Petal by Ariana Grande

Album Score 5.8/10

Today I decided to listen to the album everyone is talking about, well… almost everyone.

I am a casual Ariana Grande fan. I enjoyed albums like “Thank You, Next” and “Positions” and tended to dislike albums such as “Eternal Sunshine” or “Sweetener".

Now please, Ariana fans, don’t grab your pitchforks just yet. I want to talk about why you see the score above for her newest release “Petal” which was just release a little over a week ago.

This album (for me) had one hitter, a few skips, and many songs that left me wanting more from one of the most impressive artists of our generation.

Can I just start by saying, I think Ariana Grande is one of THE singers of this generation. Her voice, her vision, and her execution of her artistry remains so unique to her. In a current climate of factory-made singers and “industry plants” Ariana Grande stands to be an ever evolving, ever artistic singer among the copying cats. Don’t take my lower score for “Petal” as a signifier that I have always disliked Grande. It’s the exact opposite.

I have written an article about Ariana Grande and the current online concern (and criticism) of her current appearance and health. Which I won’t cover on this review. This review is intended to specifically look at and analyze Grande’s intention behind this album, her music, and how it represents the themes she wanted to touch on in her 12 track album.

What is “Petal” About?

For those who may not know, as did I before researching this album, Grande’s main focus on this album was, as ELLE MAGAZINE writes: “Petal is a dark album where the singer sings candidly about the toxicity of fame…” and where Grande “…spoke about Petal being an unfiltered look at her feelings.” (Elle, 2026).

The album was meant to be raw, “experimental”, dark, and a public breakup from her fame and critics. With that in mind, now I review the album.

Each Song Score & Review

(Score 6/10) Track No.1 - kiss me

“kiss me” launches Petal with a synth bang. Then going into a bubble-pop beat where Ariana speaks to the listener in her lower register. This song stands to be her first attack on the public scrutiny that surrounds her. Singing: “Society desperate for remedy, Empathy, fix this reality.” Leading into her chorus which I found interesting, which is her asking for a final romantic goodbye. Where she sings: “Kiss me like you know this is goodbye, We could try to make it all the way out, Grab me like my life is one the line… My heart in your hands despite all my plans.” A Segway into her soon-to-be many references to a failing and hurtful romance. That this performance of love either has to bitterly end or painfully continue in its theatric ways. What I found interesting is her line about her heart, which despite her calculations is still vulnerable to hurt from a partner. Which I will bring back up on a later track.

Overall, this song received a 6/10. Which on my score sheet is notated as: “A passing grade, its fine.” This song wasn’t revolutionary, it didn’t lash out at the criticisms, it even upheld Grande’s common lyrical work of romance and heartbreak. Which can either be connected to a failed romance or her relationship to the public eye. But for an album that is supposed to be unfiltered and feral, I felt like Grande was instead bobbing on the surface of this massive ocean she could fish from about those two topics. As if it was just another radio player instead of the artistry an lyrical genius I know she can pull from. I want depth in the flavor. I want this song to be truly dark and dim as promised. But it’s bubbly and surface level.

(Score 6/10) Track No.2 - Hate That I Made You Love Me

This song stands to be Ariana’s breakup from the public. Saying how audiences has leeched from her all the joy and lifeblood from this craft. Singing “Just know that I will find my way from you… Like flowers from a tomb while you decide who you are.” As if, despite the rocky and solid surface, she will grow in spite of this block from happiness and freedom. She promises us she will find her way from the scrutiny despite that challenges that come with the attempt to do so. It’s a polite serenade for Ariana’s frustration with how she’s been treated in the limelight. It’s not quite dark, or unfiltered. She’s very poetic about her pains, how her body is under surveillance from the public, how public insecurities become hyper-focused on, and how she has existed in the public through all her romantic entanglements. I can understand how exhausting it would be to be poked and prodded at for everything because I had a passion for music. Which seems to be where Grande’s regretful “…hate that I made you love me…” sentiments derive.

However, the song is fine. It’s in the same vein of Grande’s works and sound. But I feel it’s too gentle. Like a breakup with someone you still care for but resent for how they hurt you. Which yes, sounds about right to Grande’s relationship with her fans. But these arent towards the fans, its for those who are the critics, the haters, and the naysayers. She’s breaking up with headlines, not her arianators. I want to see her go for the lyrical heart. Flippin a mirror on the industry and its endless leeching maw, not whisper sweet nothings on yet another bubble-beat. Afterall, we were supposed to leave Glinda in Oz.

(Score 6/10) Tack No.3 - petal

Track number 3 is the titled album. “Petal” gives us a deeper beat below Grande’s fluttering voice. Her song goes after how her relationships are scrutinized and magnified in the public. Saying: “Cause all of my favorite stories, End in some kind of catastrophe.” She continues to say how this pattern is messed up. Of her falling in love, the public devours it, she faces heartbreak, and turns it all into money and music. She sings “A couple million for my thoughts, I’ve got plenty…Tired of painting endless pictures of a life that isn’t mine.” An assurance by Grande that despite the public’s view on Grande and all her romances, we don’t know her. That somehow, the public has it all wrong and she’s not, as she sings, “Trying different boys on for size.” She craves romantic privacy. Yet all the public seems to crave is the timelines, the dates, and the names of the men Grande shares a life with.

I can imagine the difficulty of dating in a world with its eyes on you. Worse than a helicopter parent, the fans and haters alike will find their way under every door, through every crack in the wall, hear every word whispered to another over dinner. And just like a toxic relationship, Grande is forced to spill the details of her love life to the public, good or bad, through twitter or her music. At least, that is the story told on this track. However, I can’t sit here and completely pity Grande for this. She is writing and releasing songs of love and loss constantly. While the public hungers for her love life details, she dishes it out. Such as her not-so-subtle call out to Ricky (her current beau) during her tour. Where she replaces a lyric about him in her song “Thank You, Next",” while he is at the concert watching her among thousands of fans. As they have rekindled a romance after almost 10 years since their first breakup. With this track, the beat and tempo doesn’t feel inspired. It’s very Grande in terms of style and lyrical tone. But it’s lacking something. Which is why it received a 6 from me. I really grew to like the beat and tone Grande uses on the song. I felt that so far, this looked like the most dark song among the 3 tracks I listened to thus far. Which was a relief to see Grande actually tap into this promised theme and sound.

(Score 5/10) Track No.4 - stay

“stay” is Grande’s revisit to the desperate love song. Where Grande pleads with a nameless lover to keep them around and for them to keep everything how it is. She sings of unsafe she feels in this back and forth in her love life. Questioning her value to the person she cares about and if she’s truly stable with this person. Singing, “I just want to stay this time, But can you keep me safe this time?…I don’t want to be, Just another corrective experience.”

The song mainly consists of the same chorus and bridge. The whole song a pleading to have her lover stay. We don’t get a conclusive decision from Grande as she wonders if any of this begging is worth it. And how despite all her effort and caution, she finds herself yet again in a position where she has to cling to whatever’s left of the relationship. Which truly is hard to handle, and a feeling I know all too well. I give this song because similar to “petal” the song lacks something. It needs a deeper substance. Its a wonderful bubbly song with an addictive tempo, but I just feel among her discography, this is just… a song. If that makes sense? I gave this song a 5 because while the sound is nice, I just feel it wasn’t elevated. It mostly repeated itself. Making is great for a casual listen, but it wasn’t raw, unfiltered, or dark as she had promised. I just keep feeling like Grande can keep going deeper on each of the things each track talks about but she just doesn’t. Making it “missing something, but so close.”

(Score 4/10) Track No.5 - oh well

I consider a song that sounds like “oh well” my Urban Outfitters song. It plays while your sifting through crop tops and faux leather boots stacked high on displays. It’s clubby, poppy beat takes over the lyrics Grande sings. Once more affirming my feeling that it’s meant more for retail instead of critics and haters. It lacks bark and the bite is absent entirely. She sings, “Good things can replace dysfunction…Thanks, but I’ll see you right out, Good luck on your way to hell.” It’s Grande’s rebirth and rooting out the bad in her life. Whether that’s fake friends, poor judgments, criticism, and scrutiny. While she declares this breaking away from the negativity in her life, I feel the album thus far contradicts this sudden 180. She goes from gently murmuring the things she hates, to axing them all at once. But I wonder if it’s a sudden umbrella fix or if there was emotional work to carry this burden? Mentioning how she’ll put a band-aid over her entire life. But where is the true healing in that?

Perhaps its just me, but I didn’t enjoy the sound of this song. It has no correlation to the lyrics. Perhaps its meant to be this euphoric party anthem as she tries to get rid of all her painful connections, but even then that’s not what I feel is communicated. The beat, the tempo, and the techy, synth-y edit of Grande’s voice leaves a lot to be desired about a song that seemed to be intended to be deep. As Grande is deep in reflection on what’s wrong around her. Which is why it received a 4, and is labeled “almost redeemed.” I want more from the material given and it just feels like thus far, I’m just coasting above the raw substance Grande originally promised in a boat of bubbles and pop synth with vague references to what she’s trying to say.

(Score 4/10) Track No.6 - big feelings

“big feelings” gave me a similar feeling to the “Thank You, Next” album. I felt it could have been on that album as opposed to “Petal”. This song is yet another Grande classic, meaning: its about Grande’s irresistibility to an unnamed lover. That her physical power gives him “big feelings” which could illude to several things. Jealously, desire, passion, even perhaps taking her “gifts” for granted. Grande sings, “I’ve been told I’ve healing properties, So, Baby, can you promise me That you’ll handle me properly?” Which is interesting to me because earlier on the “stay” track, Grande laments this habit of being “healing” for her partners. Saying how she doesn’t want to be a “corrective experience.” Yet on this track, its something she’s flaunting when talking about the affect she has on a man. Making him cry because she makes him feel so good (if you know what I mean).

I gave this song a 4/10 because just like “oh well” it’s almost redeemable. This song is the younger sister to “break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored” with Grande singing “…there are worse things that I can do…” which could be a step up from being a seductress, and instead a mistress or homewrecker. An interesting way to approach the topic about her being scrutinized for her string of romantic connections in the past several years. A denouncement it seems, that this idea of her is wrong, but she could definitely do something like that if she wanted. I just feel like this song isn’t dark or raw. It’s just a show tune to flaunt what Grande has always said, which is she can throw down and her men always like it. We’ve heard it in different iterations before already. I feel that out of all the routes she could take this song, I just don’t see it as a valuable contribution to the goal she had for this album.

(Score 6/10) Track No.7 - freak

“freak” is a song that reflects on Grande’s toxic dynamic with her fans. Where she seems to be declaring that she won’t give in to playing a role for her fans. Tired of being something she’s not; but I have my own opinions about that. Grande questions if she will ever access true happiness beneath the scrutiny she faces. Singing, “All of the life I’ve been denied of, Will bloom all around… How will it feel?” Calling her controlling audience freak, when she states she wont play by their rules now. “I won’t give you your fantasy this time… No, I won’t do what you say, freak…” Which is arguably the most aggressive Grande has been on the past 7 songs. Name calling? The very audience that worships her? Compared to some of the other material in this album, its practically blasphemy.

I give this song a 6 because of it’s unique sound and the message she dances with. I do appreciate the use of calling her obsessive fanbase “freak” as it’s an actual jab at how she views her audience. Whereas she’s been saying only hushed whispers of how she feels, this is the first moment I felt actually gave us a glimpse of her underlying anger and frustration at the issues the album is supposed to be facing. Making this song fine. I’m not entirely in love with the sound, which is just a personal preference. But beyond my general likes and dislike of the sound of “freak” I still would want Grande to go further in how she sees her obsessed fanbase. They are more than freaks, and I would bet money that Grande feels that way but didn’t say more. I just can’t tell what is holding her back this album. Is it the sound she went for that prevents her from going truly unfiltered, or is it her choice of lyrics that makes each song sound so guarded?

(Score 7/10) Track No.8 - warning signs

“warning signs” is the alum interlude. However, I included it in my review as it was included in the playlist and therefore an important piece to note in my review. A very brief call out to her die-hard fans that grow hot and cold with her depending on what headline comes out about her, or what she’s doing at the time. She sings, “Wear me like your new tattoos, And yet your favorite muse just simply disappears” a reference to her evolution and how she keeps changing. So the Ari that’s tattooed one day, doesn’t last as she keeps changing as a person. Causing criticism from her fans. I love the song beat change when she sings “Monday, I got you all over me, You love me like ecstasy".” It felt dark, it felt brutally honest in a bragging way. But not towards a lover like her songs usually entail. This was a bragging resentment to her own fans. Singing, “You don’t deserve me, You know you don’t, you never have.'“ It’s bold. My only issue is that it wasn’t a full song and that she didn’t go harder. Making this interlude fall under “a nice song with a good beat.”

(Score 8/10) Track No.9 - like i do

“like i do” is my favorite song from this album. It followed the interlude, which finally inserted some darkness. I feel like “like i do” is it’s older sister in terms of sound. The beat drop, and background base is dark and harsh. Finally, I thought when this played. Grande sings, “I’m making friends with my consequence… I’m making cents off of your nonsense” A bold claim that finally felt like she’s reclaiming the public scruitny and not beating around it in her prior songs. The feeling alone from this song is darker and more sinister. Like she’s creeping down a hallway, stalking someone in a dark busy club, or looking down at mayhem from a penthouse. The song is dark and finally puts Grande in a position of power among all her criticism. Whereas on the previous songs I felt like she mostly laid down and pitied herself. She adds, “…You need me like I you, ‘Cause no one fucks you like I do…” A call out to the tabloids, to the haters, and fans alike. Pointing out that they chase after Grande because they need her to stay entertained. That despite the criticism, the critics say something because they’re painfully parasocial and enamored by Grande.

This is what I wanted from the album. A reclamation of the scrutiny whether its all true or all false. Because its not just about Grande’s actions, but the fact that so many people are obsessed with her inner life. Despite this chaos, she’s determined to remained confident yet humble. That’s the kind of intensity I wanted. I also just love the sound of this song. It’s so smokey and base-y. An eight which makes it “a solid bop with good album relativity.”

(Score 7/10) Track No.10 - never get over me

“never get over me” is an objectively good song. It’s Grande’s classic flirty fun song with themes of desire between her and a man. I felt while it was a good song, it doesn’t really contribute much to the album’s concept. I don’t even have much to say beyond the impression that it’s just another Grande song and doesn’t seem to have any substance for the depth the album is meant to have.

(Score 6/10) Track No.11 - bad thing (bunny hop)

When this song first started, I genuinely thought it was a Harry Styles song. The opening tempo was so reminiscent of “As it was” by Styles. Not a bad thing (haha), just an observation. In this song, however, features Grande falling for someone new. Where she feels the familiar feeling of quickly falling hard and fast for this new person in her life. Singing, “Feeling like a teenager, I guess I really needed ya” and “Have you been this fine the whole damn time? This is a bad thing” bringing up those innocent and naive feelings you get when you’re younger. IT seems that she then could be thanking this mysterious person, perhaps Ricky, her current boyfriend and rekindled flame from a decade ago. Singing, “All of this time I’ve been wastin’, You’ve really been such a good boy through all of this noise…” saying how they’ve been a support system to her in this time, despite the fact she dated around and proceeded to get her heart broken.

The song received a 6 because it’s a good song, a “passing grade” but again we see a new love song with Grande. Which she had just criticized in prior songs on the album. Yet, here she is again, being flooded with love too soon and knowing that it isn’t good. Which is the very same pattern her fans have pointed out over the years. Which was a part of the response Grande was meant to have on this album in response to her hypercivilized relationship. I just felt that whole concept goes against the point of this album and message. However, it’s a good listen and sounds very reminiscent to her “Positions” album, which I appreciate.

(Score 5/10) Track No.12 - Nowhere, Nobody

This song is unfortunately, another Urban Outfitters song. “Nowehere, Nobody” is a talk Grande has with herself, both the current version and past versions. Where she validates herself and says how she loves who she is and wouldn’t want to be stuck as anybody else. Singing, “I don’t care about tomorrow, I love you right now.” Seemingly in a moment of despair as she can choose to drown in the darkness or uplift herself. She speaks to herself gently, assuring herself that they just have to get to the morning and it’ll be okay. Grande sings, “…there’s nowhere with nobody else that I’d rather be, I’m taking you” Promising to save herself from this sadness and loneliness she feels. Where she has had to beg for love and devotion as seen in prior songs. Now she seems to confirm that she won’t ever leave her own side. That she will make it through the storm. I find it very inspiring and can even relate to that sentiment to a degree. Sometimes you want to save everyone, but most of the time the one person you should save is yourself.

Despite the messaging I appreciate, I just feel this song lacks something. It’s very generic in its sound and for Ariana Grande I want her to unleash something that will leave this alum with a bang. Even if the darkness is absent on the final track, I wanted to just hear… more? Something with a deeper sound. I don’t even think she’d need to change her lyrics as the messaging is clear and deep. But the sound I think is what it throws me off. Leaving the album without a memorable finale (in my opinion).

Overall Review…

I wanted “Petal” to be Grande’s truly dark album. Not the Gangster-Grande seen in “7 Rings” or the illusive seductress in “Dangerous Woman,” I wanted a truly unfiltered matured Grande.

This album, per it’s description, was supposed to be feral and raw. When listening to it, I wanted to think of lipstick stained mirrors, hooded eyes gazing at you from beneath black eyelashes, telling hidden truths to a lover in the dark, crying in the shower, throwing your drink at the wall, a middle finger with red nail polish, etc.

Ariana is delicate on this album where she promised heavy hitters and retribution. She promised a true unfiltered break up from the critics and the fans and the haters. But instead, I feel like this album lets bubble-pop, gentle caresses, and club anthems sour the meaning behind the lyrics. On the subject of lyrics, I feel Grande held back on most of the songs.

Even going back to the visuals of the album & it’s music videos. Ariana is delicate, dressed in frill and summer tones, covering herself in blood to give her some edge but it doesn’t. She’s dressed like a 1950s housewife! She’s wide eyed and innocent where I feel like she promised listeners fallen angel eyes with a vendetta. If it’s herself that Grande feels sorry for, then pity! If its anger she feels at the critics, then fucking hate them! If she’s expressing her distaste for the toxic relationship, then burn it down! She had to soak in what she felt and still feels. Absorb the raw truth of her pain and dish it back out to those who caused it. But the truth is she can’t do that while claiming to be on a healing journey. She’s too busy trying to stuff-out the fire she feels inside her to trade it for inner peace. But is it too soon?

Instead of an Ariana Grande in her power, we got a meek, soft Grande. There’s not much darkness in her sound, there’s no growling searing anger like I thought Grande would show us. It’s just all so… easy? She made the hardest shit she ever dealt with easy to digest. When audiences are supposed to choke on the shit her fans have put her through. But in the public eye and in the private one. I love a story of redemption and vengeance, but it felt like Grande was too shy to actually chase after it through her music.

There are some songs on here I will be adding to my playlist. Such as like i do, warning signs, and petal. Objectively, none of these songs are bad. However, I really walked into the album expecting… more. More weight being thrown around, more darkness, more lamenting and resenting before we got to the part where Grande heals. Its very rushed. I also feel slots where songs could have focused on her hurt and her healing journey were instead replaced by her classic, flirty songs. Which felt like wasted space among other songs with substance.

I leave you all with “Petal” receiving a 5.8/10 from me. Please remember these are opinions and everyone is entitled to them. Do not share slander, hate, dox, or attack myself or anyone for sharing my opinion. Thank you all.