On Friday, March 28, the deluxe version of the Billboard 200 chart-topping album, Eternal Sunshine, was released. ” The album, Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead,” added to the vast amount of media surrounding the album and its new songs, remixes, and even a short film.
So far, the album has received an abundance of engagement and feedback from fans. Many fans have begun to analyze lyrics and speculate about the meaning behind songs such as “Twilight Zone” and “Hampstead,”. Songs which reference her past relationship with ex-husband Dalton Gomez and her current boyfriend Ethan Slater. Along with this, her song “Past Life” is seen as reflecting the personal growth she has made over the years.
Along with her new songs, a short film titled “Brighter Days Ahead” was released. The short film continues the story from her “We Cant Be Friends” music video. The video portrays her in prosthetics as an older version of the character Peaches. Many fans found this emotionally intriguing.
Sophomore Kate Gilmore, a huge fan of Grande’s music, shared why she was excited for the release.
“I’m excited! Ariana Grande has a very upbeat sound to all of her songs that just make them so enjoyable and different from any other artist I’ve heard,” Gilmore said.
While some fans find the deluxe edition eye-opening, it leaves others with differing points of view. Some fans feel it doesn’t add much to the original album, with the comments suggesting it lacks new content and it’s all so similar.
Ariana Grande herself has commented on addressing fan behavior in particular in the past.
“I just wanted to say that anyone that is sending hateful messages to the people in my life based on your interpretation of this album is not supporting me, and I’d absolutely do the polar opposite of what I would ever encourage,” Grande said.
Critics have also shared their thoughts.
From a positive standpoint, The Guardian describes the album as “a clearing of the emotional decks.” While some constructive criticism comes from Slant magazine claiming “it may not fully capture the depth of the film’s themes.”
“I just wanted to be honest to tell my story in a way that felt natural,” Grande shared.
This album hasn’t only re-ignited streaming numbers for Ariana Grande, but it has given her a chance to be a multi-talented artist, with the short film allowing her to direct and film by telling an emotional story to her viewers. The album enhanced fan engagement by a landslide, and gave people the opportunity to share it across social media, solidifying the connection between her and her dedicated fans. The album also allowed fans reflect on conversations around relationships and mental health.
Sophomore Sophia Fomichev shared her opinions of what she has been feeling about the release.
“I thought that the album was very well done. I loved reading about what everybody on TikTok and Instagram thought about each song’s meaning and being able to discuss it with a bunch of friends from school.’ Fomichev said.
Overall reactions to the new versions are varied, with some loving the new depth she has given and others feeling it doesn’t bring enough new material. If nothing else, Ariana Grande is very happy with it herself, claiming that “this album means the world to me, and I hope it means something to you [her fans) too”.
