Ariana Grande enters new era with ‘hate that I made you love me’

Ariana Grande has officially entered a new musical era with the release of ‘hate that i made you love me,’ the lead single from her upcoming eighth studio album petal.

The single was released on Friday, May 29, and was produced by her long-time collaborator Ilya alongside Max Martin, with the music video to be released on Monday, June 1.

The meaning behind ‘petal’

In ‘hate that i made you love me,’ Grande reflects on a past relationship over a sauntering instrumental.

The album name, ‘petal,’ is a metaphor for how even in the most volatile conditions, a flower can still bloom.

As she’s teased her eighth studio album, the phrase “petal in the pavement” has been used by the artist.

We have often heard about the rose that grows from the concrete, and after going through a divorce in the public eye, Grande appears to be blooming despite it all.

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Grande embraces vulnerability

The verses and bridge beautifully capture the artist’s growth through the pain: “Turned tears into diamonds / got good at goodbyes / Just know that I will find my way from you / Like flowers from a tomb,” and “Is it really my fault you all gave me your hearts of your own accord? / I don’t really think so.”

In the chorus, there’s an honest regret from the pop star as she sings, “Hate that I made you love me / Sorry if I made me your type / I hate that I made you love me / ‘Cause I barely tried.”

Since announcing the album, Grande has described it as “a little feral,” and “something that is full of life” with songs about “growing through the cracks of something cold and hard and challenging.”

“It was kind of about breaking up with all different kinds of negative attachments - whether it’s my own monsters in my own head, external voices, things that no longer serve me,” she said.

Grande has embraced honesty and vulnerability in her music since releasing Sweetener in 2018, with each project becoming increasingly personal.”

And following the release of ‘hate that i made you love me,’ it is clear that this may be the artist’s most raw release yet.

Still, not much is known about AG8. The album will be released on July 31 during Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour.

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Nicole Powell

Nicole is a sports writer and editor with expertise in motorsports and football, currently managing the motorsport department at Last Word On Sports (LWOS).

She thrives on blending her love for Chelsea FC with insightful football pieces and channels her admiration for Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel into compelling motorsport narratives.

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A perfectionist at heart (and mildly allergic to typos), she approaches every project with a mix of professionalism and her signature enthusiasm for all things sport.

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