Halsey Dropped Her Best Album Ever | Review + Analysis

The Great Impersonator is Halsey's latest album and it's probably one of the darkest and saddest pop record released this year. An interesting exploration of mortality and the cost of fame, I feel a lot of people are sleeping on it maybe because it is a bit too dark. Still, it's probably the most fleshed out and well-written record by the embattled artist. #halsey #thegreatimpersonator #albumreview
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[@kaniclark1843]

arsonist is such a career high for her. i was absolutely blown away by that track.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Yessss! The composition and lyricism are just spellbinding

[@evan_sunprince]

It was my claimed track, and it was so good, honestly when stoned it's sexy ad hell sonically, and made the gut punch of life of the spider 100x worse

[@TheNraveles]

especially as a Fiona Apple stan, it’s the most perfect vibe for her and genuinely i LOVED IT

[@estebanrodriguez1456]

Yeah, i just melted after listening to that song

[@Marxnchill]

Same!!!! ❤

[@jaymason3339]

It's genuinely such a heavy listen. You can tell she poured her heart and soul into every track on it. It was also way more cohesive than I thought it would be for an album that is sonically all over the place and pulling from different decades. You can hear the different influences that she has talked about on various tracks but they all still have Halsey's signature on them. I still love Badlands and think it's very underrated, but she has grown so much as an artist with her last releases and it's been amazing to witness.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Honestly, she’s come such a long way in the last 10 years! I feel like of her contemporaries her journey’s genuinely been one to watch and I see her continuing to put out amazing works and not stopping

[@djvg7607]

When are we gonna talk about how Darwinism seems kinda similar to 21 pilots.

[@klee.365]

This is possibly one of the best albums… ever? Now I’m no Halsey Stan, I enjoy her bops and never fully listened to an album before, until this one. This album has completely gagged me. It was so emotional, yet still can sill have some bangers, with ego, and panic attack. The honesty in some of these songs, is something I’ve never heard before. Then the concept to me is beyond good. Overall this is definitely an album that can stack with the rest of the albums that have came out this year.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s probably the best written pop record of the year (which sounds hyperbolic but feels true to me). I def have it on my radar for my year end list

[@und3r.th3.m00nlight]

def in my personal top 25 favorite albums of all time.

[@Fucorii]

"never fully listened to an album before" 💀 girl

[@und3r.th3.m00nlight]

@@Fucorii i think they meant never listened to a halsey album in full before

[@Fucorii]

@@und3r.th3.m00nlight Yeah I figured 😅

[@mg1romulus]

This album also broke me. I was sitting on Spotify for the last 57 minutes before it was dropped. I already made an edit with one of the songs. Arsonist felt like a personal letter written to me and Halsey never disappoints when it comes to somehow,,, speaking to me directly. I loved this album through and through.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s her best conceived work to date honestly

[@JustAHuman101]

I'm pretty sure Life of the Spider is actually how her ex-partner (and father of her child) treated her while she was going through cancer treatment. Love the video!! The Great Impersonator is definitely one of my favorite albums of this year. Love Halsey sm

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ohhhhh that’s even crazier 😭😭😭

[@paintingdreams290]

it honestly seems like thats what I Never Loved You was referencing, i'm so happy she's in a far better relationship now tho and w some1 who actually wants to spent his life w her.

[@paintingdreams290]

@@EljohnMacaranas iirc she also said she found the song rlly hard and saddening to write which is why it's just a draft and not a fully fleshed out song,bc she couldnt bear to sing and resing the song when taking vocal takes.

[@allon2650]

This album is like describing 'emotionally devastating' in music terms. Exploring multiple genres and themes that felt introspective yet saddening. Hope that her (and anyone going through hard times) could find the light at the end of the tunnel.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s probably the saddest record I’ve spun this year but such an important one. I wish nothing but the best for her!

[@faechegaray02]

I've always loved Halsey, but when she makes music as Ashley, I feel like she speaks for me. Manic was my favorite for that reason but this one is just superior. Sometimes ppl don't understand sadness and it's relationship with life and death, but Halsey does. I felt understood in this record. I'm dead serious when I say it will be one of my all-time favorite albums till the day I die

[@EljohnMacaranas]

She’s been at its (death) door and that in itself really does make her perspective so real 😭

[@vovabarnard6174]

This is giving TTPD a run for its money. This record is Halsey’s darkest, saddest, but most unique, creative, and different record. Allowing herself to grow as an artist

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Agreed

[@jamiekay3650]

I don’t think they’ll compete in the same Grammy cycle though.

[@aidandelrey]

it blows ttpd out of the water…

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@jamiekay3650 true! Halsey has much clearer waters (Olivia's next record, Bruno's drop, maybe the Weeknd if he ever submits again)

[@thalklore13]

The title makes so much sense when you realize that lupus is also known as “The Great Imitator” for disguising as other diseases before getting diagnosed, and so the line “In here lies the great impersonator” could mean in her body lies the condition and she has become it

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Omgggg

[@abrawolf]

Life of the spider was really fucking with me and is probably onw of if not my favorite track in the album. As someone whos had something go wrong with is body in ways that doctors just couldnt figure out, even if it wasnt deadly, its still so disheartening to watch the people who love you get fatigued and start snapping at you for things that you cant help, things that hurt you directly and them only indirectly

[@EljohnMacaranas]

😭😭😭

[@Kermitt_thee_frog23]

I was a bit skeptical when Lucky was dropped since a lot of people weren't fond of the sampling & wrote it off even tho it contained some really heartbreaking lyrics (the bridge made me teary eyed). But the album begone to make more sense with each release. I've been a Halsey fan for years & I think this might be her most vulnerable work to date, both thematically & lyrically. Seeing Halsey was once consider a "cringy" tumblr girl, it's really refreshing to see people come around to her & give her credit. It's too early to say if this is my favourite hasley album (Manic & IICHLIWP are tied for that spot) but it's definitly one of my favourite releases this year.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like anyone still going with the tumblr cringe girl narrative is missing out on some of the most thoughtful alt-leaning pop out there!

[@mother_of_wasps]

Dog years and life of the spider really cut deep for me. Arsonist and the title track were also in my highlights.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Literally crying 😭

[@Faith__Valerie_Shepard]

TBH "Dog years" speaks so much to me, because i have a chronic sickness and I feel SO MUCH what she is singing about. Sometimes we are just too tired and we just want to rest... I feel her

[@noneapplicable1327]

Panic Attack is probably the closest thing to a “hit” on this which again probably not meant to be commercial as u noted

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I could see it getting some radio love or playlisting, just a chill nice track that 💯 homages that era so well

[@ishathompson8439]

I love that song

[@wilwolferine]

Arsonist really stuck with me on first listen and it's probably my most played track so far. Sonically, it feels like a sister to Lilith from IICHLIWP. Overall, I loved this album and appreciate the heaviness of it, even though I can't bring myself to re-listen to a handful of tracks on it right now lmao. Also, I will never again look at a spider in my bathroom the same way 😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Arsonist is just so musically interesting to me like the composition and delivery. And yeah! It’s honestly a tough record, I have to skip around when I relisten! And agreed on the spiders!

[@horrorqueen3577]

My top 5 fave songs on TGI : 1. Lonely is the Muse 2. Arsonist 3. Dog Years 4. Darwinism 5. Panic Attack Life of the Spider is an honorable mention.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Darwinism getting love 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Sequoya]

This is a great concept album. I enjoyed the acoustic guitars and studio interludes.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

The interludes were great

[@honiumi149]

it's a phenomenon listening to the great impersonator, is it a commercial success? moderate. is it a critical success? absolutely. is it a cultural success? it will age like wine.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s on track for 100k sales which honestly doubles those of a certain pop contemporary’s “comeback” record, for what it is: all around success and should be in the awards conversation next year

[@noneapplicable1327]

Aaaah you covered it! I was hoping for a review after you mentioned her in the VMAs video, this record broke me! Sad it’s not smashing but that’s not the point i suppose, she deserves peace

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Agreed, I had to stop a couple of times just because of how sad it was, I delayed my drop because of that

[@pleasecouldyoubetender]

one thing i think h has been a victim of is the culture not taking them seriously. she’s an artist who’s work i think SHOULD be taken seriously and understood in an empathetic way. there’s been this radical change recently in the way the culture views art “it’s just not that serious” or “not that deep” it actually reminds me a lot of the comments ethel cain made recently on tumblr, how she wishes more people listened to her work in a genuine way, not just to meme and joke about it on twitter. h has become this sort of joke to a lot of netizens (i think largely because of that stupid video of her singing in a mall when she was like 19 and severely anxious… she was 19 people.. LET IT GO!!) which is sooo unfortunate. h thankfully i think her true fans have obviously always stuck by her side and frothed on about how spectacular and conceptually vivid her work has been. A part of me does wish she was taken more seriously but then again i think there’s a sort of close community of fans who truly understand her and are able to connect with one another through the art. some things can and should be taken seriously!! i love being excited about brilliant artist and artists who’s projects i deeply admire!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like coming up during that tumblr time period severely affected people’s ability to comprehend her as an actual artist which sucks, but she still persisted nonetheless. I think this year was a watershed moment for pop works becoming a bit darker and less ironic, sure there’ll always be a contingent of folks (mostly younger crowd) who lack literacy but it’s good to see artistry be recognized as such

[@andresalvarez6284]

This record is perfect! It’s a masterpiece

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s honestly her best to date, what a breakthrough

[@theskeptic777]

Nothing will ever beat the impact that Hopeless Fountain Kingdom left on me but, with how amazing the last two albums were I honestly think this might be my second favorite Halsey album…and this is just after the first two tracks.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

HFK was a moment omfg I remember being there for the tour and loving it

[@mohamedAgacem]

So glad this album is getting the recognition it deserves, me and my sister have been ride or die Halsey fans since 2015's badlands, this album is Halsey's Magnum Opus imo

[@EljohnMacaranas]

This album def feels like a full circle moment

[@jovic_sawyer]

I know it is not going to be a commercial success for the simple fact it is very personal, very visceral, something to think and cry about, and the current pop/music industry is more about silliness and fun, but I don't care, this album is fk fantastic, not perfect yes, but definitely something with lot of heart and guts

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think it not being commercial is def something her label and team anticipated but still nonetheless it’s great to have when people are almost intentionally misunderstanding people’s art

[@Maryam66Tori-n1d]

This album is a piece of art

[@EljohnMacaranas]

So so good!

[@arctgxoxo]

So for me personally Room 93 is the dearest Halsey project. That said The Great Impersonator is one of the best albums of the year. I really like the direction that Ashley is taking in her career currently. After Manic every critic was screaming from every corner that Halsey is a genre chameleon. And it's great to see Ashley just like, "Yeah, I am the genre chameleon, now let me in the studio to make some new damn music while I'm still here with you all". This kind of work is inspiring and very easy to appreciate. I'm yet to let this new work near my heart as my life is currently in Room 93 stage but I'm looking forward to find a way to financially support Halsey for this joyride of an album not through the endless streams while sadly being broke in a corrupt country with a damn big economic crisis since 2014

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Room 93 being out 10 years ago is insane to me, wow time does fly

[@101supersmiley]

as someone who also is like the biggest fan of iichliwp (literally my favorite album ever) this one is fighting for that spot. there are some parts that are a little heavy for me but i think she really meant it when she said she wanted to try everything she always wanted to do and absolutely hit it out of the park. it really pains me that she's still being slept on and doesn't seem to have the best luck with record labels but this record will absolutely stand the test of time. my favorites are lonely is the muse, darwinism, arsonist, dog years, and the title track!!! i feel like all of her albums just age so well and it will be so interesting to see how this one does but so far the era is serving sooo hard - great video!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like Halsey’s fan base just being as solid and consistent as it is helps more than anything in regards to the labels not doing her justice!

[@Sparlunar]

Omg she dropped a new album??? I was a casual fan a couple of years ago but eventually just fell out of it for no real reason. I’m definitely gonna check it out rn and write back after I finish it!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like so many artists def got lost in the pandemic years but yeah! Cannot wait to hear thoughts!

[@b.o4788]

It's so so good. I see you're also a Taylor fan. I definitely recommend this album!

[@satarupagingerkolay]

As a fan of Halsey all the way from 2015, this album shocked me with how good it is, but at the same time it did not, because it's freaking Halsey. One can tell even after their initial listen that the album was very well thought out; there was EFFORT put into this project. Especially when someone on Twitter told me that she (the narrator of the album) d*es in different ways in the different eras. Like, that blew my mind.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like this record is a culmination of 10 years of really solid work (and a lifetime in pop star years)

[@Thatchaoticelf]

Hurt feelings and hometown were made for a certain girl and she’s me lol

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh those two 😭

[@Zzzsleepzzz]

Halsey has a great voice. Love her.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

She’s so talented!!!

[@AnonymousPikachu]

King you’ve done it yet again great video! The album is eclectic and I enjoyed for a listen in a casual whimsy

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you for tuning in Pikachu! 🌩️

[@cassieoliveira13]

I loved this, I prefer her previous album, I think I connect to it more, but this one is so mature and raw, I always thought she came out a little bit megalomaniac in previous albums, but I think this is her most ambitious project and it couldn't feel more genuine.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like the vulnerability and honesty of being at death’s door really did bring out this sympathy she didn’t have before

[@bennshouts]

Absolutely one of the best of the year, if not THE best. Did not expect it to hit me so hard, but omg I cannot stop listening 😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Righttttt 😭😭😭

[@anibalcardenas7970]

If I can’t have love, I want power album is her best work, the visuals, the lyrics and the production is flawless, even Nightmare reprise is stunning. The Great Impersonator has great songs but the concept lacks direction.

[@chayo4537]

The songs dont match up with the presentation of the aesthetic of the album... or how she describes it. If that makes sense. The music doesn't actually match the way its packaged and sold if that makes sense

[@ThePMMpc]

i listened to it 3 times. I need more time, but I understand that it's your favorite right now. I don t know if it will top IICHL,IWP for me but it will be in my top 3 for sure.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

As someone who’s like encountered chronic illness (not personally but through close friends and family), it just affected me so much. IICHL,IWP is a stronger conceptual record but this one hit for me in a dark way

[@idontknowanymore7689]

It's not my favorite album from her but it's her most vulnerable album and I think it's almost uncomfortable to those who aren't used to that.

[@edwinniz]

I like some songs A LOT But Im not a fan of "lets make songs like we are (big band/artist)". Her last album was such a cool direction to a solid identity outside of the "pop girlie".

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh the last record was excellent as well

[@Chips185]

Been a fan since Badlands and I would say this new album is her best work, imo. She poured her heart out on this record, she sings like angel. I honestly didn't think she could top IICHLIWP. I've been having this album on repeat. One day on cd, the next on vinyl.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I bought a CD and a vinyl as well! Definitely a record I’m keeping in mind for my year end rankings

[@shanecarlmontefalcon]

Lonely is the Muse might be one of the best songs released this year. It's my favorite from this record, as well as Ego and The End.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Deserves a Rock nom

[@xmangoxmadnessx5505]

I don’t think this is her best record, but it’s VERY good!!!! Nothing could ever top Badlands, one of the top five best albums ever created.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Badlands has a special nostalgic place for me

[@Celebirteas]

Tuned in

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Aaah oomfie! 💙

[@gabbyrose6823]

I just love every song album. it’s a mix of everything but she’s the singer that can do it. I just love her very first time I heard her. I tell you that she should win some awards for this song. She deserves it.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Aside from Pitchfork 🤮 she’s been doing v well critically in a way she has not ever and selling ~100k records when some of her peers are doing half is a good sign

[@KholEllsworth]

Will you do a review on the four bonus tracks she has released over the weekend? I would love to hear your thoughts on them.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I’ll probably do a small write up or something and pin it here! And probably talk about those factoring into why it made my year end

[@ChristianTTPD]

I'm going to be honest and say that I never really liked Halsey that much (I mostly tuned her out after she went on a rant about hotel shampoo but anyway) but the way she promoted this album really caught my attention and I wasn't disappointed I really liked this album and my favorite track is Hometown because it both really hits home to me as I knew someone who passed away in high school and I still think of them and 2 because it's an homage to Dolly Parton who is one of my favorite humans of all time not just artists but just humans in general I've actually met her once and she was so sweet and she gives the BEST hugs. Overall I'd give the album an 8/10 and I think it's Halsey's best album to date. Oh and I'm curious have you listened to Megan Act II and are you gonna cover it? I personally enjoyed it more than Act 1 tbh

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It's such a good record, and I have listened to Megan Act II which I thought was solid, I might cover it if she does release act 3 sometime soon but opted to do Halsey instead with my tight schedule

[@IdcPermanentHiatus]

Respectfully, nothing beats Badlands

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It aged beautifully

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

This isn’t my favorite Halsey album, it hasn’t lived with me long enough for me to make that choice but damn this was a great album

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s such a hard record to listen to knowing the truth behind it 😭

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

@@EljohnMacaranasand that’s ok, Halsey is an artist I listen too because of the hard times in my life, I’m glad she finally got to do it for herself

[@quicksilvering]

not gonna lie I wasn't too excited when I heard ego but listening to the whole thing changed my mine about Halsey in general

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ego def was the label trying to get some sort or radio traction though Panic Attack def would have been a better fit for that

[@sabinaruiz3423]

i genuinely cried with the life of a spider. listening to the final version could have been nice but i think the raw emotion she delivers with the draft is what makes it so powerful.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

One of the best songs of the year!

[@sunshineflicker6120]

At first I had a pretty hard time listening to the album as a whole, but I finished listening to it all today. I really enjoy it but it gives med the Feels™. Something I'm excited for but not equipped to deal with atm 😅

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Honestly, it’s something that needs digestion time, my review was “late” (by my standards bc I had to give it time to settle

[@sunshineflicker6120]

@@EljohnMacaranas very reasonable! I'll probably have to give it a few months until my seasonal depression and I are in a better place 😇

[@ColeClawson]

I love Halsey but this album (along with 143 kind of) made me think: when do we let “main pop girlies” gradually fade? It feels like these artists can never be “B tier” famous anymore

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s the polarizing nature of the internet and pretty much social media that’s created this space of “do or die”

[@ColeClawson]

@@EljohnMacaranas it just makes me wonder how artists now can make the transition from “peak” to “making music for their enjoyment solely” like how artists in the pasts might’ve. It feels like there now has to be this intentionality around “fan made albums”

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@ColeClawsonI think there def needs to be some form of suppression of ego and just putting out work and trusting it to find people who will love it, I imagine labels hate that mentality but for artists who’ve delivered so much hits: it’s the least they could do

[@thesovgc]

Is it sad that I have never tried to get into Halsey bc of the blight that was Closer? 😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ohhhh you should definitely give this record or If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power a spin

[@TheNraveles]

It’s the best album of the year. By Far. By miles. LEAGUES above the rest

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I def rank it in my current top 10 of the year which I never imagined going into this year

[@ISwimWithSharks13]

What she did to Britney’s Lucky is unforgivable! And she really could’ve done something there!

[@zavaniVEVO]

9/10

[@EljohnMacaranas]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Kiyoooooo]

I know she said Arsonist was suppose to be Fiona apple coded but idk….it felt like massive black hole or portishead

[@Kiyoooooo]

TGI definitely reminds me of marina and the diamond’s first album

[@mariaeduardaannuza]

she deserves so muchhh life of the spider, lonely is the muse, never loved you, lucky ego omg we r drowning in hits

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Her label dropping Chromakopia same week is so nasty

[@BrklynnBabyy]

TGI is a really good album but not better than IICHLIWP at all, rock is def her genre

[@ogulcanture]

What are your comments about Lady Gaga’s new single Disease? We need a video :)

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I need the music video but I love it so far

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

👀

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I said what I said (and this is coming from a Badlands stan)

[@djvg7607]

I didn’t personally like the album, and don’t think Halsey is that good of a vocalist. There are many songs where I feel like Halsey’s voice is cutting through the mix in a bad way. Also, in general I didn’t like the tracks. They sound like royalty free knock offs of better music. Darwinism literally has the same chord progression in the same key as Heathens by 21 Pilots. I liked Lonely is the muse, but again she gets in her own way in the song. 3/10

[@ellagregory8904]

DRAG? it’s not long enough. the letters to god could’ve been longer

[@EljohnMacaranas]

18 tracks is a bit much, some of the ballads could have been rearranged a bit so they wouldn’t bleed into each other but at the very least every song does feel complete and not TikTok bait

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

Only a 8.3? This an easy 10 as a long time fan. If manic was understanding the person behind the Halsey stage name than The great impersonator is Halsey and Ashely looking at life together, letting out a Oh f*ck and deciding it’s not ending today

[@EljohnMacaranas]

As a Halsey fan it’s a 10! But I was weighing it against the year of drops and just personal preference!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Also great interpretation

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

@@EljohnMacaranas grading this album based on the other music released this year is doing this is a disservice, this is a once in a generation album, this albums greatness will surpass this year, and probably Halsey in a lot of ways. I fear this may be Halsey’s CNTRL or Blue, or Red/folklore (depends on what you count Taylor’s magnum writing/career defining opus is)

[@chayo4537]

Her last album was better. This album is almost like a conclusion to that one

[@CatNagTaylorsVersion]

@@chayo4537 I actually think her last album is a strong 8.6, I far prefer this album and a few of her other projects to IICHLIWP

[@irine839]

Law she should stop stealing marilia adamaki

[@EljohnMacaranas]

????

[@chayo4537]

HOW IS HALSEY SLEPT ON? 😂 come on now.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

None of the songs on this album made the Spotify charts and it debuted to a very modest under 5 million global streams overall versus her other albums

[@chayo4537]

​@@EljohnMacaranasand without me is one of the biggest singles of the 2010s it went like 5x platinum if not more. She has over 30 millions followers. All of her albums have sold a lot including her live shows. She is a mainstream artist. And she's been in the industry for about 10 years now. Why are people talking about her like she's an oddity or the new kid on the block? Its strange

[@chayo4537]

She is not an underdog