Ariana Grande’s “petal” unfolds gradually, allowing her sound to bloom on her most intentional and expansive album to date.

Released Friday, “petal” is Grande’s eighth album and first studio release since “eternal sunshine,” which came out two years ago. Across twelve tracks, Grande ventures beyond conventional pop by blending genres and incorporating new production techniques while discussing fame, relationships and public perception. Produced by Grande and longtime collaborators ILYA and Max Martin, the album reunites the creative trio behind several of the vocalist’s biggest records including “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” and “no tears left to cry.” Despite spanning a brief thirty-six minutes, “petal” doesn’t feel rushed and is a worthy addition to the pop star’s discography.

Although “petal” features familiar collaborators, the album’s production is distinct. “kiss me,” the album’s opening track, immediately signals that Grande is venturing into new musical territory. Beginning with layers of distorted whispers and a sound reminiscent of a dystopian film, the track explores themes of alienation, escapism and empathy. Grande’s willingness to experiment with her sound continues throughout the album – notably prevalent on the album’s eleventh track, “bad thing (bunny hop),” during which driving percussion and pop-punk influences create one of the record’s most energetic moments. The track’s energy is mirrored in lyrics that capture the exhilaration of falling in love, with Grande’s airy vocals balancing the production.

[Related: Concert review: Suki Waterhouse’s cheeky ‘Loveland Tour’ enchants the Hollywood Forever Cemetery]

No track encapsulates the essence of “petal” better than its lead single “hate that i made you love me,” which foreshadows the album’s sonic character and themes with lyrics about scrutiny and identity. Released May 29th, the single earned Grande her 10th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

While “hate that i made you love me” is the album’s thesis, title track “petal” is its emotional and lyrical centerpiece. Grande dissects her experience as an artist and a public figure, singing that she wants to “feel something real to cry again.” As the song progresses, she continues to confront media narratives and express her exhaustion. Instead of pushing back against common, public criticisms of her love life, she embraces them as she sings “Tired of painting endless pictures of a life that isn’t mine / Trying different boys on for size / If this is my curse, I’ll let it ride,” acknowledging that public scrutiny will persist regardless of her efforts.

Grande doubles down on defiance in the album’s seventh track, “freak.” Intertwining the project’s floral imagery with one of its clearest declarations of hope, Grande sings, “Someday, all the seeds will open / All of the life I’ve been denied of / Will bloom all around, unfrozen.” The vocalist reimagines the flower motif of the album as a symbol of optimism and growth, emphasized by a cutting lyric: “I won’t give you your fantasy this time.” On this track, Grande declares that she is done putting on a performance for anyone but herself, both onstage and off.

The final stage of “petal” replaces Grande’s earlier rage with self-assurance. On “like i do,” the album’s ninth track, she proclaims, “Keep my heels tall, my ego small / But I’m still Grande,” noting her influence and status. The double entendre of her last name, Grande, is a playful reaffirmation of her identity and legacy.

Grande closes the album with “nowhere, nobody,” a track on which she sings that it’s “Hard to believe in a perfect ending.” Ironically, she delivers one. Rather than neatly resolving every emotional thread, “petal” concludes with the confidence of an artist who no longer feels compelled to chase perfection, making its final moment all the more satisfying.

Ultimately, Ariana Grande’s “petal” is an album that tells the story of an artist in bloom.