Halsey | Capitol Records | 8/21 | Score: 8/10

▣ By Christy Rouse

This is the fourth album release for 26-year-old New Jersey native, Halsey. Album “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power” was released via Capitol Records on August 27th. The singer decided to spread her rocker wings and fly away from her previous Pop sound. Halsey reached out to Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for the production of the album. Reznor and Ross collaborated with Halsey to arrange the order of the songs on the album to represent her journey.

The singer leads the listener through her self-evolution of becoming a mother. Halsey is unapologetic about coming into her own as a rock star and mother. You could say the album is being released at an adequate time for women of all ages…however, Halsey would disagree. This album takes a historical look at the complicated role of being a woman. Through time women could be the respectful mother figure or unwed harlot with no prospects. Halsey is joining the ranks of many other strong women that we agree are all of those. It’s okay being feminine and a tough bitch too.

This is most definitely a true concept album as she released a film by the same. The film was filmed via Imax and released to limited theaters. Halsey’s vision of the historical markers of women is prevalent in the film. I have yet to see it, however. Check out the trailer for it now!

The album has something for everyone, as we know how complicated life can be. Halsey sees a sense of power through the pain; to be optimistic when all seems to be spinning out of control. It’s okay to live through your pain, to show your pain, and triumph through your pain.

Personally, the song “Easier Than Lying” hit home; the pain of realizing someone doesn’t love you as you love him or her. Most of us have lived through this! “Lilith” is a song that gets in stuck in your head…you can’t help but sing along. To be honest I had heard of Halsey before this but wasn’t familiar with her music. After listening to the entire album she won me over! The entire album is amazing! Can’t wait to check out the film!

LISTEN & PURCHASE THE ALBUM NOW!