Halsey’s voice evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to 2018, a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career. After releasing her debut album, BADLANDS, in 2015, Halsey quickly rose to fame, with Hopeless Fountain Kingdom serving as the soundtrack to my early high school years. Now, years later, she makes a triumphant return with The Great Impersonator, released just last month. This album showcases her signature self-expression, teased through a unique scavenger hunt that captivated fans, where she embodied icons like Dolly Parton and PJ Harvey. The promotional strategy culminated in a mystical teaser on September 25, 2024, sparking excitement for the album that dropped on October 25.
The Great Impersonator confronts some of the darkest periods of Halsey’s life, capturing her journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Filled with long, heartfelt ballads, the album flows like a confessional, inviting listeners into her world through lyrics that reflect struggles with mental health, motherhood, chronic illness, and the fragility of life. Musically, it explores an experimental edge that showcases Halsey’s evolution as an artist. While the slower pace may create moments of lull, the album’s brutally honest storytelling reveals Halsey at her most vulnerable. It may not dominate the charts, but its bold sincerity and authenticity mark a significant milestone in her artistic journey.
The album opens in a raw, stripped-back style, with simple guitar strumming that quickly gives way to Halsey’s direct lyrics. She wastes no time diving into “Only Girl In LA,” a track that took some warming up to, but eventually grew on me with repeated listens. The song starts straightforwardly, digestible in its first half, before shifting at the five-minute mark to introduce layers of electric, otherworldly sounds, harmonized vocals, and voice clips. These elements build into a powerful bass and drum finish, signaling the sonic experimentation that characterizes the album. Lines like “cut me right open” set the tone early, foreshadowing the unflinching honesty Halsey brings throughout.
“Ego,” released as a single ahead of the album, stands out as the most radio-friendly track, with a catchy beat and singable chorus that make it easy to enjoy. The simple lyrics don’t push boundaries but work well for a classic pop anthem. Halsey has said that she pulled inspiration from 90s pop-rock for this one, and that influence is clear in its production and feel, lending it a nostalgic charm amid her modern sound.
Then there’s “Dog Years,” which fell short for me. The song mixes a gritty, experimental energy with lyrics that layer themes of intimacy and grief, particularly regarding the loss of her dog. The juxtaposition of sexual undertones with the pain of losing a beloved pet creates an uneasy tension, making it hard to connect with the song fully. While its ambition is evident, the blend of these contrasting themes feels jarring rather than cohesive.
The lengthy album includes several tracks that feel like “fillers.” When listened to chronologically, short pieces like “Letter to God (1974)” and “Letter to God (1983)” come across not as fully developed songs but rather as studio or live recordings interspersed between the more polished tracks. While these snippets are charming and often feature clips of her speaking and even her son’s voice, they can disrupt the flow when mixed in with her more robust experimental pieces.
“Panic Attack” is one of my favorites on the album. The title indicates heaviness as it tackles these anxious and panicked emotions, however, the catchy arrangement is surprisingly upbeat despite its title. The singable, relatable song grapples with relatable feelings for many of my anxious listeners out there. The shifts back and forth between upbeat tracks to her slow, stripped ballads are noticeable, but not necessarily bad. “The End” is probably one of the most personal tracks on the album, detailing Halsey’s struggles with her lupus and T-cell disorder diagnoses. This acoustic, hard-hitting sad song evokes pain in listeners as we empathize and relate to Halsey.
“Lonely is the Muse” channels the energy of 90s rock hits with its heavy drums and intense vocals. The captivating promotional photo for the song features Halsey stepping on the penis of the statue at Victor Noir’s grave, referencing the legend that women hoping for pregnancy should touch the statue’s erection to grant their wish. Halsey also credits Amy Lee, who she describes as her “OG dark rock queen.”
“Lucky” stands out as a definite fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why. From the catchy acoustic guitar intro to the layered harmonies, the song exudes a warm, familiar vibe reminiscent of Britney Spears’ “Sometimes.” This feel-good energy complements Halsey’s heartfelt lyrics, blending a nostalgic 90s pop feel with a fresh, modern edge.
Halsey’s The Great Impersonator marks a pivotal exploration in her career, reflecting the struggles she has faced since her last release. While her previous, more commercially-driven work achieved radio success, this ambitious project offers a raw and personal glimpse into the challenges of the past two years. It stands as her most honest and introspective effort to date. As listeners, we’re invited to join her on this journey, making it a compelling experience that resonates long after the final track.
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