Ariana Grande’s “Positions” recently celebrated its fifth anniversary–a milestone that invites a long-overdue revisit to one of her most misunderstood albums. When the album first released in October 2020, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Positions” puzzled both critics and fans of Grande, including myself. Many expected another collection of pop anthems like in her most previous works, “thank u, next” and “Sweetener.” Instead, Grande delivered a gentle, R&B-infused record that leaned into softness, intimacy and even hints of jazz that she had previously left behind in her “Dangerous Woman” era. In a time where the world felt uncertain and restless, “Positions” offered quiet comfort that was mistaken for simplicity.
The album opens with “shut up,” a blunt yet graceful introduction layered with whimsical strings and an almost fairytail-like outro that makes the listener feel like a Disney princess. Its playful lyrics–urging critics to “shut up” and let her grow– set the tone perfectly for an album grounded in self-assurance. Grande’s infamous “34+35” follows immediately after, bringing playful energy and cheeky humor that contrast the grandeur of the opening track. The lighthearted beat and harmonies show Grande having fun with her voice, no longer weighed down by heartbreak.
On “motive,” featuring Doja Cat, the two trade verses about curiosity and mixed signals over an R&B-infused, danceable production. Following this, “just like magic” floats in on sparkles, airy synths and layered vocals with articulate lyrics about manifestation and optimism. It’s one of the album’s most uplifting moments, again capturing Grande’s ability to find light after years of turbulence.
Then comes “off the table,” a haunting duet with The Weeknd that explores heartbreaking hesitation. This track is perhaps the album’s emotional core–a vulnerable conversation about whether love can exist after loss, a common exploration throughout the remainder of “Positions.” Their harmonies intertwine beautifully, showcasing both Grande’s and The Weeknd’s raw emotion and control. Next, “six thirty” eases into a more laid-back groove, an intimate reflection of stability and whether someone’s commitment runs “down to six thirty,” a hardly-hidden double entendre. Softening the tracklist again, begins “safety net” with Ty Dolla $ign as Grande continues to explore the uncertainty of love and trust, carried by gentle production and soft harmonies.
Then, the album hits its underrated centerpiece: “my hair.” With its jazzy guitar chords, smooth bassline and floating whistle notes, this song stands out as one of Grande’s most sonically beautiful moments. The way she invites listeners into something so simple–letting someone “run your hands through my hair”–becomes a metaphor for intimacy and comfort. It’s my personal favorite, and I recognize it as the song that best represents the calming energy of the “Positions” album. “Nasty” and “west side” keep the sensual mood alive, built on minimalist beats and soft vocal layering, while “love language” dances with exciting strings and upbeat R&B flair. It’s flirtatious yet classy, like a musical wink, perfectly setting the tone for the title track that follows after.
By the time “positions,” the title track and lead single, arrives, the album feels fully bloomed–a polished pop-R&B fusion celebrating love, balance and maturity. Another clear double-entendre, Grande sings about switching effortlessly between personal and professional moments, further showing that romance is all about balance. Following after, “obvious” continues that intimate tenderness with gentle melody and breezy tone. Finally, “pov” closes the record with emotional grace. Its heartfelt lyrics about learning to love herself through someone else’s eyes are matched by one of her most stunning vocal performances. The beautiful song leaves the listener suspended in its softness–a perfect, emotional exhale to end such a tender album.
In hindsight, “Positions” was never to shock music-listeners, it was meant to soothe. What songs once felt misunderstood by critics now feel timeless. Five years later, Ariana Grande’s “Positions” stands as an intimate, calming testimony that celebrates softness as strength and love after loss. For listeners who love R&B, jazz influences or simply want to hear an artist find peace within herself, I wholeheartedly believe that “Positions” is a record worth rediscovering.
