Rolling Stone's Elias Leight noted "At first Grande delivers an unyielding staccato rap, but she abruptly returns to supple singing on the line-ending phrase “back to you;” the effect is like a boxer following a series of short jabs with an uppercut. As more and more pop singers are forced to reckon with trap, the fusion achieved on “Everytime” offers them a path forward.[2] Lyrically, Grande sings about being in a toxic relationship with an ex and how she couldn't get over someone even though she knew it was unhealthy to stay involved.[3][4] She expresses feelings of desire and frustration in equal measure and the song makes references to drugs and alcohol,[3][5] leading some fans to speculate that the song alludes to Grande's past relationship with rapper Mac Miller.[4]
In his review, Taylor Weatherby of Billboard called the song an "upbeat" track.[6] In August 2018, Grande shared on social media behind-the-scenes footage from the song's recording session in which she laughs while she is singing in reaction to Max Martin's inability to keep a straight face.[7]
Critical reception
Brittany Spanos of Rolling Stone called the song a "gorgeous, self-reflective break-up ballad".[8]Stereogum's Chris DeVile noted "The brokenhearted trap-pop aesthetic definitely manifests on the sparkling Max Martin and Ilya production".[1] In his review of the song, Israel Daramola of Spin wrote: "The best pop songs about love make you want to be in it, or remember it, or make you feel like you’re experiencing it, all of which is provoked at the onset of 'everytime's' twinkling production." Daramola also complimented Grande's "pristine" vocals and her relatable, convincing emotions.[5]
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
References
^ ab"Premature Evaluation: Ariana Grande 'Sweetener'". Stereogum. 2018-08-20. Retrieved 2018-11-17. The downbeat but booming "Everytime," a wispy '90s R&B song reimagined for the trap era [...] The brokenhearted trap-pop aesthetic definitely manifests on the sparkling Max Martin and Ilya production "Everytime