Busybee's Playlist

A plethora of songs has been on repeat this year. In addition to the timeless classics, a lot of new releases graced my eardrums, and here are my favourites:

No one better to end the series (albeit a little later than I anticipated) with, than the brilliant Ashly Nicolette Frangipane; more commonly known as Halsey (The artist’s pronouns are she/they, and so this post will alternating between these pronouns).

Eclectic, talented, and more importantly authentic to a fault, Halsey has dominated the music scene with her unique vocals, pertaining to 2-octave range in the mezzo-soprano. Her debut album “BADLANDS” was released in 2015, and was an instant hit. Certified Double Platinum, it includes their hit singles Gasoline and Colours — the later being one of the most known Halsey songs.

Many listeners can also recognize Halsey from her feature in the Chainsmokers song, Closer in 2016 or even singles like Bad at Love from their second studio album “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom” in 2017.

Her best-selling album yet, however, goes out to their third studio album “Manic,” released in 2020. The record’s lead single Without Me topped the charts, and became her most successful single as a lead artist. Graveyard was also featured in this album — a beautiful ballad where Halsey’s daunting lyrics about self-destruction are complimented by the stringing of a light acoustic guitar.

In 2021, the artist completely strayed from their usual sound and released their most eclectic album yet: “If I can’t have Love, I want Power.” Halsey went through big life changes, prompting the creation of this record — mainly her pregnancy being the biggest one of all. The artist describes it as “a concept album about the joys and horrors of pregnancy and childbirth”.

The album was written by Halsey, Johnathan Cunningham (LA-based producer + songwriter for SONGS Publishing and an A&R at Unrestricted), Greg Kurstin (songwriter + producer; worked with artists like Adele, The Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Sia, Kelly Clarkson, Pink…), and produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails.

The track-list is a masterpiece, every single song given time and dedication to convey a specific, poignant message from the artist. Lyrically intense, musically experimental, Halsey has truly created a masterpiece and put out a piece of their soul into the world. It’s hard picking just one favourite song off the whole record, as every single one relates a story you are incapable of tearing yourself from — but nonetheless, I will try to round it up to a top three, starting with:

• The Lighthouse: truly one can pinpoint the Nine Inch Nails influence the minute this song begins to play. From the very first electric guitar riff, you are hooked. As Halsey sings about their cursed rage and swinging like a fist inside a batting cage, you are captivated by the intensity and can’t help wanting to learn more. A lot of the lyrics felt very poignant and I related to many of them. One can spy the rock influences, the strong beat of the drums, the intensity upon which she emphasizes her anger. It also makes you feel quite empowered, as The Lighthouse makes me feel like it is okay to embrace your inner demons and anger. For the longest time, and sometimes still to this day, women are taught not to be too angry — and most importantly not to express it or use it. And yet this song makes me feel like there is absolutely not a single shame in embracing those feelings. 

• Girl is a Gun: back to her pop music roots, this song reflects the artist’s need for freedom, independence, and a partner who can understand all that and love them with all their flaws. Lyrics like “t’s a shot in the dark; I’m not a walk in the park; I come loaded with the safety switched off; This girl is a gun; And we’ve been having some fun; And I could show you if you turn the lights on” inspire confidence in one’s flaws, and not accepting just anyone in one’s space. That these flaws are here to stay, as no one is perfect, and not just anyone can embrace and love them.

• Darling: last, but certainly not the least, a song of hope. A beautiful love ballad, with Halsey’s voice accompanied by the guitar sound of Fleetwood Mac legend, Lindsey Buckingham — musically minimalistic, but also one of the most exquisite songs on the record. It is both a reflection on the artist’s past, and a love letter to (one is safe to assume) Halsey’s partner and father of her child, Alev Aydin. Halsey serenades Aydin, with lyrics saying “Darlin’, don’t you cry; Head fast toward the light; Foolish men have tried; But only you have shown me how to love bein’ alive.”

I leave you to enjoy this beautiful live performance on SNL (Saturday Night Live) in October of 2021. A dark stage, a Halsey clad in an all black puffy dress, a top hat with a thin fishnet veil upon their face, accompanied by Buckingham and his acoustic guitar, the scene feels reminiscent of the Buckingham-Nicks duo playing Landslide.