Released in 2014, 'Break Free' has become a defining anthem for Ariana Grande, produced by the renowned Max Martin. Known for his numerous No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Martin's collaboration with Grande on this track was initially met with some resistance from the artist herself.
During a recent interview on 'Hot Ones,' Grande revealed her initial reluctance towards the vocal intonation on a specific lyric in the song's chorus. Despite her reservations, Martin insisted on a particular style, which Grande eventually delivered out of frustration. Surprisingly, Martin loved the unique take, which ultimately made it onto the final recording.
Grande's candid nature extends to her past works, as she has openly critiqued songs like 'Touch It' and expressed relief when fans requested the removal of 'Bang Bang' from her live performances. However, her perspective on 'Break Free' has evolved over time, with the artist now appreciating the song for its fan reception and the creative process with Martin.
Reflecting on her early music career, Grande acknowledged the challenges of becoming a pop star at a young age and how those experiences influenced her songwriting. Through personal growth and therapy, she has learned to embrace her older songs with pride and gratitude, contrasting her previous emotional reactions to them.
Grande's musical journey began with her debut album 'Yours Truly' in 2013 and has since culminated in her latest release, 'Eternal Sunshine,' earlier this year. Despite her complex relationship with her past music, Grande continues to evolve as an artist, finding new appreciation for her earlier works and the collaborations that have shaped her career.
