Image Credit: Spotify
Nine years ago, on March 18, 2016, Ariana Grande gifted the world with “Be Alright,” a deep house-infused track that quickly became a fan favorite. As the first promotional single from her third studio album, Dangerous Woman, the song not only showcased Grande’s versatility but also marked a defining moment in her career.
A Song That Stood the Test of Time
Blending elements of ‘90s deep house, Chicago house, and R&B, “Be Alright” became a go-to anthem for optimism and resilience. The song’s carefree lyrics—assuring that “the hard times are golden ’cause they all lead to better days”—resonated deeply with listeners, offering a sense of hope.
Grande first teased the track in 2015 through Snapchat snippets, and fans eagerly awaited its release. When it finally arrived in March 2016, it was met with critical acclaim. Digital Spy hailed it as “a right little jam” with “deep house and high notes,” while Slant Magazine described it as a “minimalistic banger” with a retro feel. However, not all reviews were glowing—Rolling Stone found the track “flat and monochromatic,” but that did little to diminish its impact.
A Performance Staple
The song’s influence extended beyond streaming charts and reviews. Grande performed “Be Alright” live for the first time on Saturday Night Live, debuting a vogue-inspired choreography that became an integral part of her Dangerous Woman Tour, where the song served as the opening number.
Beyond her own concerts, Grande performed “Be Alright” at significant cultural moments, including the One Love Manchester benefit concert in 2017, the March for Our Lives rally in 2018, and the Concert for Charlottesville. The track remained a staple in her Sweetener World Tour setlist, solidifying its place in her musical legacy.
From Controversy to Classic
While the song enjoyed success, it wasn’t without controversy. British producer Mura Masa accused Grande’s team of copying his 2015 track “Firefly,” leading to him and vocalist Nao being credited as co-writers. The dispute, however, did little to overshadow the track’s popularity.
As Be Alright marks its ninth anniversary, it remains a beloved fan favorite—a song that captured a moment in pop history and continues to inspire listeners worldwide. Whether as an uplifting anthem or a reminder of Ariana Grande’s artistic evolution, “Be Alright” proves that some songs never fade; they only grow stronger with time.
