Ariana Grande‘s got 99 problems, but a scorching summer kiss-off anthem ain’t one.
After dropping her acclaimed Yours Truly last year (it’s all about “Tattooed Heart,” still), the pint-sized Nickelodeon starlet-turned-demon-seeing Kabbalah pop princess wasted no time hopping right back in the studio to record a follow-up to her 2013 debut — and “Problem” is the first taste of Round 2.
Although the song’s not officially out until midnight (#ProblemToday #ProblemMidnight #BuyProblemOniTunes) (UPDATE: IT’S HERE!), the tiny belter already premiered the track live at the Radio Disney Music Awards last night, and some stealthy Arianator caught the footage in full. (UPDATE: Replaced with Radio Disney’s version.) Watch above. Also, look at Miss Thang busting a move!
PIPES FOR DAYS
What would an Ariana Grande song be without some pearl-clutching, Mariah-lite vocals? The hook-filled verses are sweet and breezy (“I want you-hoo-hoo!”), but it’s really all about the pre-chorus build on “Problem,” which sees Ariana blasting off like a lil’ bottle rocket.
“Head in the clouds, got no WEIGHT ON MY SHOULDAAAAAHS!”
“I should be WISER, AND REALIZE THAT IIIIIII’VE GAHHHT…!”
WAIT (THE WHISPER SONG)
A whisper is almost always a good thing in pop, and Big Sean‘s uncredited, sexily whispered “I got one less problem without ya…” in the chorus is certainly no exception.
GET SAXY RIGHT NOW
Much like Jason Derulo‘s global smash “Talk Dirty” and, more importantly, Romanian legend Alexandra Stan‘s “Mr. Saxobeat,” Ariana’s grinding up against a nasty little saxophone solo in the song’s post-chorus breakdown. When it doubt, sax it out.
IT’S THE I-G-G-Y
Iggy Azalea is having her long-awaited moment right now following the release of The New Classic last week — which just so happens to time quite nicely with a Top 40 radio feature with Ariana. “The best thing now is probably for you to exit/I let you go, let you back, finally learned my lesson,” the “Fancy” femcee snarls. Once again, the 2014 Lady Power pop duets trend continues. GIRL POWER.
Unlike her Motown-meets-early ’90’s-flavored debut, Ariana’s coming for that modern sound with “Problem” — and the result is almost certainly a soon-to-be radio smash this summer. The only problem? Getting this one out of your head anytime soon.
“Problem” will be released on April 28. (iTunes)