Both albums, 'Dark Matter' and 'Eternal Sunshine', offer distinct listening experiences rooted in personal themes and emotional exploration. 'Dark Matter' appeals to fans of classic rock with its return to form, while 'Eternal Sunshine' showcases Ariana Grande's growth in the pop and R&B landscape. The choice depends on individual preferences for genre and musical style.
| Attribute | Dark Matter - Pearl Jam | Eternal Sunshine - Ariana Grande |
|---|---|---|
| Album Name | Dark Matter - Pearl Jam | Eternal Sunshine - Ariana Grande |
| Release Date | April 19, 2024 | March 8, 2024 |
| Genre | Alternative rock, hard rock | Pop and R&B, with influences of dance, synth-pop, and house. Some reviewers note elements of trap-pop, disco, and 90s/early 2000s R&B. |
| Number of Tracks | 11 | 13. The deluxe edition, "Brighter Days Ahead," features 19 tracks. |
| Singles Released | Dark Matter, Running, Wreckage, Waiting for Stevie | Yes, And? (January 12, 2024), We Can't Be Friends (Wait for Your Love) (March 8, 2024), The Boy Is Mine (June 7, 2024) |
| Album Length | 48 minutes, 21 seconds | 35 minutes, 26 seconds. The deluxe edition is 55 minutes, 21 seconds. |
| Guest Artists | Josh Klinghoffer, Glen Hansard, Lukas Nelson | Nonna (Ariana Grande's grandmother) is featured on "Ordinary Things". The deluxe edition includes remixes featuring Mariah Carey, Troye Sivan, Brandy, and Monica. |
| Producer(s) | Andrew Watt | Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Oscar G res, Davidior, Aaron Paris, Shintaro Yasuda, Nick Lee, Will Loftis, and Luka Kloser. Max Martin produced eleven of the thirteen tracks. |
| Record Label | Monkeywrench Records/Republic Records | Republic Records |
| Lyrical Themes | Mortality, legacy, human connection, loss, sociopolitical issues | Love, loss, healing, emotional recovery, resilience, self-acceptance, and the complexities of relationships. The album explores themes of both confidence and self-deprecation, drawing inspiration from Grande's personal relationships. |
| Vocal Performance Style | Emotive and intense, fluid and free | Restrained, delicate, and emotional, balancing vulnerability and strength. Some critics note a departure from her signature high notes and belting in favor of a more understated sound. |
| Instrumentation | Strong guitar riffs, thunderous rhythms, variety of bass types, avoids synthesizers or drum machines | Mid-tempo synthesizers, subtle guitar and string elements, trap beats, piano, and disco influences. |
| Critical Reception | Widespread critical acclaim, some reviewers have called it their best album in decades | Generally positive, with praise for its emotional vulnerability, restrained vocals, and cohesive production. Some critics found the songwriting unrefined or the album somewhat typical for Grande. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Pros | Return to a more traditional sound, Explores themes of mortality and human connection, Emotive and intense vocal performance, Strong guitar riffs and thunderous rhythms, Blend of nostalgia and innovation, Dynamic listening experience | Emotional vulnerability, Restrained vocals, Cohesive production, Introspective and emotionally raw lyrics, Smooth transitions between songs, Showcases growth as a singer and storyteller |
| Cons | Sound a bit one-dimensional from an audiophile perspective, Doesn't maintain a consistently high level throughout | Some critics found the songwriting unrefined, Some critics found the album somewhat typical for Grande, Some critics found certain songs, such as 'Yes, And?', out of place or generic, Some critics felt that the album is not revolutionary |