Sweetener

Released on August 17, 2018, Sweetener is the fourth studio album by American singer Ariana Grande, issued by Republic Records. This album marked a notable shift in Grande's artistic direction, delving into themes of healing, optimism, and personal resilience following significant personal events. Grande actively participated in the songwriting process for almost every track, weaving in elements of her own vulnerability and journey of growth. The music itself is a blend of pop structures with influences from R&B and trap, creating a sound that has been described as both innovative and widely appealing.

Visually, Sweetener presented a departure with its pastel-hued album art, a conscious choice that symbolized Grande's renewed perspective on life, contrasting with her earlier black and white aesthetics. The album's production involved a range of collaborators, including Pharrell Williams, who produced seven songs, alongside Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and Tommy Brown, among others. This collaborative effort resulted in a cohesive yet diverse collection of fifteen songs. [edit]