Halsey delivers a powerful record wrapped up in an impactful film for new album

Halsey promoted the release of their new album If I Can’t Have Love I Want Power with a film of the same name. The film is equally cryptic and visceral while the album is tight and powerful. The 13 track record is enhanced and built upon in the film which is set in a land of castles, lords and ladies. Halsey is uncompromising with their emotion and explores the catharsis of getting what you want and the consequences of this on their forth studio album.

The film is more an expression of the album than a feature length in itself, but the cinematography is beautiful. Written by Halsey themselves and directed by Colin Tiley, the many costumes of Halsey are a captivating example of the beauty of the film. She goes from a widowed queen clad in black to colourful and vibrant outfits all with gorgeous backdrops of nature and urban life.

Halsey plots the struggles of pregnancy and womanhood as major themes in the film. It is at times grim and unflinching but remains an honest and cutting view of the perpetual abuse of women and the consequences they pay for it.

The tracks are powerful. Most of the instrumentation is minimalist but it doesn’t sacrifice on punching power. She has progressed from Manic to incorprate the same elements of their 2020 record but made it darker and harder-hitting.

‘Easier Than Lying’ is a barnstorming track full of thumping drums and Halsey’s expressive vocals. It builds dramatically from the first note and progresses throughout the track as the intensity builds.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails produced the album and their influence is evident all over the album. The razor sharp air, tight production that still leaves room for the music to breathe is indicative of the pair and can be heard all over the record.

‘I am not a woman I’m a god’ is the best example of this as the plucky synths combined with thick heavy kick drums and a snappy snare lay foundations for Halsey to own the track with their vocals. The singer also demonstrates their phenomenal ability to pen thought-provoking pop music on this cut.

The album is chock-full of high-profile names too with Dave Grohl laying down drums on ‘Honey’ and Lindsay Buckingham cutting the guitar track on ‘Darling.’

The album closes with ‘The Lighthouse.’ It’s a sludgy, distorted statement of power from Halsey. She sings over this track with a soft, sweet melody that acts as a brilliant counterbalance to the heaviness of the music.

If I Can't Have Love I Want Power is a huge statement from Halsey. It spells them out as one of the most creative writers in pop music right now with their unique ability to combine honesty, vulnerability and infectious melodies on captivating albums.

Listen to: 'Easier Than Lying'

Rating: 9/10

Listen to If I Can't Have Love I Want Power below.