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. j1train
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Could have made a great EP with half of these songs, like real high points 34+35, Just Like Magic, the title track, Love Language and POV, which could all fit in well on her best album, Sweetener. But most of this is low-impact and feels unfinished.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. LCLC3
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    Extremely meh...was hoping for at least one obvious, instantaneous smash but alas there isn’t one.
  6. aleppo
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    A pleasant if forgettable collection of songs, Positions sees Grande fail to chart new territory sonically or thematically for the first time in a few albums. The singer's powerhouse vocals, however, remain intact.

    Highlights include 'safety net' and 'pov.'
  7. sammyanthony
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    In her sixth album, Ariana gave us BGM to be played in coronavirus quarantine. The lovey-dovey theme is making the album lovely but combined with her more R&B-based beautiful vocal also with her subpar songwriting makes 'positions' a little bit complicated.

    It's more like Ariana's side project to enrich and broaden her music catalog.
  8. LancerReviews
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    Positions has few hits and mostly misses, and it’s quite disappointing that such record that succeeds in coherence, has a unified sound and vision, fails at crafting memorable production and engaging lyricism.
  9. 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
  10. viniciussawate
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    This album is lyrically the best representation of her enviable joviality and her ability to swing between genres at will gives life to everything, an aureolar invocation that so much anticipates the end of a cycle that makes it clear that she still has a lot to say to us. But the production she tries to be a polished version of Lil peep without emo rock and herself.
  11. nurhikmattew
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    The concept is a huge great, she can truly express herself. And all tracks is genuinely awesome and catchy but the whole tracks won’t be long-last listened, and bit much repetitive. And idk i am much expect the tracks more seductive than bit innocent. I think this era quiet short for her.
  12. andreroberto618
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. looks like ripped songs from the last two albums, but it has its highlights, the album should have a maximum of 8 tracks… Expand
  13. josesalher
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    I don’t think it sounds like her previous records, as a lot of people say, I just think it could have been better.
  14. 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”.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. duda_
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    não é uns dos melhores trabalhos da Ariana Grande, esse álbum parece uma mistura de descartes do Sweetener e do thank u, next, mas como é um álbum de Ariana Grande, sabemos que ela nunca decepciona com os vocais, embora esse álbum não parece nem um pouco coeso, achei genérico demais com seus 100 compositores
  22. nemojr3
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    1 shut up - 4
    2 34+35 - 7
    3 motive - 5
    4 just like magic - 7
    5 off the table - 8
    6 six thirty - 6
    7 safety net - 6
    8 my hair - 9
    9 nasty - 6
    10 west side - 6
    11 love lenguage - 7
    12 positions - 7
    13 obvious - 7
    14 pow - 6.5

    album: 6.5
  23. RiccardoDN
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Trivial melodies and poor lyrics! Few songs stand out: positions and west side
  24. macnardin
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    um bom álbum, mas esperava mais. as músicas não me surpreenderam e não me prenderam.
  25. Vitor_Eros
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Not that it's bad, but the album sounds more like a big 42-minute song is 14 seconds. Positions the only one we can venture to say is different.
  26. 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.
  27. RajP
    Jul 30, 2021
    6
    Repetitive production and boring lyrics. She doesn't exploit the full potential of her beautiful voice on this album.
  28. beysdragon
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    She took a step back with this album... I thought she can’t make worse album than Sweetener but here we are.
  29. 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.
  30. YanReis240206
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Embora seja um trabalho bem produzido, a maioria das faixas soam semelhantes na sonoridade. Seus vocais estão bastante agradáveis, como sempre. Ariana é incrível, mas sinto que "Positions" não conseguiu demostrar o quão talentosa ela é como artista.
  31. Moon_Luigi
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Ariana no sale de su zona de comodidad, aunque es un álbum cohesivo en su mayoría, aburre un poco con líricas un poco clichés y un sonido repetitivo y plano en algunos aspectos. Un retroceso en comparación con Thank U Next
  32. 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
  33. Shara16
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    On my first listen I couldn't bear to hear it in full as i found it too bad... Though some songs are growers, I hope Ari's next album is better.
  34. Penguu
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Lyrics are kind of like the same thing. I still prefer Dangerous Woman and thank u, next over this though.

    pov is such a good song too. Definitely my favorite off the album.
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. Jarthinking
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    La verdad es que esperaba algo mejor. Pero en general suena muy monótono, en lugar de ser cohesivo. Cómo sea, algunas canciones tienen buenos ritmos, y letras divertidas tales como My Hair, o Off The Table.
  38. Tay2000
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    É um bom álbum, mas não gostei muito apesar de ser fã da artista. Tenho esperanças que ela lance um dia algum álbum no mesmo hype de Yours Truly. Apesar de Sweetener e TN, ele ainda acaba sendo meu álbum favorito. Acredito que este tenha em alguns momentos uma vibe parecida, mas infelizmente, não me conquistou.
  39. 2Jai
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Positions apparently is a combination of the album Gracias, Next and Sweetener, it has good songs but not enough.
  40. 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
  41. SofiaGonzalez13
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    Es un album bueno pero esperaba más y sigue el mismo camino de los anteriores
  42. daebu_char
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Love love love L-O-V-E Ariana, but this isn't her best work. Still, God bless her - while this album lacks the obvious wow moments like God Is a Woman, Breathin', or Into You - she was clearly doing this album out of fun and followed her heart. A lot of the songs on the album show potential, but ultimately suffer from sounding undercooked. The first two songs are hands down the worst songsLove love love L-O-V-E Ariana, but this isn't her best work. Still, God bless her - while this album lacks the obvious wow moments like God Is a Woman, Breathin', or Into You - she was clearly doing this album out of fun and followed her heart. A lot of the songs on the album show potential, but ultimately suffer from sounding undercooked. The first two songs are hands down the worst songs she's ever recorded. Starting from track 3, the mood shifts and the songs get progressively better. I particularly enjoyed my hair, nasty, love language & pov. Nevertheless, none of the aforementioned tracks can hold a candle to her biggest hits. The cohesive production is also one of its downsides... it is very hard to tell the songs apart after a while since all of them sort of sound alike. I still think she deserves respect for doing an album that's less commercial in nature and probably more reflective of her own taste though. 6/10… Expand
  43. Moacirnegrelli
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esse álbum me transpareceu que a Ari sofreu pressão da gravadora para lançar um TUN 2.0, só pq teve muito hype, e números. Mas não deu muito certo... ficou enjoativo, chato.… Expand
  44. nauflm
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    positions is the only bop song on the album, motive is kinda bop because doja's verse. the rest of the album is boring and sounds like ariana's old discography
  45. 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.
  46. 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!
  47. julesroses
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    In general it's a good work but it seems to me that it lacks in some aspects. The whole album seems to have the same songs with the same subjects as always. Sounds better than her previous one but its lyrics could be better.
  48. Kinda
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    it's a good album, but the songs look the same. There is nothing very innovative or different on the album, it’s just that album with good songs to listen to while driving.
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. mp8817016
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O álbum inteiro está muito repetitivo a sonoridade está muito parecida de uma faixa pra outra, não vejo hits nesse álbum, ele apenas serviu pra mostrar a versatilidade de Ariana. Não é um pop com o sempre esperamos dela.… Expand
  52. BillieMercury
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    So, partially why I am mixed about this one is my own fault. Over the course of the year I have been listening to the snippets (like "Dirty Secrets" and "i hate u (i love u sm)"), which unfortunately turned out to fake...So I kinda already got excited for a sound that was never going to happen in the first place. That being said, I'll try not to let that affect the review as much asSo, partially why I am mixed about this one is my own fault. Over the course of the year I have been listening to the snippets (like "Dirty Secrets" and "i hate u (i love u sm)"), which unfortunately turned out to fake...So I kinda already got excited for a sound that was never going to happen in the first place. That being said, I'll try not to let that affect the review as much as possible.

    For me, the most disappointing part of the album would be the instrumentals. This is where the snippet thing comes in most, since all the ones I listened to were all so good and memorable, unlike the ones on the album. "My Hair" is such a bop with cute lyrics (those whistle notes girl!!!), but the beats really let me down, honestly. It could have become one of her best ever, I think, if not for that. Still one of my favorites nonetheless. My favorite instrumental on the album would probably be "Motive" and is one of the best on the album in my opinion. As a Ghostin' fan, its probably no surprise that i adore "POV." It has a better instrumental, personal lyrics, and the drops in the chorus are GORGEOUS! As for collabs, not the best and kind of predictable, as many have pointed out, but Doja Cat was really good.

    The biggest complaint in the other reviews seems to be her lyrics, and I can't fully disagree. Not too many of them are memorable, but there ARE a few that stick out, at least for me. The chorus from POV and a few particular lines from Nasty (lol) being the main ones.

    The best part of this album is that I feel it is the first time Ari has consistently and repeatedly shown what she could do with her voice. She's given us whistle and belted notes before, but not this much in a single album. (Ex: "imagine" was really the only one that did that on its parent album, while she used her voice to its full potential numerous times on this one.) I hope this makes sense!

    Is this my favorite album from her? No. But is it terrible? Also no. I think its a good start to the next chapter of her career and sound, but its lacking something. It doesn't have the bop factor like "Side To Side" or the vulnerability/memorability of "Thank U, Next." It also wobbles a little too much and can't make up its mind if it wants to be pop or R&B, nor whether it wants to be fun/club or chill/sultry. I think it would have fared better with a more "solid" genre choice, but again, that falls on the poor production. I love the new confidence and don't mind the themes, but overall I don't think she hit the nail on the head with this one. 7/10

    This is my first ever review, but I hope I did good and was constructive.

    TL;DR

    Favorites: POV, Motive (ft. Doja Cat), My Hair
    Least favorite (so far): Six thirty, Positions, Obviously
    Don't know yet: West Side, Safety Net (ft. Ty Dolla $ign), Off The Table (ft. The Weeknd), 34 + 35    … Expand
  53. Bigbronk
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    It’s a trash and I don’t know how Ariana Grande did this, repetitive sounds, tempo and sexist lyrics. All this time I was waiting for a different style of music from her, but what a pity!
  54. 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.
  55. raresrevenge
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Some tracks of this album, for example “pov” and “nasty” are for the books, but alot of the songs on this album are mainly fillers/skips. I do think that the album doesn’t deserve the hate that it’s receiving though.
  56. anadsa
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    The good part is her voice. Flawless as always!
    The bad part? You listen the entire album and it sounds like a only song. Doesn't give you a mountain of feelings.
    But I would recommend just because of her voice.
    PS: The Weeknd made a really difference in this album! Love it!
  57. blackpopgirl
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    I thought this album was actual quite enjoyable for the most part. I did think it needed an extra kick though, it’s an overall mediocre body of work with very few songs i’d go back to. This record didn’t really give me anything I didn’t already get from her previous album & therefore shows no real artistic growth.
  58. kevss
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    this album has a good production, Ariana's vocals are amazing like always, but the songs is not impressive or something extraordinary, is kinda repetitive in certain moments
  59. Euphemiaxx
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    The lyrics and the melody is not it. I love her to death but this is probably her worst era for me.
  60. Terbbby
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Still powerful voice for Ariana and I love her but I believe in such Thank u ,next supremacy
  61. Cruelking
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    ariana just wanted to continue the same THANK YOU NEXT theme sadly the pop princess this time it didn't work out, let's be honest, Positions looks like it's made in a blender like you put some THANK YOU NEXT AND sweeter. Unfortunately, we can say that the album is a remix of Thank U Next and Sweetner as well as being a poorly made and repetitive R&B genre.
  62. 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.
  63. Ivanavi
    Oct 31, 2020
    6
    Although it shouldn’t be a short time of production as the way to evaluate the quality of an album. But the disappointing quality of the album does make it feel like Ari needs more time to complete this.

    pov is the best of this album
  64. Dsarcasticvirgo
    Nov 1, 2020
    6
    Something is off..... missing or is that just me
  65. ksr528
    Nov 1, 2020
    6
    It's an okay album. 'pov' and 'love language' are great songs and that's about it.
  66. 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.
  67. 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.
  68. Santiago_59
    Nov 2, 2020
    6
    It is not a good, nor a bad album. But it is a bit monotonous, boring and repetitive.
  69. 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
  70. 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
  71. 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
  72. 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.
  73. 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
  74. oisoueu
    Mar 20, 2021
    6
    not her best album for sure, but not her worst either....................anyways
  75. Americae
    Mar 23, 2021
    6
    Ari has more than this to offer us. Some are good songs but not a good body of work.
  76. 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!
  77. 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.
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. 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.
  81. 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
  82. 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
  83. 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)
  84. submnibiriyae
    May 20, 2022
    6
    Meh… commercial album. And most of songs long less than three minutes. Could be WAY BETTER
  85. 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
  86. 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
  87. Stoneheart123
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    Álbum raso, sem musicalidade, mudei de música 5 vezes e ainda estava na mesma
  88. 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
  89. alfonlbs
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    En si el álbum no es malo, pero cuando sale un álbum tan rapido esperas algo diferente y no algo que parezca lo mismo que antes has lanzado, deberia esforzarse un poco mas en hacer cosas nuevas aunque se tarde mas.
  90. 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
  91. 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.
  92. whatsasydney
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    There are some standout tracks, like safety net, my hair, love language, & pov, but overall the album feel uninspired & bland. A lot of the tracks blend together and don't have memorable aspects. It feels half-baked and rushed out, like Ariana was focusing more on quantity than quality. Not bad, but certainly not as good as thank u, next & sweetener.
  93. 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
  94. Noora7939
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I give it a 5/10 bc I truly only liked 7 songs from the album. This is not a cohesive piece of work, I don’t mind an album about sex, but at least try to make it cohesive. It just seemed like she was bored and wanted to release something. Songs I liked: Positions, westside, nasty, motive, safety net, off the table, and just like magic… Expand
  95. maceoayala
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    I love ariana one of my favorite artist but idk this album didn’t blow me away as I wanted it to
  96. jevom
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    It's a strong album overall, but it lacks innovation. The lyricism can be kind of redundant sometimes. Compared to her past three albums, 'positions' is definitely the weakest.
  97. waahid
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    Its not a bad album, just not arianas best.Feels rushed and no track in particular caught my attention.
  98. Celiaafn
    Oct 31, 2020
    5
    My least favorite album of her, too many trap beat in every song.
    Favorite : pov, safety net, off the table, positions
  99. Fernanda0311
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    cute, but not her best album. anyway off the table, nasty, my hair and puv are the best songs
  100. volpat
    Oct 30, 2020
    5
    O álbum é bom mas eu tiraria umas 5 músicas dali, tipo Motive, Off The Table, 34+35, West Side e Six Thirty
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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