Dangerous Woman, by Ariana Grande

Album Image:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Dangerous Woman

Artist: Ariana Grande

Label: Universal Records

Released: 2016

Reader’s Annotation:

An album with a big sound, from a strong woman.

Summary:

This is the third album Ariana Grande has released 11 different tracks.  The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Macy Gray, and Nicki Minaj.  The album debuted at #2 in the United States, and several tracks from the album were released as singles.

Critical Evaluation:

Ariana Grande is clearly a talented performer.  The album has a high quality sound.  The tracks are crisp sounding, well recorded, and deftly mixed.  While there is some use of musical effects, like echo, autotune, and distortion, Grande’s natural ability shines through as well.

One of the things that stood out to me the most about this album is the versatility of sounds incorporated into the tracks.  Musical influences range from 90s pop to reggae, disco to soul.  Many of the tracks have a sultry sound to them, but there are several upbeat dance numbers as well, such as the track “Greedy”.

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Music

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

You could do a booktalk where teens talk about one of the tracks that features a guest artist

A general discussion on how teen artists get trapped in their teen image, and use albums to declare their independence.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

13 and up

Challenge Issues: Could potentially be challenged due to sexually suggestive lyrics and adult language- there is a label of explicit on this album.

  If this item were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this item selected:

This is one of those areas where my taste is completely different from that of teens.  Personally, I do not care for Ariana Grande, either as an artist or as a person.  However, many of the teens in my library love this album.  Part of Grande’s appeal to teens is her past affiliation with Nickelodeon, and the fact that she recently acted in a teen focused show on Fox, called “Scream Queens”.  It is clear to me that she is trying to assert her adult independence in this CD.  I included this item in my collection because this is the type of items my teens ask for.  As a librarian, it is my duty to meet patron needs, even when I personally do not care for the material.