Halsey//Hopeless Fountain Kingdom - Album Review

*Album contains profanity and explicit content*

Album can be found on Spotify and Apple 

Rating 3.5/5

(you will definitely blast it from the car or at a party - but it's not exactly timeless)

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is such a beautifully opulent and rich name for an album, and honestly it doesn't disappoint. From the concept to the artwork to the illustrious song titles, this feels more like a book rather than a sophomore album. It is extremely more confident, refined and mature than Badlands - as it focuses on literature, and in particular mirrors William Shakespeare - but with contemporary influences.

The album will most likely be a success as Halsey is somewhat of a popular introvert - as nobody knows anything about her, however she has been leaking out of our radios for the last year and dominating the award show scene. This is due to her decision to stray away from perfectly constructed pop songs that only focus on the positivity of life - as she takes a risk and pens more sinister lyrics, which are greatly appreciated by her most dedicated fans as they show their appreciation through Tumblr edits and tattoos.

The album contains thirteen songs and runs at about thirty five minutes  - unusually short for thirteen songs - even if one is a prologue.

The genre definitely leans more towards R&B as opposed to the alternative style of Badlands. Though Badlands focused more on a metaphorical mental state, it did contain songs about love and lost relationships. For example, Colours was a pop song, but arguably, it was an extremely well written pop song as it lingered on dark elements and contained storytelling and message that lasted longer than three minutes on the radio whilst you're driving the car.

With Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, though there is the same underlying moodiness, sultry edge and cinematic elements - the songwriting overall is weak, lacks depth and description and the bridges in particular are nothing short of rushed, or really non existent. Badlands was an important moment in time for Hasley, and I feel as if this is really a step back into conformity.

You will most likely unearth some songs on the album that are going to gain massive radio play this year -  especially as Halsey expands on her co-writers, producers such as Benny Blanco, Ricky Reed, Greg Kerstin and collaborations including Quavo and Lauren Jauregui - better known from Fifth Harmony. This is probably also due to the influences you hear on the album, including The Weeknd, Rihanna, Sia, Alanis Morisette and remnants of The Japanese House on “Hopeless” - and it's overall greater commercial sound.

Personally, I think though the artwork, music videos and the story behind albums are important, especially if the album is a concept album, it really shouldn't distract or add anything to the art. For example, though the Romeo and Juliet inspiration is beautiful; the thirteen songs do not reflect the effortless storytelling, nor do they stand up well alone.

Halsey is hardly the songwriter or the vocalist of our time, however her enthusiasm cannot be questioned.  Her confessional lyrics and witty wordplay is satisfying, as it produces so much majesty. This is someone who is still excited by music and releasing an album to her is still very theatrical and important - whilst also being strategic.

I fully commend her for her creativity, thinking outside of musical barriers of what an album should or shouldn't be, however the art itself is subpar. Sorry, but in this case less is not more.

Favourite Songs: Sorry, Angel On Fire, Heaven in Hiding