As Halsey celebrates her 30th birthday, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on her incredible musical journey and the powerful tracks that have resonated with fans worldwide. Rising from humble beginnings, Halsey has become a voice for a generation, captivating audiences with her raw, emotional lyrics and unique sound.
From heart-wrenching ballads to rebellious anthems, Halsey has carved out a unique space in the music world with her raw lyrics, emotional depth, and fearless authenticity.
Her music speaks to millions, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of love, identity, and mental health. To honor her special day, we take a look back at some of her most iconic tracks that have left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering her work, these songs showcase why Halsey remains one of the most compelling voices in music today.
1. Without Me: A Defining Moment in Halsey’s Career
Halsey’s track Without Me marked a turning point in her musical journey, transforming her from a rising star to a pop sensation. Released in 2018, this emotionally charged anthem showcases the singer’s vulnerability as she navigates heartbreak and betrayal, drawing from personal experiences.
The song explores themes of self-worth and the sacrifices made for love, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar emotional turbulence. Halsey’s raw vocals and relatable lyrics struck a chord with fans worldwide, making this her first solo track to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement solidified her reputation, proving her capability to channel deep emotions into mainstream hits while captivating audiences with her powerful storytelling.
2. Bad at Love: Unfiltered Reflections on Failed Relationships
Halsey’s Bad at Love offers an unflinching look at the ups and downs of romantic relationships, serving as a candid confession of the artist’s struggles with love. A standout from her Hopeless Fountain Kingdom album, this 2017 release resonated with listeners for its open and honest portrayal of the emotional complexities tied to romance. With a catchy melody and sincere lyrics, Halsey reflects on her failed attempts at love without holding back, making the song deeply relatable.
The track’s success on the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached the top five, further proved her ability to connect with fans through genuine, heart-on-sleeve storytelling. Bad at Love remains a signature song in Halsey’s catalog, embodying her strength in mixing pop appeal with emotional depth.
3. Nightmare: An Anthem of Rebellion and Empowerment
In Nightmare, Halsey channels her frustration and rage into a fierce, high-energy anthem that defies societal expectations. Released in 2019, this track saw the artist embrace a rock-tinged sound while delivering an unapologetic message about women’s struggles. The song’s aggressive beats and bold lyrics gave Halsey a new edge, one that resonated with fans who related to the anger and defiance she so powerfully expressed.
Though the track didn’t claim the top spot on the charts, it became a fan favorite for its empowering stance and fearless energy. Nightmare showcases Halsey’s versatility as an artist, proving that she isn’t afraid to push boundaries and experiment with different genres to express her most authentic self.
4. Colors: A Tale of Love Through Vivid Imagery
Colors from Halsey’s debut album Badlands stands as one of her most visually evocative tracks, painting a vivid picture of love’s highs and lows through brilliant metaphors. Released in 2015, this song takes listeners on a journey through a fading romance, where emotions are portrayed as different shades of color. Halsey’s lyrical prowess shines as she intricately weaves imagery with deep emotional undertones, creating a song that is as poetic as it is heartbreaking.
The accompanying music video, with its rich symbolism, only added to the track’s appeal. Colors cemented Halsey’s status as a creative storyteller who could infuse even the most complex emotions with relatable metaphors, making it a beloved track for fans who appreciate her artistic depth.
5. Graveyard: A Haunting Journey of Love’s Dark Side
With Graveyard, Halsey takes her listeners on a haunting journey into the darker side of love, showcasing her ability to create a song that is both emotionally raw and sonically captivating. Released in 2019 as part of her Manic album, the track delves into the lengths one might go for love, even when it leads down a destructive path.
The melancholic beats and Halsey’s hypnotic vocals add to the song’s reflective nature, making it resonate deeply with those who’ve experienced toxic relationships. The music video, full of atmospheric visuals, adds another layer to the song’s introspective themes. The graveyard is a testament to Halsey’s ability to explore complex emotions while maintaining the catchy appeal that has made her a pop icon.
6. Gasoline: A Raw Exploration of Mental Health and Identity
Gasoline, a standout track from Halsey’s debut album Badlands, offers a raw exploration of mental health, self-identity, and the chaos within. Released in 2015, this song uses gasoline as a metaphor for the singer’s internal struggles, delivering haunting vocals and dark, pulsating production.
Halsey’s lyrics delve into themes of alienation, self-doubt, and mental illness, making the track deeply personal and relatable to listeners who’ve experienced similar challenges. Critics have praised Gasoline for its unflinching honesty and emotional depth, with Halsey’s ability to articulate complex feelings resonate with many. This track remains a favorite for fans who admire the singer’s courage in addressing taboo topics through her music, making it a defining moment in her early career.
6. You Should Be Sad: A Bold Mix of Genres and Emotions
In You Should Be Sad, Halsey blends country-inspired elements with her signature pop sound to create a bold and emotionally charged track about closure and empowerment. Released in early 2020, this song from her Manic album explores the aftermath of a toxic relationship, with Halsey reflecting on the pain and eventual healing that follows heartbreak. The stripped-back acoustic production allows her raw, emotive vocals to take center stage, giving the track an intimate feel.
Accompanied by a striking music video, You Should Be Sad became a fan favorite for its cathartic message and genre-bending sound. This track highlights Halsey’s versatility as an artist, showcasing her ability to experiment with different musical styles while staying true to her emotional core.
7. Now or Never: A Passionate Plea for Love and Commitment
Halsey’s Now or Never is a passionate anthem about love, urgency, and the emotional intensity that comes with relationships. Released in 2017 as part of her Hopeless Fountain Kingdom album, the song reflects the singer’s desire for commitment and the frustration that comes with indecision in romance. With its dreamy production and infectious hook, Now or Never quickly became a fan favorite, further cementing Halsey’s status as a pop powerhouse.
The accompanying music video, which depicts a star-crossed lovers’ tale, adds depth to the song’s narrative. Now or Never is a testament to Halsey’s ability to create music that is both deeply emotional and universally relatable, making it one of the standout tracks in her discography.
8. Castle: A Bold Declaration of Self-Empowerment
Castle from Halsey’s Badlands album is a bold declaration of self-empowerment and ambition. Released in 2015, the song explores the artist’s journey toward success and the obstacles she faced along the way. With its dark, moody production and powerful lyrics, Castle captures the determination and resilience that Halsey embodies as an artist.
The song’s message of taking control and refusing to be held back by external forces resonated with listeners, making it a fan favorite. The track also gained further attention when it was featured in the trailer for The Huntsman: Winter’s War, further highlighting its cinematic quality. Castle remains a standout in Halsey’s career, showcasing her ability to inspire through her music.
9. 3 AM: A Late-Night Reflection on Loneliness and Heartache
In the song 3 AM, Halsey captures the quiet ache of late-night loneliness and longing, exploring the emotional turbulence that comes with love and heartbreak. Released in 2020 as part of her Manic album, the track delves into the insecurities and doubts that creep in during the early hours of the morning. With its raw lyrics and atmospheric production, 3 AM resonates with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
The song’s introspective nature and Halsey’s emotive vocal delivery make it a powerful addition to her discography, showcasing her ability to turn personal experiences into universally relatable music. 3 AM stands as a testament to Halsey’s growth as an artist, proving that she can seamlessly blend vulnerability with catchy, compelling melodies.
