Many amazing albums are coming out this summer, ranging from indie rock bands to established artists. In this list I am going to highlight two majorly talented pop stars —Ariana Grande and Troye Sivan. Both of these artists have EPs under their belts, along with songs that have topped the charts! Here are their upcoming albums:
Sweetener
Ariana Grande’s fourth album, Sweetener, is set to come out on August 17. It seems to have taken a slight turn away from the pop princess’ usual tunes. Grande has released two singles to promote this album. “No Tears Left to Cry” is a powerful and uplifting anthem of getting back up after a fall and continuing to stay strong. This lead single is her first after the 2017 Manchester suicide bombing.
Grande’s second single, “The Light is Coming” features rapper Nicki Minaj, who she has collaborated with multiple times before. The song starts out with a sample of a speech broadcasted on CNN from former Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter. During the chorus, Grande chants a haunting mantra: “The light is coming to give back everything the darkness stole.” Some listeners believe this song is also alluding to the Manchester attack. While snippets of the album are slowly being released, a lot of Sweetener is still under wraps. This new era of Ariana Grande seems to be very uplifting, influential and relevant to today’s world.
Bloom
Troye Sivan’s debut album, Blue Neighborhood, was released in December of 2015, and after almost three years, Bloom is set to be out on August 31. So far, Sivan has put out four singles. Bloom’s debut single, My My My! is reminiscent of 80s synth pop and it celebrates the energetic buzz of new love.
Blue Neighborhood was a very melancholy album that told stories ranging from coming out and missing home to reminiscing about life before fame and moving on from breakups. The tracks from Bloom are enlightened and more mature. With The Good Side, Sivan expresses gratitude and apologizes to an ex-boyfriend for having positive outcomes after their relationship ended, such as releasing his album and going on tour.
Sivan and Grande united and collaborated on a song for Bloom titled “Dance To This” that’s about deciding to stay and dance at home rather than partying. Their voices blend together in the second chorus to create wonderful harmonies! To say I’m excited for both of their new albums is an understatement, since both artists have showed strength and versatility in their music.
Whether you’re a dedicated stan or new listener, be on the lookout for Sweetener and Bloom in August!
