Nickolodean star Ariana Grande released her first album, “Yours Truly,” on Sept. 4. In a matter of 19 minutes after its release, the album was number one on iTunes in the U.S. and eventually number one in 35 other countries.

Although currently starring as Cat on Nickolodean’s television show, “Sam & Cat,” Grande has found the time to produce an album and establish herself, seemingly distanced from the network company, in the music industry.

The album consists of a mixture of original songs and covers such as “Popular Song” by MIKA and “Popular” from the musical “Wicked.” Grande’s songs also feature artists Nathan Sykes of The Wanted, Mac Miller and Big Sean.

For a debut album, “Yours Truly” successfully flaunts Grande’s powerhouse voice. Her pop-urban songs bring us back to the era of 90s divas like Whitney Houston. The most frequent comparison made to Grande by critics and fans is with the ultimate R&B diva, Mariah Carey.

On top of Grande and Carey’s similar styles of mellow beats, belting high notes and sensational love songs, Grande’s black-and-white album artwork even resembles a few of Carey’s, such as “Daydream” and “E=MC^2.”

Vocally, Grande stuns listeners with her wide vocal range but doesn’t deliver the same range to the variety of her songs. Numerous tracks on “Yours Truly” sound consistent and similar. A congregation of soft love ballads may be acceptable for run-of-the-mill breakout artists, but more should be expected from such a dynamic voice.

The track “Baby I” has an upbeat pace, but, as well other tracks on the album, has a soft tone and circulates around the concept of love in the lyrics. The loves songs may be appealing to her teenage audience and sell well, but they create a monotone feel throughout the CD.

Nevertheless, as a debut album, Grande’s “Yours Truly” should be applauded for the effort and stunning talent shown. I have raised expectations and hopes for variety in style on her next album.