I was wrong about Petal.

After digesting this album more thoroughly, I now see it for what it truly is. I have to applaud how metatextual and self aware the album is, and how well it challenges its own assumptions on love and obsession. A very outstanding piece of work and I have to give Ariana her flowers for this one. My ranking: 1. kiss me 2. nowhere, nobody 3. petal 4. bad thing (bunny hop) 5. stay 6. oh well 7. freak 8. warning signs (interlude) 9. big feelings 10. hate that i made you love me 11. like i do 12. never get over me The opening, closing and title tracks really are the standouts here and did most of the carrying of the album's narrative. The lead single is a lot more disappointing within the context of the album, and like i do / never get over me are simply fodder. As for big feelings... as Lorde once said, girl what was that. I wrote a 5 page essay analysing each song but I really don't think anybody cares so tldr Petal is 7.8/10.