Ariana Grande is back — and she has some things to say.
On Friday, Jan. 12, the pop star returned with her inquisitive and gleaming new single “Yes, And?” The song serves as the first taste of Grande’s forthcoming seventh album.
Inspired by late ’80s dance-pop production, the catchy track is made all the better by Grande’s unshakeable confidence and comfort in her own skin. “Yes, and? Say that s— with your chest, and, be your own f—ing best friend,” she instructs, seeming to lead by example.
The overall message is loud and clear: she’s seen the comments, and she’s not taking s— from anybody.
“I’m so done with caring what you think, no I won’t hide underneath your own projections or change my most authentic life,” she sings in a soft and syrupy sweet tone, evoking a “kill ’em with kindness” energy.
And later, during a spoken word interlude, Ari even declares: “Your energy is yours and mine is mine…don’t comment on my body, do not reply.”
And while her message is firm, the upbeat and retro production is less so, helping drive home Grande’s laid back, carefree attitude. Written and produced by the pop star alongside Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, and recorded in New York City, the thumping and rallying chorus is prime for a dancefloor — there are even elements that call back to Madonna’s “Vogue,” which could very well be a tease to the album’s overall sound).
Yesterday, on Thursday, Jan. 11, Grande released a teaser clip to the song’s visual. It opened with a hand holding a red card that read “AG7.” The other side of the card read: “Your presence has been exclusively requested.”
The clip then cuts to various voices saying things like: “You know, I think I liked her better when her ponytail was a few centimeters higher”; “I mean, who cares if she’s happy? I don’t want happy. I want Ari.”; and ““Well, I read it on the Internet, so it must be true!”
“Yes, And?” is a direct response to such critiques. And in typical Ariana fashion, she leans into one of her greatest strengths: being oh so sweet.
Stream “Yes, And?” and view the single art and below.