Less than four months after the release of her sixth studio album Positions, pop princess Ariana Grande returned with the surprise release of Positions (Deluxe). This re-release of the chart-topping album features five bonus tracks which her diehard fans were eager to hear, including new single test drive.

Grande had teased the release of the bonus tracks on her Instagram, most notably teasing test drive, which fans had already managed to get their hands on snippets of. Opening with an 80s-like synth-pop instrumental, it only takes 15 seconds for the trap beats associated with Positions to be introduced, as Grande’s soft, angelic-like voice sings melodies which accompany the simple yet effective instrumental.

”The track is an easy listen which you will of no doubt find yourself dancing along to”

Whilst the track is only 2 minutes and 20 seconds long and doesn’t showcase the entire range of Grande’s vocal ability, unlike her previous hard-to-miss powerhouse singles such as Dangerous Woman, the track is an easy listen which you will of no doubt find yourself dancing along to. Using the metaphors of driving and cars to convey an image of an undying love, perhaps written about her fiancé Dalton Gomez, the lyrics are heartfelt yet sultry, a songwriting technique which Grande appears to have mastered over the years.

Bonus Tracks

Given the short length of the track, it works perfectly with the other tracks Grande presented to her loyal fanbase on Positions (Deluxe), including worst behaviour, main thing and someone like u – interlude. All of these tracks are around the 2-minute mark, and explore similar vocal ranges from Grande, tapping into the ethereal side of her voice whilst singing lyrics of true love. And with the tracks being a surprise release, I’m sure that 2021 will bring more fun-loving pop songs from Grande, who is currently one of the main artists dominating the music industry.

Amrit Virdi

Featured image courtesy of lindsay neilson photos via Flickr. Image license found here. No changes made to this image.

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