Ariana Grande Releases Eighth Studio Album petal With 12 New Tracks and a Title-Track Video

Ariana Grande released her eighth studio album, petal, on July 31 through Babydoll Music and Republic Records, opening a new chapter in her recording career while she continues her first global concert tour in more than seven years. The 12-track project arrives with an official music video for the title track and follows Grande’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine.

The album was co-written and produced by Grande and longtime collaborator ILYA, with Max Martin joining the pair as a co-writer and producer on three songs. Universal Music Canada confirmed the release, full tracklist and accompanying “petal” video in an official July 31 announcement.

petal gives Grande a 12-song follow-up to Eternal Sunshine

The new album includes “kiss me,” “hate that i made you love me,” “petal,” “stay,” “oh well,” “big feelings,” “freak,” “warning signs (interlude),” “like i do,” “never get over me,” “bad thing (bunny hop)” and “nowhere, nobody.” Grande’s official store listing independently confirms the 12-song sequence.

Its arrival follows several months of rollout around the project. Grande first announced petal in April, with Rolling Stone reporting at the time that she had executive produced and co-written the record with ILYA. The publication also noted that Grande described the album through an image of growth emerging from difficult circumstances, framing the project as both vulnerable and resilient.

The lead single, “hate that i made you love me,” arrived before the album and became another major chart entry for the singer. Universal Music Canada said the track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Grande her tenth career chart-topper on that ranking.

The title-track video extends the album’s release-day rollout

Grande paired the album release with an official video for “petal,” directed by Christian Breslauer. The video premiered on July 31, making the title song one of the immediate focal points of the album’s launch rather than leaving the release as a streaming-only event.

The visual component also fits the larger presentation surrounding the record. Grande’s official stores are offering multiple physical editions, including vinyl, CD and cassette formats, while the digital edition presents the full 12-track sequence as one compact release.

That rollout gives petal a traditional album campaign at a time when many pop releases are increasingly built around staggered singles and short-form digital moments. Grande’s team has instead combined physical editions, a lead single, a full album and a release-day video under the same campaign.

Early reviews point to a more restrained sound

Critical reaction published alongside the album has focused on a shift in tone and delivery. The Associated Press described petal as a more restrained project than some of Grande’s earlier work, emphasizing subtler vocals, softer production choices and a stronger focus on atmosphere. The review characterized the album as a stylistic pivot rather than a simple continuation of her previous pop formula.

The Guardian likewise highlighted a darker and more controlled mood, arguing that the album channels frustration toward relationships, fame and public scrutiny without relying on constant vocal spectacle. Rolling Stone’s review also framed the record as one of Grande’s more emotionally pointed releases. Those interpretations vary in assessment, but they converge on the idea that petal represents a deliberate tonal shift.

That makes the release significant beyond its chart potential. Grande has long been associated with technically demanding pop vocals and large-scale singles, while petal appears to place greater emphasis on mood, texture and emotional restraint.

The album arrives during Grande’s return to touring

petal also arrives while Grande is back onstage with the Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first global tour in more than seven years. Universal Music Canada said the run includes stops across the United States, Canada and London, connecting the new album to a broader return to live performance.

The timing gives Grande an unusual overlap between two major eras of her catalog. The tour was built around her return after Eternal Sunshine, but the release of petal introduces a new studio album while that tour is still active.

It also follows a period in which Grande’s music and acting careers have increasingly overlapped. She received major awards recognition for her portrayal of Glinda in the Wicked films while continuing to release pop music and prepare new recordings.

What comes next

The immediate focus now shifts to how petal performs commercially and which songs emerge as the album’s strongest long-term singles. No additional single schedule was included in the July 31 release announcement.

What is confirmed is that Grande has entered the next phase of her catalog with a full 12-song studio album, a new visual release and an active global tour. Whether petal becomes a major awards contender or produces additional No. 1 singles will depend on developments still ahead.

About the author

Jonas Muthoni

Jonas Muthoni is the Editor at The Showbiz Journal, where he curates and oversees engaging content across the lifestyle, entertainment, and celebrity news landscape. With a sharp eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of pop culture trends, Jonas brings fresh, authentic perspectives to the publication. His editorial work reflects a passion for uncovering unique voices and spotlighting the moments that shape the world of entertainment.