Artist: Ariana Grande

Genre: Pop/Bubblegum Pop

Rating: ★★★

Attempting to rise from the ashes of doughnut gate, Grande slams on the pop market with Focus. Focus is abysmal and reductive coming from the singer, for the chord progression and hook are very reminiscent of  Problem. The producers cut and pasted the elements of ad libs, a theme surrounding liberation in a relationship. Focus has all the staples of 2010 bubblegum pop hits: saxophone, synths and vocals riffs blending in the background. Grande’s voice pierces through the sharp saxophones to give a  vocal delivery that’s full of bravado. It completely captures the essence of the song’s lyrics. Lyrically, Focus tells the rudimentary narrative of a girl demanding the right treatment in a relationship. However, I have to give it to Miss Grande and her team. They have true insight on how to write an infectious pop hit. Focus is a decent pop number; hopefully Grande’s next effort is a total departure both sonically and lyrically from Focus.