“7 rings”

Flexing is a seldom-used but crucial part of Ariana Grande’s self-care regimen. She luxuriated in the joy of being young, beautiful, and wealthy on the featherlight Sweetener cut “successful,” and on her newest single “7 rings,” she expresses the same sentiment from a far more malicious stance. Coasting over an icy beat imbued with real menace, this is the toughest she’s ever sounded, especially when she hits a third verse that’s rapped with impressive dexterity. If only she took the poor listener along for the ride.

Grande has dangled “7 rings” over fans’ heads for months, tweeting about the tipsy Tiffany’s trip that inspired the song and teasing the beat in the “thank u, next” video. It’s a letdown given all of the hype. This is The Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things” as flipped by Regina George, and its sneering tone is a far cry from Sweetener’s benevolence: “Whoever said money can’t solve your problems/Must not have had enough money to solve ‘em,” she taunts. There’s no denying the pleasure of retail therapy, but Grande’s recent work has been remarkable for its empathy and inclusiveness. “7 rings” is a sharp, red-bottomed stiletto heel that punctures the fantasy that Grande is just like you.