As part of her Eternal Sunshine Deluxe album, Ariana Grande has released a track titled “Hampstead.” This review focuses solely on this song, but I highly encourage you to check out the other tracks from the deluxe edition as well—they're great!

“Hampstead” is a ballad with a modern touch. It opens with a piano, but not the clean, intimate kind you'd hear in an empty bar. Instead, it has a muddy, chorused quality—almost like it's from outer space. This unique sound blends seamlessly with the second half of the track, creating an ethereal atmosphere. I won’t spoil it too much—you should really hear it for yourself. This song completely caught me off guard the first time I listened.

I’m not used to hearing this kind of track from Ariana. But that’s part of what makes deluxe albums special—they give artists the space to be more experimental and showcase sides of themselves that might not have fit on the standard edition. If we’re being optimistic, that might just be the whole point of a deluxe version.

As someone who loves FINNEAS and Billie Eilish, this track immediately reminded me of something FINNEAS could have produced—a piano ballad with bittersweet tones and raw, upfront lyrics. However, the chorus sets “Hampstead” apart. Ariana’s signature melodic choices and sound design add a unique, almost cinematic quality—nothing over-the-top, just beautifully atmospheric. The melodies feel fresh, and the overall effect is stunning.

“Hampstead” is one of those songs that always feels too short, no matter how many times you play it. It’s so well-crafted that it becomes a kind of comfort. I don’t know if it was comforting for Ariana to create, but as a listener, it certainly is for me. I already loved Eternal Sunshine, and this deluxe edition only strengthens that feeling.

So, go give “Hampstead” a listen—along with the rest of the album. You won’t regret it!

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!