound the same, nothing new from her, she could have done better.
  49. Anasara
    Dec 14, 2020
    5
    genérico e ruim, como todos os recentes trabalhos dela, seu último suspiro artístico foi no dw, dei 5 por pena
  50. swiftjoy
    Dec 14, 2020
    5
    After an amazing album, Ariana steps down to generic rnb and proves that a good singer can make medium albums if she slips. 34+35 is forgettable, i couldn't even notice the song changed til Doja started singing and i was like "WTF? This ain't the Doja featuring". I'm deeply sad Ari made something so... average... waiting for the next album!
  51. amandasev
    Dec 13, 2020
    6
    de fato não é um álbum ruim. as músicas são bem genéricas, a sonoridade é bem parecida com a do thank u, next, mas na minha opinião tun ainda é superior.
    as letras são medianas também, mas pra quantidade de compositores que são creditados no álbum é de se esperar algo superior.
    de longe as melhores músicas são positions e pov.
  52. Montsegtz
    Dec 12, 2020
    5
    Ariana is heavily talented but this album seems forgettable to me. It is almost like a background album cause it all sounds almost the same. She has an amazing voice but always over do it to prove it.
  53. tanvi45
    Dec 11, 2020
    5
    this album was really underwhelming, i expected a lot more cause it’s ariana grande duh! there are some amazing songs in there. my personal favs are positions, 34 + 35, just like magic and pov but apart from those the rest of the songs are not it.
  54. mwnoella
    Dec 10, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. All of the songs just like similar to the others she has, organic musical, nothing original to me… Expand
  55. Luisslopezz
    Dec 6, 2020
    5
    I think that ariana is moving away from pop to move towards something else, in short I feel more comfortable and free when it comes to expressing her lyrics without having to make a lot of effort in her voice, however I feel very low about the album I would not say that it is her best work but it's certainly not the worst
  56. CriticSaul
    Dec 4, 2020
    6
    I love ariana but, what is this? I like only 5 songs, and that featuring with the weeknd, i really expected more
  57. vitortfv
    Dec 3, 2020
    6
    After 'Sweetener', it turns difficult to listen to Ariana's albums willingly. I look forward to the day that she will step out of her comfort zone, as all the latest albums sound the same. And 'Positions' is no different, it has powerful vocals as always, but songs with repetitive and somewhat sickening verses. Highlight for 'pov', which proved to be the most interesting song, perhapsAfter 'Sweetener', it turns difficult to listen to Ariana's albums willingly. I look forward to the day that she will step out of her comfort zone, as all the latest albums sound the same. And 'Positions' is no different, it has powerful vocals as always, but songs with repetitive and somewhat sickening verses. Highlight for 'pov', which proved to be the most interesting song, perhaps overshadowing even 'off the table' and 'safety net', songs that also deserve some recognition. Besides, a forgettable album which seems to have been made in a hurry.… Expand
  58. TaylerLi
    Dec 1, 2020
    4
    I was a little disappointed with this album. There was a lot of hype around it and the album did not live up to that hype.
  59. connordalzin
    Dec 1, 2020
    6
    Very underwhelming after the amazing "Thank You, Next." I like the vibe she's going for. I love that it's all about intimacy, but it's very one note. There are a handle of songs I enjoy that I return too: "34+35, Just Like Magic, Love Language, My Hair, POV", but for how long it is there are a lot of skips.
  60. Antonioavila
    Nov 30, 2020
    5
    Hay canciones buenas, pero realmente cuesta disfrutar el álbum entero. Hay canciones tediosas y flojas. Parece que está repleto de "rellenos". Ariana es una artista increíble, es muy raro que nos haya presentado un disco así. En lo personal, el disco menos favorito.

    La última mitad del disco me gusta, por eso los 5 puntos.
  61. Mobina1
    Nov 30, 2020
    4
    Grande's worst album, this was a mess and her single choice were awful as always. Hope she make pop again instead of r&b
  62. CarolineM
    Nov 30, 2020
    4
    I love Ariana and her voice is incredible. This album wasn’t her best. Sadly, the songs sounds too familiar to each other and the lyrics aren’t that meaningful. I know she can do better
  63. a1989sLover
    Nov 29, 2020
    6
    dangerous woman, sweetener and tun are 100 times better.. this is definitely not her best work, but it has some great songs
  64. vote4ghosts
    Nov 28, 2020
    6
    There's not enough variety in this album for me, the tracks are too similar. Luckily they're not bad tracks and overall pleasant to listen to, but there's nothing about this album that stands out to me. pov is a major highlight from this album - so great!
  65. dayaze
    Nov 28, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album bem ruim, confesso. Gosto bastante da title, positions, e também de 34+35 e pov. De resto é um álbum com um conceito (se é pode ser chamado de conceito) tão repetitivo que poderia facilmente ser executado em apenas 5 músicas. É cansativo ouvir 13 músicas que no final falam sobre o mesmo e ainda por cima contêm a mesma batida trap simples. Não há refrões cativantes, nada. A ariana tem uma voz incrível e desperdiçou muito talento em um álbum que não oferece nada. Facilmente o pior álbum da carreira dela, no entendo tenho esperança que o próximo será muito melhor!… Expand
  66. soundmate
    Nov 25, 2020
    6
    As an enormous Ariana Grande fan, it hurts a lot to say that, for the first time in seven years, I dislike an Ariana Grande release.
    As she reached the legend and pop star status, Ariana didn't move from her confort zone of R&B popped songs sang with a trap basis. At one point every new release reminded us of her previous work and "Boyfriend" is the perfect example of it. Ariana knows she    As an enormous Ariana Grande fan, it hurts a lot to say that, for the first time in seven years, I dislike an Ariana Grande release.
    As she reached the legend and pop star status, Ariana didn't move from her confort zone of R&B popped songs sang with a trap basis. At one point every new release reminded us of her previous work and "Boyfriend" is the perfect example of it. Ariana knows she can do whatever she pleases musically without being afraid of being unsuccessful as she has one of the strongest and most loyal fan base to ever exist. Coming from a critically-acclaimed album like "Thank U, Next", Ariana had it very diffucult to top it. But, instead of moving to idk chamber pop, soft rock or even alternative reggaeton she has sticked to what she knows will work. I don't really know if she had to release an album in 2020 due to a contract but, if she has released it because she felt to, let me tell you dear this has been a mistake. Idk, I feel like it is quite forced to release a "quarantine album" specailly if you are sticking to the same formula. I personally wanted another "Sweetener" aka a quite experimental work with many anticipation and calculation to make this era perfect. Oh because that's another one: sadly, even the aesthetics are being recycled since they are almost the same as the ones used during the "Sweetener" era back in 2018 like... step out of your comfort Ari idk move to a farm in Montana and make an album that feels like a connection with nature or go to Jamaica and make a tropical album or to the deep England and make a soft British rock album, I'm just tired of hearing the same, I'm sorry. You have so much to tell from Manchester to Mac Miller and, even though that happened some time ago, we still haven't got the one where you sing your feelings nakedly. Life isn't always fun and games, don't make it seem like it, we also want to relate and feel safe and sound listening to your music while crying lol.
    Anyway, "Positions" is a quite boring, monotone album that I'm afraid will be the first of many other same projects. A true dissapointment for someone who thought this would be an extended version of "Step on Up" with some elements of "The Sound of Music" I don't know what I was thinking about.    … Expand
  67. bisdakbarbie
    Nov 23, 2020
    6
    Not Ariana's best work. She has this beat that sounds the same in almost all of her newer music.
  68. isatk
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. very repetitive,all the songs looks the same, love language is the wrost,i expected more of the collab with the weeknd… Expand
  69. panzcoolg
    Nov 20, 2020
    5
    Grande's lyricism is less than clever, and the production on this album isn't doing her any favors. Her vocals here do not shine as the songs are not as vocally demanding, and this record lacks the self-reflection of a masterpiece like thank u, next.
  70. bedette
    Nov 16, 2020
    5
    I love other Ariana albuns, but this one just doesn't seem that creative.
    As always, production and quality are really good, but the songs lyrics, the melodies just seem to be copypastas from "Thank U, Next".
  71. edjoeheras
    Nov 9, 2020
    6
    A very lackluster album, but definitely not a bad one. Love that R&B feeling. I just wish Ariana would've put a little more of love into it. POV is my favorite. 34+35 is such a fun track too.
  72. VGrijalvaG
    Nov 7, 2020
    6
    Ni chiste, no le echaste ganas primaaaa cantas muy chulo y asis pero te fallo, nada mas se salva Safety net porque me pone muy asi y POV esta chistosa triste, espero que mejores y escribe sola, gracias Postada
    Echale ganas x2
  73. paosg08
    Nov 6, 2020
    4
    Always the same beat and lyrics about sex. I was so excited but she keeps doing the same.
  74. Cnsydm
    Nov 6, 2020
    4
    Ariana delves into somewhat of a contemporary r&b sound, something she's been playing around for a while. The result? An album not hitting the heights of sweetner or her 2019 effort thank u, next but it is still a smooth ride. The features bar doja, doesn't add much to songs and some of the songs do sound too similar, however, it is still one of the better albums of the year!
  75. Fernanmaxi
    Nov 6, 2020
    5
    Ariana Grande has not yet reinvented itself, has been making the same sounds, lyrics and rhythms since 2018, we are still waiting for her Music Box, which for longer to spend Ariana Grande has still not reinvented itself, has been making the same sounds, lyrics and rhythms since 2018, we are still waiting for her Music Box, which for longer that passes is not coming, hopefully in futureAriana Grande has not yet reinvented itself, has been making the same sounds, lyrics and rhythms since 2018, we are still waiting for her Music Box, which for longer to spend Ariana Grande has still not reinvented itself, has been making the same sounds, lyrics and rhythms since 2018, we are still waiting for her Music Box, which for longer that passes is not coming, hopefully in future works exploits more her voice as she did in her early recording works.… Expand
  76. mrniceguy13
    Nov 6, 2020
    5
    Ariana grande has put up many great albums that contain great songs but this one is not one of them. Honestly i expect too much from this album i thought this one's the album that would exceed the achievement of dangerous woman or thank u next but i guess my expectations were too high. I'm a bit disappointed because i know ariana grande is capable of finishing and putting out anAriana grande has put up many great albums that contain great songs but this one is not one of them. Honestly i expect too much from this album i thought this one's the album that would exceed the achievement of dangerous woman or thank u next but i guess my expectations were too high. I'm a bit disappointed because i know ariana grande is capable of finishing and putting out an unforgettable album… Expand
  77. positionsswt
    Nov 5, 2020
    4
    es un buen album pero se vuelve aburrido con tantas canciones y suenan similares. My hair es la mejor cancion.
  78. melbean
    Nov 5, 2020
    4
    Her vocals are exceptional as always but over all the album is a bore. Tracks blend together and it's missing her usual punch that gets people coming back.
  79. Jobobolo89
    Nov 5, 2020
    5
    I love her career as a whole but i dont enjoy this piece of work !! To me this is her worst album alongside sweetner
  80. nicholasjm123
    Nov 4, 2020
    4
    Everything Ariana did on this album was taken from her previous works, except now she is lacking the skill of being discrete on sexual topics. It's a power move on one hand to be confident about the body and sex life, but the writing depended on these themes too much, resulting in repetition and laziness.
  81. Ranit
    Nov 4, 2020
    6
    Cute record, have a few bops like Motive, Safety Net and Just Like Magic, but it's still missing it's own sound, cause it has a lot similarities with tun and sweetener.
  82. ErikMartinez
    Nov 3, 2020
    5
    Ariana is way more talented than that, the second half on the album is good, she probably could go to a jazz style and go in tendenc but she prefered rap
  83. jredkun13
    Nov 3, 2020
    4
    No artist growth unfortunately, i was so hyped for this album only to be disappointed by the same trap beats she used on the previous album. I'm not asking her to create a second dangerous woman because its hard to top that but i know she could do better.
  84. LuisH
    Nov 3, 2020
    5
    I feel like this album wasn't necessary for this time, I honestly thought the album would be great but most songs are repetitive in the same tone.
  85. Jesusrea
    Nov 2, 2020
    5
    I think this album was kind of boring, she can do better that this, however all of the songs are her style, they do give me Ari vibes, it's not a bad album, but not the best she has ever done
  86. benko13
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    Positions is step back in Ariana's career if we compere it with her previous two albums Sweetener and Thank U, Next which were truly great albums. Album is very cohesive but at some point it turns in monotony. Lyrics are good and personal, production is also fine, but it's just something with this album that doesn't work properly, I'm afraid it will be forgotten quickly.
  87. Leonardopradx
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    Não achei um álbum tão bom assim, não tem algo marcante como o thank u next teve ou o sweetener
  88. Santiago_59
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    It is not a good, nor a bad album. But it is a bit monotonous, boring and repetitive.
  89. LyuDaSlayer
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    Boring.
    Same.

    It makes me feel she does music that just costs a lot. She is not a real singer-songwritter. 'Positions''s flop is responsible for producers, the most.
  90. yerimyworld
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    as much as i enjoyed songs like 34 + 35, west side, obvious, pov, etc.. i feel as if the album lacks a good hook for most of the songs, causing it to feel a bit mediocre. overall, still a good album, not her best but still doesn’t deserve the high criticism.
  91. martam
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    Without a doubt a more mature content but it is lacking something, lyrical weak, production is average, nothing we haven't heard before, vocally is amazing as always.
    Her vocals carry the album, this record does not say anything relevant, it is bland and she didn't show any growth, not her worst work but not her best either. Maybe she could just take her time with the next one. I feel    Without a doubt a more mature content but it is lacking something, lyrical weak, production is average, nothing we haven't heard before, vocally is amazing as always.
    Her vocals carry the album, this record does not say anything relevant, it is bland and she didn't show any growth, not her worst work but not her best either. Maybe she could just take her time with the next one. I feel like she has a lot more to give.    … Expand
  92. Starcross
    Nov 2, 2020
    4
    Sounds like every Ariana album but more bland. Sorry but she’s had better albums
  93. Hvidtsen
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    This new album by Ariana left me disappointed. Her last record "Thank you next" was her best yet, and "Positions" could not live up to it. There is nothing special about the production on the tracks and it seems like the team behind the record only cared about streams on this one. One of the positive things about the record is Ariana's voice, but its really the only thing about the recordThis new album by Ariana left me disappointed. Her last record "Thank you next" was her best yet, and "Positions" could not live up to it. There is nothing special about the production on the tracks and it seems like the team behind the record only cared about streams on this one. One of the positive things about the record is Ariana's voice, but its really the only thing about the record that is fantastic.… Expand
  94. ksr528
    Nov 1, 2020
    6
    It's an okay album. 'pov' and 'love language' are great songs and that's about it.
  95. Dsarcasticvirgo
    Nov 1, 2020
    6
    Something is off..... missing or is that just me
  96. padwad
    Nov 1, 2020
    5
    There’s just no artistic evolution with this project. There was a mood she was going for that was heavily inspired by SZA, H.E.R., Ravyn Lenae and Rihanna, but the excessiveness of her vocals and harmonies on every song really hides the mood and makes each song sound the same. If she made a ‘Positions EP’ with a less is more approach, less songs, less vocals, more time for instrumental, itThere’s just no artistic evolution with this project. There was a mood she was going for that was heavily inspired by SZA, H.E.R., Ravyn Lenae and Rihanna, but the excessiveness of her vocals and harmonies on every song really hides the mood and makes each song sound the same. If she made a ‘Positions EP’ with a less is more approach, less songs, less vocals, more time for instrumental, it might actually be interesting. She could’ve kept the strong songs like ‘my hair’ for her next full album, having more time with it and figuring out what her creative direction is going to be. For those reasons, I have to give it a 5/10.… Expand
  97. mimikab
    Nov 1, 2020
    6
    It's actually 6.5 for me.
    Some of the songs are good, but some are just meh...
    As a whole, I was disappointed in this album, because I've gotten used to getting better quality from Ariana.
    Also- she brought something new to the table in TUN and Sweetener, but not here.
  98. Saraafn
    Nov 1, 2020
    5
    the worst ariana album. It sounds way too much repetitive and nothing new. The trap beat in each track was too much used and lack of originality and quality. The lyrics are not impressive, it's just okay. Also the chorus of each song was just repeating the title of the song and that 'it.
    Favorites: pov, off the table, positions and sefety net
  99. chelseaharvey
    Nov 1, 2020
    6
    Good album, but not as best as her previous work. Should have been an EP with 34+35, just like magic, my hair, nasty, love language and pov. There are some songs in the album that feel lackluster such as west side and obvious. She releases music so quickly that she it’s just quantity over quality which is a shame. Dangerous Woman is still her best album to date.
  100. Peterpan_
    Nov 1, 2020
    4
    Some good songs, but definitely could have been finnessed better if not for the rush release.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Paste Magazine
    Dec 2, 2020
    72
    Grande is making no effort to be discreet, instead explicitly owning her sexuality—the album is called Positions, after all. The juxtaposition of beautiful violin sounds and risqué lyrics has become one of Grande’s signature sounds, and it suits her well.
    Read full review
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Grande laid bare may well be seen as a stopgap in her canon, using taboo to checkmate her past trauma, but it does pull off the rare feat of at least sounding effortless.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Nov 5, 2020
    80
    With little conflict and few psychological insights, Positions zeroes in on the enviable confidence that only pop stars on top of the world and with nothing to lose can afford. It's easy to write it off as empty calories, but pop has always been described in such terms: cake, candy, chocolate, confection. Positions isn't a "sweetener" but pure sugar.
    Read full review
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