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
,
Grande
takes a decisive step into the future, breaking away from
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
Big Sean
. All this suggests
is resolved to inhabit her time, which is true. She remains anchored in '90s soul on
-- 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
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
delivers with exacting grace. Ultimately, this emphasis on song is to the benefit of
. Perhaps
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