hopeless fountain kingdom

Halsey

2017

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About

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (stylized in all lowercase) is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Halsey. It was released on June 2, 2017, through Astralwerks. Halsey co-wrote every song on the album, while production was handled by Lido and Benny Blanco, among others. The album features guest appearances from Quavo, Lauren Jauregui, and Cashmere Cat. It is a concept album inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set in a dystopian purgatory. The album follows a modernized storyline based on the tragedy, revolving around two families, Angelus and Aureum, in the Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. The album is primarily pop, electropop, R&B, and synth-pop. It explores themes of obsessive romance, identity, and emotional turmoil through a narrative of star-crossed lovers from rival factions. Halsey described the album as having more "radio friendly music" when compared to her previous releases. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA. In support of the album, Halsey embarked on the Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Tour (2017–2018).

Recording Info

The album was recorded at The Beehive (Van Nuys, California), Conway Recording Studios, Elysian Park, Westlake Recording Studios, 555, Echo (Los Angeles, California), and Sole (London, United Kingdom). It was executive produced by Halsey alongside Benny Blanco, Greg Kurstin, Lido, and Ricky Reed.

Track Highlights

Now or Never — The lead single, co-directed by Halsey, and shot in Mexico City. It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Bad at Love — The second single, peaked at number five on the Hot 100.
Strangers — Features Lauren Jauregui, and is noted for using feminine pronouns.
Alone — The third single, remixed to feature Big Sean and Stefflon Don.

Personnel

Halsey (Vocals, Producer, Writer)
Quavo (Vocals)
Lauren Jauregui (Vocals)
Cashmere Cat (Featured Artist, Instruments, Keyboards)
Lido (Producer, Instruments, Keyboards)
Benny Blanco (Producer, Instruments, Keyboards)
Ricky Reed (Producer)
Greg Kurstin (Producer, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Mellotron, Piano, Chamberlin, Rhodes)

Significance

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making Halsey the first female act in 2017 to open atop the chart. It earned 106,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with 76,000 being pure album sales. The album was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising its emotional depth and others critiquing lyrical clichés. Some reviewers felt the album didn't fully execute its concept, while others saw it as a natural progression from Halsey's previous work.

Halsey announced the album's release date by posting a picture of three cards which featured Roman numerals. To reveal the album cover, she organized a global scavenger hunt where miniature gun-shaped USBs were hidden in 9 cities around the world with pieces of the cover.