Positions (album)

Positions
Standard cover. Limited edition DTC copies of the album were shipped with one of two alternative artworks.
Studio album by Ariana Grande
Released	October 30, 2020 (2020-10-30)
Studio	Grande's home (Los Angeles) Champagne Therapy (Los Angeles) Windmark (Los Angeles) Capitol (Los Angeles) Jungle City (New York City)
Genre	R&B pop
Length	41:07
Label	Republic
Producer	London on da Track Mr. Franks Murda Beatz Nami Oliver Frid Peter Lee Johnson Scott Storch Shea Taylor Shintaro Yasuda The Rascals Tommy Brown Tommy Parker Travis Sayles Xavi
Ariana Grande chronology
K Bye for Now (SWT Live) (2019) Positions (2020)
Singles from Positions
"Positions" Released: October 23, 2020 "34+35" Released: October 30, 2020 "POV" Released: April 19, 2021

Positions is the sixth studio album by American singer Ariana Grande. It was released by Republic Records on October 30, 2020. Grande worked with numerous producers on the album, such as Tommy Brown, Anthony M. Jones, London on da Track, Murda Beatz, the Rascals, Scott Storch, Shea Taylor, and Charles Anderson, accompanied by longtime co-writers Victoria Monét and Tayla Parx.

Positions is built around themes of sexual intimacy, romantic devotion and endearment. Musically, it expands on the trap-infused R&B and pop sound of its predecessors, Sweetener (2018) and Thank U, Next (2019). Guest vocals are provided by Doja Cat, the Weeknd, and Ty Dolla Sign, alongside Megan Thee Stallion on the deluxe edition. Upon release, Positions was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics, many of whom praised Grande's vocals, but criticized the album's production style and lyricism. Publications ranked Positions on many year-end best albums lists of 2020.

Three singles were released from the album. The title track was released as the lead single, which debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100. It marked Grande's fifth number-one single in the United States, and made her the only act with five number-one debuts on the chart. The song was her third Hot 100 chart-topper in 2020, following "Stuck with U" and "Rain on Me". All the tracks of Positions charted simultaneously on the Hot 100. The album's second single, "34+35", debuted at number eight on the chart, and peaked at number two following the release of its remix with Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion. "POV" was released to US adult contemporary radio on April 19, 2021, as the third single.

Positions debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, garnering Grande's fifth number-one album in the US. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Elsewhere, the album reached the top spot in Argentina, Canada, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. Positions was supported by a series of performances of its tracks in 2021, presented by Vevo.

Background[]

On April 19, 2020, it was first reported that Ariana Grande was working on new music.^[1] She also declared in May 2020 that she had recorded a song with Doja Cat earlier that year.^[2][3] In the same interview, however, Grande stated that she would not release an album during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.^[4] On October 14, 2020, Grande announced on social media that her upcoming sixth studio album would be released the same month.^[5][6] Three days later, she posted a slow-motion video in which she types out the word "positions" on a keyboard.^[7] That same day, Grande's official website launched two countdowns counting down to October 23, 2020 and October 30, 2020.^[8][9] On October 23, 2020, she confirmed via her Twitter account that the album was coming on October 30 and posted the cover art.^[10] The tracklist was revealed the following day.^[11] Grande released three slightly different Positions album covers on her social media. Each of them are beauty shots of the singer in black and white with varied posing. The covers were shot by Dave Meyers (who also directed the title track's music video), with creative direction by Stefan Kohli.^[12]

Music and lyrics[]

Positions features guest vocals from (from left to right) Doja Cat, the Weeknd and Ty Dolla Sign.

Musically, Positions is an R&B^[13] and pop^[14] record with trap inflections. Its tracks also contain elements of hip hop, neo soul, disco, funk, microhouse, electro house, and chamber pop. Grande's vocals have been described as evoking mumble rap.^[15][16][17] The opening track, "Shut Up", has been described as "a jewel box of an orchestral-pop number in which the singer tells off people too concerned with how she spends her time".^[18] The second track, "34+35", has been described to have sexually suggestive lyrics.^[19][20][21] The third track, "Motive", is a collaboration with Doja Cat. Grande had declared the two worked on a track together during an interview in May 2020.^[22] The two would collaborate again on the remix of "34+35" alongside American rapper Megan Thee Stallion.^[23] "Off the Table" is a collaboration with the Weeknd, and "tackles the idea of loving after loss head-on and with grace".^[24] "Six Thirty" sees Grande "[shatter] established language norms and creates a new metaphor paradigm, comparing a person to a very specific hour of the day as represented on a clock".^[25] Vulture's Rachel Handler described "My Hair" as "a witty, clever little ditty about reassuring an uneasy lover that it is, indeed, okay to touch Ariana Grande's almost frighteningly giant ponytail. It's also a classic horny bait and switch, kicking off like a sexy, swingy, '70s-esque doo-wop about fuckin'."^[25] The eleventh track, "Love Language", is described as "disco-meets-new jack swing".^[26] PopSugar and Idolator respectively reported that "Off the Table" sampled "2009" by Mac Miller, while "West Side" sampled "'One in a Million' by Aaliyah".^[27][28] According to the liner notes, there are no officially credited samples in the album.

Release and promotion[]

On October 27, Grande announced that limited-edition CDs of Positions with two alternate cover artworks are to be released in conjunction with the album, and were made available for preorder on Grande's website.^[29]

The album was released on October 30, 2020. The same day, limited quantity of Positions standard edition CDs, autographed by Grande, were issued DTC on the website.^[30] On February 19, 2021, a deluxe edition of Positions was released, featuring five additional tracks. On April 9, 2020, the vinyl editions of the album were released, including a glow-in-the-dark variant, available exclusively at Target.^[31]

In July 2021, Positions was promoted by a series of live performances of some of its tracks, presented through Vevo.^[32]

Singles[]

The title track, "Positions", accompanied by its music video, was released on October 23, 2020, as the album's lead single.^[33][34][35] "Positions" was a global success. It debuted atop the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Grande's fifth US number-one single and extended her record of being the first artist to have five number-one debut singles on the chart.^[36] Spending 17 weeks in the top 10 of the Hot 100, it tied "Thank U, Next" as Grande's longest-running top 10 single in the United States. The track also peaked at number one on the US Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart in December 2020, becoming Grande's seventh number one single and 17th top ten single on the chart. It also remained at the pole position for seven consecutive weeks, becoming Grande's longest running number one single on the pop airplay chart, surpassing "7 Rings".^[37] In April 2021, "Positions" was certified double platinum by the RIAA, for shipments of over 2 million units in the United States.^[38]

"34+35" was released on October 30, 2020, serving as the second single from the album.^[39][40] A commercial success, it debuted at number eight on the Hot 100, marking Grande's 18th career top ten single, tying her with Beyoncé for the eighth-most top ten entries among women.^[41] Following the release of the remix, "34+35" reached a peak of number two on the chart dated January 30, 2021, becoming Grande's 12th top five hit in the United States.^[42] The track also peaked at number one on the US Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart in February 2021, becoming Grande's eighth number one single and second number one single from Positions. It replaced the title track which dominated the chart for seven consecutive weeks, making Grande the first artist to replace herself at number one with two solo songs.^[43] It remained at the pole position for three consecutive weeks.^[44] The track also peaked at number one on the U.S Rhythmic Top 40 airplay chart, becoming Grande's third number one single.^[45] In April 2021, "34+35" was certified double platinum by the RIAA, for moving over 2 million units in the United States.^[46] A remix of "34+35", featuring American rappers Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion, was released on January 15, 2021.

"POV" was sent to American adult contemporary radio stations on April 19, 2021, as the album's third single.^[47] Following the release of the album, "POV" debuted at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, later peaking at number 27.^[41] "POV" entered the top ten of the US Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart at number ten on the issue dated May 15, 2021. It became the third consecutive top ten hit from Positions and Grande's 19th top ten single. The same week, Grande yielded three songs in the top ten of pop airplay chart; the title track, "34+35" and "POV", making her the first artist to post three concurrent top ten hits in the survey's history.^[48][49]

Critical reception[]

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
AnyDecentMusic?	6.7/10[50]
Metacritic	72/100[51]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[52]
Clash	8/10[53]
Consequence of Sound	B+[14]
The Daily Telegraph	[54]
The Guardian	[16]
The Independent	[17]
NME	[55]
Pitchfork	7.4/10[56]
Rolling Stone	[57]
Slant Magazine	[15]

Positions received generally favorable reviews from music critics, most of whom agreed that Grande "does not break any new ground" with it.^[58] At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 72 based on 24 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".^[59]

Louise Bruton of The Irish Times labeled Positions a "big orgy of breathless R&B songs" that solidify Grande as one of pop music's leading voices, despite the scarcity of "bangers".^[13] Mary Siroky of Consequence of Sound detailed the album as "showy", "wildly theatrical", filled with romance and flirtation, establishing a blend of Dangerous Woman (2016), Sweetener (2018) and Thank U, Next (2019), while dismissing the guest appearances as its weakest songs.^[14] Pitchfork's Dani Blum wrote that Grande is "both in love and scared of it" in Positions, as she tries to heal herself in "new giddy romance"; Blum further noticed that the album does not broaden her sound "the way her past few albums have".^[56] Brenton Blanchet of Clash gave plaudits for its "beautifully layered" orchestrations and sweet harmonies, but felt that Grande stays inside a comfort zone, in a genre "she's all too familiar with".^[53] Vulture's Craig Jenkins appreciated the "effortless" vocals, and pinpointed how the album is "risqué and unsubtle" in nature, but underlined its safe formula and presence of filler tracks.^[60] Hannah Mylrea of NME affirmed that Positions is "jaw-droppingly good fun", however, observed that the washy melodies result in indistinct songs, deficit of Grande's "trademark sparkle".^[55]

Chris DeVille of Stereogum lauded the "impeccable" vocals, but downplayed the "least stimulating" production. He dubbed Positions as a solid Grande album, but deemed it a premature "disappointment" in comparison to Sweetener and Thank U, Next.^[61] The Telegraph's Kate Solomon described it as "sultry sexjams and thinly veiled euphemisms" with X-rated lyrics, softened by Disneyfied strings, but despite the singer shining new confidence, Positions "doesn't quite hit the spot".^[54] Carl Wilson of Slate classified the album as Grande's "most shamelessly sexed-up set" and "back-to-basics-plus album" with relaxed and familiar music, that turns "bedroom calisthenics" and "mundane" romance into "bubbly pop fodder", yet avowed that it feels trivial amidst her other projects.^[62] The Independent writer Adam White highlighted the album's push-and-pull dynamic, but felt the singer sticks to her comfort zone, and noted that Positions has "Spotify syndrome"—short songs to aid playlisting.^[17]

David Smyth of Evening Standard praised Grande's voice as "a thing of great beauty", but remarked that she "isn't firing as hard as she was when she released her last two albums".^[63] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian concluded that the album proceeds at a tiring pace, causing the individual tracks blur into "one long slow-motion shot", without a climax.^[16] Naming Positions a misstep in Grande's career, The Fader's Shaad D'Souza denounced its conversational style of vocals, "low-effort" lyrics and trend-chasing production. He thought the songs lacked distinction and punch, dissolving into a "swamp of icy drum hits and aimless melisma".^[64] Calling it a product of pandemic fatigue, Alexa Camp of Slant Magazine wrote that Positions leans on "the same midtempo trap-pop" that were on Grande's previous albums, and criticized the lyricism for its "empty" pillow talk and repetitive hooks.^[15] Bobby Olivier of Spin found the album "sultry yet forgettable", with several "uninspired" or "unmemorable" tracks.^[65]

Year-end lists[]

Several publications listed Positions in their rankings of best albums of 2020. Additionally, some of its tracks were also named amongst best songs of 2020: "Positions",^[66] "34+35",^[67] "POV",^[68] "Just like Magic",^[69] "Nasty",^[70] "My Hair",^[71] "Motive",^[71] "Love Language",^[71] "Six Thirty",^[72] and "Off the Table".^[72]

Commercial performance[]

United States[]

Positions debuted at number-one on the US Billboard 200 chart, with 174,000 album-equivalent units, which included 173.54 million on-demand streams and 42,000 album sales, in its first week.^[99] This became Grande's fifth US number one debut and the fourth album by a female artist to reach number one in 2020.^[99] At the time of its release, Positions achieved the highest one-week total for an album since bundles and concert ticket offers stopped factoring into chart and sales rankings (October 9, 2020).^[99] Positions marked Grande's third number-one album in under two years and three months, and became Grande's fifth chart-topper on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart.^[100]

All 14 tracks of Positions charted simultaneously within the top 75 of the US Billboard Hot 100, issue dated November 14, 2020, becoming Grande's second consecutive album to do so, following Thank U, Next (12 songs). Grande's career Hot 100 count expanded to 66 entries, the fourth-most among women.^[41] In its second week, the album remained at number one on the chart, with a furthered 83,000 units and 99.5 million on-demand streams. It was her second consecutive album to spend its first two weeks at number one, following Thank U, Next.^[101] In its third week, the album slipped to number four on the chart, moving over 75,000 units.^[102]

Following the release of the deluxe version, Positions ascended to the second spot of the Billboard 200 on the chart dated March 6, 2021, selling 49,000 units (up 66%) in its 17th week.^[103] After its vinyl and cassette release, Positions returned to number six on the chart dated April 24, 2021, selling 54,000 units (up 138%) in its 24th week.^[104] The album also peaked atop the Billboard Vinyl Albums Chart in the week ending April 15, 2021, becoming Grande's first chart-topper there.^[105] Having sold around 32,000 vinyl LPs that week, it held the former record for the largest vinyl sales week by a female artist since MRC Data began tracking sales in 1991.^[106] On April 6, 2021, Positions was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for moving a million units in the US.^[107]

As of the July 2021 MRC Data report, Positions was the tenth most consumed album of 2021 thus far, having earned 707,000 units in the year's first six months.^[108]

Other territories[]

In the United Kingdom, Positions debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming her fourth number one album. For the second time, Grande achieved a chart double with the title track at number one as well. Grande achieved this in 2019, when her album Thank U, Next and single "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" topped the album and singles chart simultaneously. She is the fourth artist to achieve a chart double in 2020, after Drake, Eminem, and Stormzy, and the second female artist to achieve this feat twice since Rihanna in 2011.^[109] In April 2021, Positions also topped the UK's Official Vinyl Albums Chart.^[110]

In Canada, Positions debuted at the top spot of Billboard Canadian Albums chart, yielding Grande her fourth Canadian number-one album and third consecutive number-one album.^[111] It remained at number one for two consecutive weeks.^[112] All 14 tracks of Positions charted on the Canadian Hot 100 simultaneously—Grande's third album to do so, after Sweetener and Thank U, Next. The title track became Grande's fifth Canadian number-one hit and "34+35" debuted at number eight and later peaked at number five, becoming Grande's 18th top ten hit in the country.^[113]

In Ireland, Positions debuted atop the Irish Albums Chart, becoming Grande's fourth consecutive number one album in the country. It was the most downloaded and most streamed album of the week. Joining Madonna, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, Grande became the fourth female soloist to claim at least four number-one albums on the Irish Charts.^[114]

Aided by Positions, Grande placed at number eight on the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's top global artists list of 2020, ranking third amongst women.^[115]

Track listing[]

Credits adapted from the liner notes and Tidal.^[116][117]

Notes[]

• ^{^[a]} signifies a co-producer
• ^{^[b]} signifies an additional producer
• ^{^[c]} these contributors are only credited on digital releases of the album
• Track titles are stylized in all lowercase, except "34+35 Remix".
• Physical releases of Positions credit Doja Cat and the Weeknd as featured artists instead of co-lead artists on "Motive" and "Off the Table", respectively.

Personnel[]

Credits adapted from Tidal.^[118]

Musicians[]

Production[]

Technical[]

Charts[]

Certifications[]

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[162]	Gold	10,000
France (SNEP)[163]	Gold	50,000
Mexico (AMPROFON)[164]	Platinum	60,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[165]	Platinum	15,000
Norway (IFPI Norway)[166]	Gold	10,000*
Poland (ZPAV)[167]	Gold	10,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[168]	Gold	100,000
United States (RIAA)[107]	Platinum	1,000,000
* Sales figures based on certification alone. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history[]

See also[]

• Album era
• List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2020
• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2020s
• List of number-one albums of 2020 (Canada)
• List of number-one albums of 2020 (Ireland)
• List of number-one albums from the 2020s (New Zealand)
• List of number-one albums in Norway

References[]