Release Date: January 17, 2020 Genre: Pop, Pop Rock, Country Pop Label: Capitol Records
Halsey’s third studio album, Manic, released on January 17, 2020, via Capitol Records, is a deeply personal and genre-defying project that showcases her artistic evolution. The album is a raw, unfiltered exploration of identity, mental health, and self-discovery, delivered through a mix of pop, rock, country, and hip-hop influences.
Manic opens with "Ashley," a reflective track that sets the tone for the album’s introspective journey. Halsey, whose real name is Ashley Frangipane, uses this song to confront her public persona and the struggles that come with it. This theme of duality and self-exploration runs throughout the album, as she grapples with the tension between who she is and who the world expects her to be.
The album’s lead single, "Without Me," is a powerhouse of emotion and vulnerability. It became Halsey’s first solo number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and it’s easy to see why. The track’s haunting production and raw lyrics capture the pain of a toxic relationship, making it one of the most memorable songs on the album.
One of the standout aspects of Manic is its eclectic sound. Halsey seamlessly blends genres, refusing to be boxed in by any one style. "You should be sad" is a country-tinged breakup anthem, complete with twangy guitars and a chorus that channels the energy of early 2000s pop-punk. In contrast, "3am" is a frenetic pop-punk track that captures the anxiety and loneliness of late-night introspection. The album also features several notable collaborations, each bringing something unique to the table. "Dominic’s Interlude," featuring Dominic Fike, offers a dreamy respite in the middle of the album, while "I HATE EVERYBODY" dives into the paradox of craving both connection and isolation. The most unexpected collaboration comes in "SUGA’s Interlude," featuring BTS’s SUGA, where Halsey explores her fears and insecurities over a minimalist, introspective beat.
Halsey’s lyricism on Manic is as sharp as ever, with lines that cut straight to the heart. In "More," she expresses her deep desire for motherhood, a theme rarely explored in mainstream pop music. The song is a tender moment of vulnerability that contrasts with the defiant energy of tracks like "Graveyard," where she sings about the dangers of losing oneself in love.
The album closes with "929," a candid, stream-of-consciousness track where Halsey reflects on her life’s journey, complete with all its highs and lows. It’s a fitting end to an album that feels like a diary set to music—unfiltered, honest, and deeply human.
Manic is a bold and ambitious album that sees Halsey embracing her multifaceted identity and using her platform to explore complex emotions and themes. It’s a testament to her growth as an artist and a person, and it’s an album that invites listeners to join her on the journey of self-discovery. In Manic, Halsey finds power in vulnerability, and the result is a project that is as cathartic as it is captivating.