Ariana Grande’s 2024 comeback with Eternal Sunshine was more than just an album drop. It was a wake-up call which led to all the major drops until today. After taking a break from music and the spotlight to focus on acting for the last couple of years, the pop star is back in the spotlight, and fans are beyond excited. Many thought it would be years before the next announcement, but she surprised them in March 2025 with a release of an extended version, her Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead which features six brand new tracks. This version not only deepened the original album but represents her resilience and strength.
Ariana’s career has always been reinvented. From her Nickelodeon days as the iconic Cat Valentine, to becoming a global pop star. She balances both her passion for music and acting, reshaping her image as she continues to grow. She doesn’t reinvent herself to erase her past, but as symbol of her growth.
Anyone who has been an Arianator since day one would know that her journey hasn’t been easy. She had face public heartbreaks, personal loss, online hate, trauma of the Manchester attack, the constant spotlight and the pressure navigating her way as a young female pop star.
Through all the hardships, Ariana had turned her pain into fuel for growth, which made her stronger as she continues to produce new music and act in new roles. Her resilience is what makes her recent albums Eternal Sunshine and Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead so meaningful and powerful. They aren’t just albums. They are a reflection of her perseverance, and to remind listeners that no matter what, it will get better.
Deluxe Album
The original Eternal Sunshine album was one of Ariana’s most emotional albums yet. Vulnerable, pure and full of storytelling that reflected her musicality and songwriting talents, turning her process of healing into art. The deluxe version, Brighter Days Ahead, doesn’t just extend the story, it lyrically deepens it. The tracks are raw and lyrically honest, encapsulating everything from the original album. This made the deluxe version hit even harder. Her impact was recognized when she took home an MTV Video Music Award for Brighter Days Ahead on Sunday night for Video of the year.
The deluxe album contained a release of six new tracks: “Intro (End of the World) Extended, “Twilight Zone”, “Warm”, “Dandelion”, “Past Life” and “Hamstead”. After listening to it first time, the deluxe version transforms you into another dimension. The lyrics. The production. And Ariana’s vocals blended into a dreamy and powerful emotional rollercoaster.
Among the new tracks, Twilight Zone, Hamstead, and Warm carried strong emotional baggage that resonated deeply with the themes of survival and renewal. These three tracks continue to be on constant repeat. They are the kind of songs listeners return to again and again.
Twilight Zone was the centerpiece and fan favourite from the deluxe album. Its cinematic and bold approach was phenomenal. Warm and Hamstead are tracks that also carry a melody that transforms you into another dimension. Her songs and discography are so dreamy it is like an angel floating into heaven. Her lyrical and musical ability to transform heartbreak into both hope and strength, yet still sound so dreamy and gut wrenching all at once highlights her growth. The way she mixes raw emotion with strong powerful storytelling makes it easy for listeners to connect to. These deluxe tracks are making their way onto many fans’ Spotify wrap. The deluxe album hit so hard because it reminds listeners that even when life seams bleak, there is still hope for better days to come.
Her comeback left fans already buzzing about the possibility of a tour which sparked many speculations and wild theories, especially after a recent Instagram post.
“finding a balance, between many projects and endeavors i love, and doing it my own way… so i’m working on a plan to sing for you all next year. even if it’s just for a little.” – Ariana Grande [Instagram Caption]
Fans were already planning outfits after this teaser, showing the anticipation for her return to tour again. The global excitement around this tour speaks volumes and proved true when Ariana recently announced her Eternal Sunshine Tour. The significance of her first tour in seven years represent everything her deluxe album Brighter Days Ahead stands for, symbolizing her perseverance.
While Eternal Sunshine was about heartbreak and loss, the deluxe version Brighter Days Ahead celebrates the promise of brighter days. The album is a reminder to fans that no matter what, there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that there are brighter days ahead.
Caitlin 
Clara 
Kath Smart