When My Everything arrived as the summer of 2014 drew to a close, it was clear that
Ariana Grande was poised to be the reigning pop diva of the mid-decade. Possessed with greater vocal chops than any of her peers -- her effortless runs revealed the limitations of
Katy Perry and
Rihanna -- she luxuriated in her debt to
Mariah Carey on her 2013 debut
Yours Truly, working mainly with
Babyface to re-create the vibe and feel of the '90s. On My Everything,
Grande takes a decisive step into the future, breaking away from
Babyface so she can bring in a host of modern producers --
Max Martin,
Shellback,
David Guetta, Benny Blanco,
Ryan Tedder, Darkchild, and Pop & Oak among them -- not to mention a parade of guest stars highlighted by
Iggy Azalea,
A$AP Ferg,
the Weeknd,
Childish Gambino,
Zedd, and
Big Sean. All this suggests
Grande is resolved to inhabit her time, which is true. She remains anchored in '90s soul on My Everything -- and it's hard to deny her love of
Mariah, although
Ariana rarely indulges in the high-flying melisma that's her idol's specialty -- but there are serious EDM flourishes and a facility with hip-hop, something that's showcased via the countless cameos that eat up the midsection of the album. With the exception of
Iggy swooping in on "Problem" or
the Weeknd on "Love Me Harder," these cameos are often used as flair -- not dissimilar to the washes of analog synths, the "I'm Coming Out" sample on "Break Your Heart Right Back," or stuttering EDM beats -- on songs that keep the focus on the melodies
Grande delivers with exacting grace. Ultimately, this emphasis on song is to the benefit of My Everything. Perhaps
Grande doesn't overwhelm the songs the way an old-fashioned diva would, but she functions as a likeable pop ringleader, stepping aside when the track calls for it and then unleashing a full-throated wail when it's her time to shine. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine