Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber, Universal Music 2020.
For me Ariana Grande will forever be associated with the terrorism incident that occurred at her concert in Manchester England in 2017.
It’s an incident that left its indelible mark on the music industry, on the innocence of many young fans, and I’m sure on Ariana herself.
The suicide bomber killed 23, mostly young girls, and left hundreds injured.
The ferocity of the act and choice of target left many bewildered and feeling powerless.
I remember becoming quite emotional while watching the benefit concert Ariana organised and performed in held on June 4th 2017.
In a very short time, and I suspect still greatly affected by what had happened, she assembled a cross-section of some of the best UK and world artists, including Justin Bieber, to raise funds to assist the victims.
Twenty-three million dollars was raised and in gratitude she was named an honorary citizen of Manchester.
Time has moved on, a different crisis consumes us, and Ariana (along with her friend Justin Bieber) has joined the throng of artists who have decided to respond to the changed conditions musically.
Stuck With U is a heartfelt ballad that would make an ideal addition to your ‘Surviving the Pandemic’ mixed tape.
The two performers have very good chemistry and their voices blend and harmonise well.
It’s a classic pop song with catchy musical and lyrical hooks sung by two of the biggest names in the pop world.
On release in April it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 100 continuing Ariana’s incredible run of number one singles.
She is the only artist to have debuted at #1 three years in a row.
