OPINIONS EDITOR

Stepping into a Nickelodeon star’s debut album is, to say the least, unfamiliar territory for me. Blooming child stars often find themselves reaching far beyond their niches, whether in musical ambition or lyrical content. Being constrained by contracts and networks for so long, they have a newfound freedom that can often be more dangerous than becoming.

Ariana Grande, known as the cute and quirky character Cat on “Victorious,” recently flipped this notion on its head with her debut album Yours Truly. Coming in at around 46 minutes, each of the 12 tracks keep things fresh and surprisingly vigorous. After hearing the rhythmically and lyrically accessible first single, “The Way,” featuring Mac Miller, the expectation was 11 more tracks of, well, that.

On track after track, however, Grande boasts a powerful voice reminiscent of Mariah Carey’s younger days filled with a satisfying helping of confidence and passion. She is capable of quick pitch change and appealing falsettos. There are only a handful of moments when her talent fails to surprise with intriguing reshaping and restyling, all within the confines of one or two songs. Bolstered by a glistening and glossy production, courtesy of producer and songwriter Babyface, her bubbly voice  is rarely overshadowed by the progressive pop instrumentation.

One of the most accessible and upbeat tracks, “Lovin’ It,” is as energetic as it is playful. It is an example of Grande’s balance of ambition and caution: she not only knows when to change up the game with some flaunting and flirtatious vocals and production, but also knows when to pull the reins. Another favorite is the album’s opener, “Honeymoon Avenue,” where airy production and pleasing back-up vocals help build up to one of the catchiest and funkiest choruses on the album.

This debut album is as playful as her personality, both in and out of the studio. Grande’s focus on clean and slick production is detailed, and it complements, rather than overwhelms, her voice. It is a solid effort which will result in satisfied fans and surprised newcomers, like myself. Whether any tracks other than “The Way” will make it to a radio rotation remains uncertain, but if not this time, then next time for sure. “Yours Truly” is a sign of bigger and better things to come, and that is saying a lot given this record’s magnetic personality.