Ten years ago, Ariana Grande released her third studio album, “Dangerous Woman,” marking a shift in the pop star’s image. It followed the bright hybrid of EDM and R&B on “My Everything” with a decidedly darker, sultrier tone that would pave the way for “Sweetener,” “thank u, next,” and “Positions.” Grande crystallized her new approach in the title track, “Dangerous Woman.”
“Grande couldn’t have made these albums without creating ‘Dangerous Woman’ first,” Rolling Stone writes. “Ten years after its release, the singer’s third studio album is fundamental to her evolution as one of the biggest voices in pop, both figuratively and literally — ‘Greedy’ might be the loudest song she’s ever made. But more than anything, ‘Dangerous Woman’ was pivotal in establishing the kind of stories Grande could tell with that ironclad voice, and the emotions she could convey through it. It put the future of pop right in her hands.”
Watch her belt out “Dangerous Woman” during a live event for Vevo Presents that coincided with the album release in 2016.
How “Dangerous Woman” Reshaped Ariana Grande’s Sound
It’s only natural that Grande’s sound changed as she matured into her 20s, and she was deliberate about the growth. “I started putting out music when I was 16 or 17 and I’m 22 now…,” she said in an interview with 97.1 AMP in 2016. “I feel like I’ve grown so much, I’ve learned so much and I’ve personally evolved, and so I wanted my sound to evolve as well. ‘Dangerous Woman’ represents where I’m at right now.”
She went on to describe the album as “darker, more mature, and a nice blend between the R&B and pop” of her previous work. The song “Dangerous Woman” reflects that with a down-tempo 6/8 groove and sparse arrangement. It features the kick drum prominently in the mix, replicating a heartbeat pounding with exhilaration, with a guitar playing a simple yet soulful line.
“Dangerous Woman” is in E minor and follows the same chord progression throughout the song: Em-G-C-C. A light synth implies the harmony during the verse, but the chorus drops into an arena-rock feel by introducing more synths, a heavier bass line, and distorted guitar.
How to Sing Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman”
Grande says that “Dangerous Woman” is about empowerment and “letting someone into your life in an intimate and vulnerable way and not letting that take away from your independence and strength.” She uses her incredible vocal talents to tell the story beyond the lyrics, something all singers could learn from. As VoxTape Studios explains, the verses are breathy but not weak, creating intimacy and “presence without push.”
She builds things in the pre-chorus with greater volume, contrasting the rhythmic verse with a legato style. The chorus then returns to rhythmic consonants, with thoughtful tone shifts on the words “woman” and “shouldn’t” to darken them.
Finally, she wraps up with some higher notes towards the end of the song.
“Contrary to the verse where she’s really using the consonants to create that rhythmic feel, she’s almost skipping over the consonants to get these high notes out more easily,” VoxTape writes. While she’s not in a full chest belt up here, she’s in a very strong and chest-dominant mix, giving her such a full and powerful sound.”
Ten years after “Dangerous Woman,” Grande is about to reinvent her sound again. Her eighth studio album, “Petal,” drops on July 31st.
