Chart music is dead, lets face it.
There are no new acts coming through, and a lot of old acts dying – literally – which is getting us increasingly worried about the future of music.
I dont want to whine on about where the David Bowies are nowadays (but seriously, where are they?), or how everything is manufactured by that one music mogul we all love to hate.
But if its not Drake moping around about his feelings, or Kanye West trying to fit the words orgasm, cum, and ho into the first three lines of his song, then what is actually making it into the charts these days?
Little Mix? Jess Glynne? Miley Cyrus?
All fabulous acts for sure, pray tell, where are the new artists? The one hit wonders? The rock and rollers? The punks?
Someone needs to give Halsey a medal for managing to make her way into the top ten, and hold her position with the new track Without Me. Girl, we salute you.
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But despite 2018 being pretty dull on the music front, you cant deny it, there is one hope left – and we think she might just be what everyone needs right now: Ariana Grande.
Hear me out.
Ari wasnt in my radar really until the terror attack happened at the Manchester Arena.
I knew she existed, that she had some kind of beef with Victoria Justice, and that she was then dating Mac Miller, but despite that Id paid very little attention to her.
Sorry Ari.
However, it was the One Love Manchester concert that grabbed me, and Ive been a fan of her ever since.
Not her music in particular, though Sweetener has so many bangers on it, but a fan of Ariana Grande herself, and what she is doing with the music scene.
Back in the good ol days (I hate that phrase too, but you get my point), some of the biggest names in music would come together to put on once in a lifetime concerts, such as Live Aid, The Freddie Mercury Tribute concert and even the concert for Bangladesh back in 1971.
But this seems to have stopped in recent years. Okay, we have festivals – but nothing like the above.
That was until Ariana.
After the most horrendous time in Manchester, the 25-year-old came back and put on probably one of the biggest benefit concerts of our generation.
She managed to get the Black Eyed Peas, Liam Gallagher, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Little Mix, Mac Miller, Take That and so many more huge names on the same stage, on the same night, and wow – honestly she doesnt get enough credit for it.
Following this she managed to generate so much hype around her latest album Sweetener, which again she involved a number of amazing artists on, and changed up her sound, where she put out an honest work of art like shed never done before.
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She wore her heart on her sleeve, addressed her mental health in such a way that so many could relate to, and showed her vulnerability when it came to love.
Not only this, but she took power over her sexuality, and without hating on men, managed to empower women, something Madonna, Patti Smith and Debbie Harry did so well.
And speaking of Madge, Ari gave a nod to all the women in music who have led the way, and allowed her to be where she is today, by getting the Queen of Pop to feature on her single God Is A Woman, giving it so much more importance and dominance in music history.
Then, despite just releasing an album, she randomly put out the track Thank U, Next, which wasnt attached to an album, or tour, or anything other than her feelings.
I mean, who does that these days?
This sparked the star to make a video for the new tune, and it was probably one of the biggest videos put out there in like… the past decade.
Ariana managed to bring back excitement surrounding music videos, which for some reason was lost back in the noughties.
With 829,000 viewers tuning in to watch its premiere and having more than 516,000 chat messages, Thank U, Next became the biggest ever Premiere on YouTube.
Not only this, but she had so many guest appearances by celebrities that didnt even feature in her song, providing more than just Ari dancing in a room with a bunch of models around her.
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Anyone could tell so much thought went into the clip as it told a story that related to the song, just as the video for God Is A Woman did, and No Tears Left To Cry.
Shes a star thats putting herself out there, but holding back just enough to keep us on the edge of our seats. She knows what she wants – and clearly shes giving her best go at achieving it.
Over that past year she has shown not only strength, but a boldness that artists appear to be scared of reaching towards these days.
She has her own identity (and thats not just the high ponytail, thigh high boots and oversized jumpers), and is completely owning all of the things that could have put an end to her career.
From the Manchester terror attack, to her breaking off her engagement, and even the death of her former boyfriend Mac Miller.
More: Ariana Grande
Like a phoenix she has risen from the ashes and has given us all hope that the music scene isnt dead just yet.
Theres a lot to learn from the pint size singer, and we hope her fellow stars have taken note on some of the ways she has reignited life and excitement back into the career she so obviously loves.
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