To close out the month of August for music, alt-pop sensation, and new mother, Halsey, released her fourth studio album titled, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. Halsey’s past three albums have earned her great success and global attention. According to Billboard, Halsey has sold over one million albums and has been streamed over six billion times in the United States. She is the first and only female artist to have at least 3 songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for 50 weeks each. Her previous album, Manic, had a number one song, “Without Me”, on the charts before the album was even released. However, in the wake of several world and personal life changes, Halsey approached this new album’s release in a different way.
On July 7th, Halsey unveiled the concept and stunning cover for her fourth studio album during a theatrical live stream at the MET Museum in New York City. In an Instagram post, Halsey explained that “the album is a concept album about the joys and horrors of pregnancy and childbirth,” as the artist bares her breast on the cover she explains that, “ [her] body has belonged to the world in many different ways the past few years, and this image is [her] means of reclaiming [her] autonomy and establishing [her] pride and strength as a life force for [her] human being.” For several years, the new mother has been transparent regarding her desire to become a mother and the struggles she’s experienced as someone who suffers from endometriosis. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is filled with vivid imagery and mature introspectiveness on pregnancy, motherhood, and the trials of the feminine experience. Similar to her previous albums this one reflects upon the fine line between self-preservation and self-destruction, and the simultaneous thrill and fear that comes with getting what you’ve always wanted.
Although we never got a single off the album, the singer, who is known for her visuals and artistry, released a one-night-only IMAX film experience on August 25th, sharing the same title as the album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. Halsey wrote the film herself and collaborated with director Colin Tilley, with whom she has previously worked on music videos for “Without Me” and “You Should Be Sad”. The hour-long film told the story of a troubled Queen who discovers she is pregnant after murdering her abusive King. The suspenseful film was stunning from the costumes to the makeup, every detail was hauntingly gorgeous. Not to mention the several songs off the newest album that were teased pre-release. This album will lean more Rock than her previous albums as it was produced by Nine Inch Nail band members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The lyricism, artistry, and heart behind this album are unmatched. Even if you have never been a fan of her music, I highly recommend giving this album a listen.
Albums Released on Friday, August 27, 2021
Halsey - If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power
Belly - See You Next Wednesday
Big Red Machine - How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?
Chubby and the Gang - The Mutt's Nuts
Chvrches - Screen Violence
Danko Jones - Power Trio
Diane Warren - The Cave Sessions, Vol. 1
Eyedress - Mulholland Drive
Indigo De Souza - Any Shape You Take
Steve Gunn - Other You
The Bug - Fire
Turnstile - Glow On
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