What do you get when you mix feminist angst, vividly metaphoric lines, dark yet uplifting synthetic beats and a hypnotic voice that you know will be an addiction to human (maybe even alien) ears? Ashley Nicolette Frangipane better known as the indie pop artist, Halsey, breaks ground with her recently released studio album, ‘Badlands’.
A New Jersey native with an ‘empire state of mind’, Halsey is no beginner in music, having been brought up with a background playing various string instruments such as the violin, cello and acoustic guitar. Strongly influenced by her parents’ taste in music (her father and mother into early 90’s hip-hop and pop respectively), her work encompasses the genres in her very own style and delivery.
The album consists of 16 tracks, each one complimenting the theme that Halsey set during its promotions this past summer – and indeed it takes on a journey to and in the self-entitled ‘Badlands’.
Kicking off with hits like ‘Castle’, “Hold Me Down” and “New Americana”, she emerges as a heroine in pursuit of domination, acknowledging her weaknesses that will eventually be the reasons of how she will get on top. The start of the album gives off a feeling of empowerment and demonstration, asking listeners to stand up, and fight against the fears that stop them from being whom they truly are.
From a hyped introduction, the tone quickly transitions to mellow but transcendent songs such as, ‘Drive’, ‘Hurricane’, ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Ghost’ (being my personal favorite), sending messages of reckless but understanding love whether it pertains to a significant other or someone’s family or circle of friends. The album then takes a turn to self-actualization, from the chilling ‘Control’ to the last single, ‘I Walk the Line’, giving a chance for the listener to reflect once the final piece is followed by absolute silence – unless you have the album ‘on repeat’, then you will be taking the amazing trip all over again.
Halsey successfully sends us to her world in less than an hour of smartly written lyrics and easy to ‘head bang’ to beats, rhythm and melody. ‘Badlands’ is a phenomenal representation of the singer’s poetic and no holds barred nature – bold and honest, through and through. The songs were ideally placed in an order that gave just progression that eventually led to a clear conclusion, sticking to the theme in such a consistent matter it was almost entrancing. Entrancing? Yes. Yet you are fully aware of what’s going on during the whole album experience.
Frangipane was the driver, and I was in the passenger seat of a top down vintage convertible, cruising along a deserted highway to who knows where. And I was so glad that I took the ride.
Listen to my personal favourite off the album, ‘Badland’s here: https://soundcloud.com/halseymusic/halsey-ghost
By Vera Rosales | @verarosales
