If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power

Halsey

2021

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About

Halsey's fourth studio album, *If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power*, released on August 27, 2021, via Capitol Records, is a concept album exploring the "joys and horrors of pregnancy and childbirth". Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, it marks a departure from Halsey's previous arena pop sound, leaning into alternative rock, grunge-pop, and industrial influences. The album delves into themes of mortality, everlasting love, control, body horror, autonomy, and conceit. A theatrical film of the same name, directed by Colin Tilley and featuring the album's music, premiered in select IMAX cinemas prior to the album's release. The album opens with the haunting piano ballad, “The Tradition,” and transitions into tracks like “Bells in Santa Fe”. It explores a range of emotions and experiences, from women's empowerment to Halsey's personal reflections on impending motherhood. The album's release was accompanied by minimal promotion, and it reached number one on Billboard's Alternative Albums chart, Vinyl Album chart, and Top Album Sales chart. *If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power* was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

Recording Info

Recorded between 2020 and 2021, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross producing. Vocals were recorded at No Expectations Studios in Hollywood, CA, and Jagger Studios in Turks and Caicos Islands. Engineered at NullCo Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Mixed at MixStar Studios, Virginia Beach, VA, and Assault & Battery, London, UK. Mastered at Marcussen Mastering, Hollywood, CA.

Track Highlights

The Tradition — Haunting piano ballad that opens the album, discussing the historical mistreatment of women.
Bells in Santa Fe — Features a creepy electronic sound and was used as a teaser for the album.
Easier than Lying — Fast-paced rock song expressing rage and the ease of breaking up.
Honey — Pop-punk love song featuring Dave Grohl on drums.
I Am Not a Woman, I'm a God — Explosive track challenging gender roles.
The Lighthouse — Ominous tale about a vengeful siren, creating a hypnotically chilling sound.
Ya'aburnee — A tearjerker and love letter to Halsey's son, expressing a parent's fear of outliving their child.

Personnel

Halsey (Vocals, Writer)
Trent Reznor (Producer)
Atticus Ross (Producer)
Dave Grohl (Drums (on "Honey"))
Lindsey Buckingham (Guitar (on "Darling"))
Kevin Martin (Programming (on "Bells in Santa Fe"))
Greg Kurstin (Writer)

Significance

*If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power* is considered a career-defining work for Halsey, with critics praising its ambitious concept, theatrical production, and exploration of complex themes related to pregnancy, childbirth, and identity. The album marked a shift in Halsey's sound, incorporating heavier rock and industrial influences, and was lauded for its raw and unhinged energy. The album debuted within the top 10 of thirteen sales charts worldwide, including the US Billboard 200, where it became Halsey's fourth consecutive record to debut inside the top two. It topped several Billboard charts and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Critics and fans have noted the album's honesty, vulnerability, and its successful blend of various musical genres.

Halsey announced the album title via a billboard and revealed the cover art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The album is accompanied by a horror film of the same name, written by Halsey and directed by Colin Tilley, which premiered in IMAX theaters.