A Review of Ariana Grande’s ‘7 Rings’: This is One Of My Favorite Things

You know what they say, New Year, New Ariana Grande anthem! The pop star from Boca Raton does not disappoint with the single ‘7 Rings’ off of her recently released album "thank u, next". Playful yet no nonsense, the song starts off with the familiar riff from Richard Roger’s and Oscar Hammerstein’s ‘These Are a Few of My Favorite Things,’ from the 1960’s classic, The Sound of Music. However, it is not the lyrics that we adore and remember, but rather empowering lyrics in Grande’s enchanting, Disney like princess voice. Just look at her opening verse!
Grande changes the tried and true lyrics of the classic, “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens/Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens/Brown paper packages tied up with strings/These are a few of my favorite things,” to “Yeah, breakfast at Tiffany’s and bottles of bubbles/Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble/Lashes and diamonds, ATM machines/Buy myself all of my favorite things.”
But this boasting of wealth and materialism is nothing new to the Hip Hop genre. We hear it all the time in songs done by her male counterparts. However, what makes Grande’s song stand out from all the rest is that she takes this recurring theme of riches and boast of money and turns it into a celebration of female success the prosperity of being a bad ass lady in the music industry. Certainly something to be celebrated.
The chorus stays simple with a head bobbing, clipped rhythm. “I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it,” Grande huskily chants, further emphasizing her well-earned independence.

The story behind the song surrounds the musician’s breakup with ex-fiancé Pete Davidson. After their separation, she went with her six best friends to Tiffany, got drunk on expensive champagne, and bought all of her GF’s their own engagement rings. A grand tale of rich indulgence that is both alluring and nauseating. She is unapologetic about her bragging rights and her empowering rebellion. Who needs a fiancé when you’ve got red bottoms?

Review by: Charlotte Kohlberg
Charlotte is a recent Graduate in Art History from New York University.  After working at a publishing company, she realized her affinity for writing when she had to write weekly newsletters on authors and podcasts.  She started her journalism career contributing for online media and entertainment source, The Knockturnal. Currently living in New York City, Charlotte enjoys going to concerts and art museums, and mixing cocktails for her friends.