Ariana Grande‘s latest single marks her return as a solo artist after a three-year hiatus, and it’s a feel-good, bouncy tune with a clear nod to Madonna‘s “Vogue” and a sprinkle of mid-’90s Janet Jackson. However, the song, titled “Yes, and?”, surprises listeners with its refreshingly positive message of self-empowerment and authenticity, laced with a hint of defiance and a few well-placed expletives.
The song’s chorus encapsulates this empowering message: “If you find yourself in a dark situation, just turn on your light and be like, ‘Yes, and?’ Say that shit with your chest, and/ Be your own fu*** best friend… Keep moving like, ‘What’s next?'” These lyrics exude a sense of resilience and self-acceptance, urging listeners to embrace their true selves and keep pushing forward.
The inspiration for these empowering lyrics becomes evident in lines like “Boy, put your lipstick on,” followed by “I’m so done with caring what you think” and “Don’t comment on my body, do not reply/ Your business is yours and mine is mine.” These words reflect Grande’s unapologetic attitude towards self-expression and individuality, urging others to do the same.
The song’s video draws inspiration from Paula Abdul‘s 1988 video “Cold Hearted,” adding a nostalgic touch to the release. Additionally, the influence of Madonna is palpable throughout the song, with a slightly robotic spoken middle section reminiscent of the pop icon’s style.
Her last album was released in 2020
The track was written and produced by Grande in collaboration with Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, both of whom are long-time partners in her musical journey. Their combined efforts have resulted in a radio and dancefloor-friendly comeback for the singer, showcasing her tough edge while setting the stage for her highly anticipated upcoming album.
Despite appearing as a featured artist on various hit singles in recent years, Grande has not released an album or single under her own name since “Positions” in October 2020. However, she has been diligently working on Universal’s big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked,” scheduled for release in November.
Grande has also been teasing her seventh album through cryptic Instagram posts, hinting at the emotional depth and range that fans can expect. With her unwavering commitment to authenticity and self-expression, Grande’s return to the spotlight promises to be a powerful and resonant musical journey.