Eternal Sunshine marked a step away from the enticing, playful energy of Positions, her most cohesive and sexually explicit album to date. That record showcased smart, flirty songwriting, polished production, and Grande’s vocal producer skills, alongside some standout guest features.
Since then, Grande’s star has only risen, particularly with her casting as Glinda in the Wicked film adaptation, placing her in a new light—both figuratively and literally. The movie’s press tour has gone viral for its campy dramatics, with Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo frequently holding hands and crying at the drop of a hat, making headlines with their emotional bond.
After much speculation—due to her demanding filming schedule—the deluxe edition of Eternal Sunshine finally arrived, offering six new songs (technically 5.5, as the original intro has been extended).
“twilight zone” kicks off the deluxe edition, continuing the album’s theme of reflecting on a past relationship. Grande questions whether it was all a dream, feeling misled by her former partner. The biting line “Hope you win for best actor” suggests disillusionment. Though neither Grande nor her ex-husband have directly addressed their divorce, the media speculated about infidelity rumors, which she subtly refutes here—sharing her side through her music.
“dandelion” offers a callback to the trap-influenced sound of her earlier albums. However, it feels slightly out of place on this project, unlike “don’t wanna break up again”, which blends more seamlessly with the original record.
On “past lives”, Grande sings about moving on and raising her standards. She reflects on heartbreak but is unapologetic in her pursuit of self-worth, determined to do things her way.
“Hampstead” closes the deluxe edition with the most reflective track. It opens with the sound of a lively pub, creating an atmospheric backdrop. Here, Grande directly addresses the scrutiny and judgment she faced—especially following the backlash over her relationship with Ethan Slater, her Wicked co-star. Despite reports claiming they were both single when they got together, Grande received significant public criticism. She seems to confront her detractors with the defiant line:
“You’re still wrong about everything / So far off, your seat’s nowhere near the table.“
Grande owns her flaws in this track, questioning, “What’s wrong with a little bit of poison?” She expresses a desire to live authentically—even if it means being misunderstood or criticized.
The deluxe tracks add more depth and dimension to an already strong album. They subtly nod to the sounds of her previous records, creating a sonic bridge between her past and present styles. Vocally, Grande is as flawless as ever, though her delivery feels softer and more restrained, mirroring the demure, graceful image she has adopted during the Wicked rollout.
Eternal Sunshine ultimately reflects a more mature, self-assured Grande. Having endured personal and professional challenges—all before turning 30—she emerges stronger and more determined to own her narrative, despite public opinion. This album stands as a staple in her discography, showcasing her growth, resilience, and artistry, leaving listeners eager to see where she goes next.
