REVIEW: Halsey - 'Manic'
The world knows who Halsey is. She’s won iHeartRadio and Billboard Music Awards, sold 22 million records in the US alone, and recently pulled double-duty on Saturday Night Live, serving as host and performer. But Halsey would like to introduce you to Ashley on her third full-length Manic. In a feature with Spotify, the singer spoke about the theory that everyone has three faces: one you show to the world (Halsey), one you show to those closest to you (Ashley), and one you show to no one. Halsey explained Manic as her attempt to show the world not only Ashley, but that hidden third face. And for the most part, Halsey pulls it off.
Manic is a leap forward in terms of songwriting from her last album hopeless fountain kingdom. Where that album was loosely based on Romeo & Juliet and her debut BADLANDS focused on a dystopian future, there’s no characters or storyline on Manic. It is an unedited look at Halsey, Ashley, and that third face that she calls “carnal, uninhibited, explicit.”
Halsey experiments with several styles on Manic, including alternative rock, country, and K-pop. In fact, some of her strongest songs are ones heavily influenced by country music. “You should be sad” is a break-up anthem where she lays bare her pain caused by ex-partner G-Eazy’s infidelity and selfish attitude. “Finally // beautiful stranger” is a country-inspired ballad on the flip side of “You should be sad,” showcasing Halsey’s unfiltered feelings upon falling in love with ex Yungblud. She acknowledges her struggles with trust following a bad relationship, but ultimately allows herself to feel safe and fall in love. It’s a slick ballad with clean production, but Halsey’s signature rasp is still present, giving the song a touch of attitude.
“3am” and “Alanis’ Interlude” show her alternative roots. Halsey’s cited Alanis Morrisette as one of her influences and the two collaborate on a song where Halsey’s bisexuality is its focus. It’s not her first time singing about her sexuality (“Strangers” and “Bad At Love” are just two examples), but continues to be a central part of the singer’s identity and redefines ideas of womanhood in pop music.
While many of Manic’s songs are constructed to give a glimpse into Halsey/Ashley’s mind, a few of the songs fall flat. At a just-too-long 16-track listing, songs like “killing boys” and “forever… (is a long time)” have a hard time standing out among the stronger tracks. It’s also a slight disappointment not to see her single “Nightmare” included on Manic. The punk-inflected anthem could have fit well among the stylistic experimentation and could have bolstered the album in place of one of the weaker songs.
Overall, Halsey delivered a deeply personal dive into her mind. She explores her struggle with self-esteem on tracks like “Still Learning” and “3am”, proving money and success are not the key to happiness. Yet, Halsey still puts forth a balls-to-the-wall attitude on Manic in which she insists she’ll put herself first. Whether pain comes in the form of a failed relationship, struggles with fame, or her own loneliness, Halsey will continue to stand up for herself and she’s inspiring that in her fans as well.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Daddies