So I thought I could safely go into positions with at least moderate level of expectations. Not too high, because the title track which Grande dropped last week didn’t much the quality of her previous singles. It wasn’t awful by any means, the string arrangements and vocal performance were top notch, it just felt like Ariana by the numbers without a strong refrain to carry the track. Sadly when we go deeper into the record it doesn’t get much better. Sure, the instrumentation is lush and beautiful, there’s some stunning string sections but for the most part it seams like it’s all positions has to offer. Ariana’s voice fits very well over the orchestral wall of sounds and delicate beats but in a lot of cases here the melody is forgettable, there’s no punch or hard hitting beat that would demand listeners attention, the album kind of floats over your head like a soft- high pitched breeze (I can’t do metaphors why do I even try).
One would hope that the guest features might at least shake things up a little. Sadly the only time that happens is on motive with Doja Cat. Her silly delivery brings some balance to Ariana’s vocals, the beat has some urgency to it and the song is actually catchy. Her duet with Weeknd comes of pretty bland though and the Ty Dolla $ign is just awful.
There are some highlights though. Apart from motive we also get my hair, a simple yet stunning R&B cut, and pov, a solid closer that shows that the ideas Ariana plays with all over the record can actually work if there’s a memorable refrain and lyrics in place.
Positions just feels like a place-holder. I really doubt anyone will be talking about this record in a month, it's about as memorable as that last Childish Gambino album.
Rating: 4.5/10
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