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If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power
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If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 712 Ratings

  • Summary: Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the fourth full-length studio release for the alternative pop artist is a concept album about pregnancy and giving birth.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Spin
    Aug 25, 2021
    90
    On Halsey’s 13-track oeuvre, they present a masterclass in songwriting and production overflowing with a seductive industrial canvas as well as noise-rock, punk choruses, and fuzzed-out guitars.
  2. AllMusic
    Aug 27, 2021
    90
    With Reznor and Ross supporting such a weighty artistic vision, Halsey takes a huge leap forward with this course-changing opus, a revelation that finally presents their most authentic representation of self.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 26, 2021
    80
    More sonic and lyrical experimentation could allow the songs to make a deeper mark. But this record is a definite power-up from an artist who carries, as promised, “a knife with the heart on my sleeve”.
  4. Clash Music
    Aug 27, 2021
    80
    A world of distortion and contradiction, blood and venom, ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ is a singular statement, one of extreme power.
  5. Slant Magazine
    Aug 26, 2021
    70
    If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is ultimately rather straightforward, reprising many of the themes—self-doubt, self-sabotage, self-empowerment—that have been central to Halsey’s past work.
  6. No Ripcord
    Aug 30, 2021
    70
    Compared to this summer's pop offerings—think of the similarly themed efforts by Billie Eilish and Lorde, both of which deal with the trappings of fame with serenity and blissful detachment, respectively—If I Can't Get Love, I Want Power is provocative, and even ugly, in its most vulnerable moments. Self-indulgent, sure, but its emotional chaos feels earned.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 30, 2021
    60
    Easier Than Lying is shouty and electronic, while You Asked for This finds Halsey fronting a Smashing Pumpkins pastiche. Amid all the Sturm und Drang and sludgy oompah (The Lighthouse) there is some high-quality writing, chiefly in the pizzicato niggles and Jesus analogies of Bells in Santa Fe (“it’s not a happy ending”) and Whispers.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 241 out of 259
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 259
  3. Negative: 9 out of 259
  1. xaxlec
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Halsey’s songwriting and vocals mixed with Trent and Atticus production is magnificent; goosebumps from the first track since the last one.Halsey’s songwriting and vocals mixed with Trent and Atticus production is magnificent; goosebumps from the first track since the last one. The tradition is a wonderful opening track; Bells in Santa Fe, Easier than Lying, 1121, honey, I am not a woman, I’m a God and The Lighthouse are surely some of Halsey’s best songs ever.… Expand
  2. marihfc
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    An amazing album! One of the best albums of the year! She’s amazing, i’m so proud
  4. Helbert
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Even expecting the best from her, I'm totally surprised with the quality of this work. It definitely surpassed my already high expectations.Even expecting the best from her, I'm totally surprised with the quality of this work. It definitely surpassed my already high expectations. Vocals, production, concept and lyrics... Everything is on point on this album. Halsey reinforces she is a true artist and she came to leave her mark on the industry.… Expand
  5. mathzinhu
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This is PERFECTION. You did it, Ashley! Every song touch the soul, I'm so proud to be fan of you, your art is amazing and nothing in thisThis is PERFECTION. You did it, Ashley! Every song touch the soul, I'm so proud to be fan of you, your art is amazing and nothing in this world could make you weak! So much love… Expand
  6. ahrens
    Sep 1, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. “Pregnancy for some women is a dream — and for some people it’s a **** nightmare. That’s the thing that nobody else talks about.” …After initially, and boldly, claiming “If I can’t have love, I want power.” Halsey takes us on an intimate journey through the horrors and trials of newfound motherhood, culminating in a change of heart. Surprisingly, Halsey bids for love, abandoning the walls they built up around themselves and instead choosing family. Ya’aburnee, the final track, is one that puts the journey into perspective. Translating to ‘You bury me’ this song is a love letter to Halsey’s partner and their newborn child. A sweet yet sorrowful declaration of ‘I pray that you outlive me, because the pain of not having you with me would ruin me.’ At this point, Halsey has succumbed to love, and has stopped seeking intangible power. This album is a beautiful expedition through motherhood and creating the foundations of a family, and this beautiful concept is weaved throughout the 13 tracks in an effortlessly subtle way. This record is an instant classic, one for all seasons and for all generations to come.… Expand
  7. Matt8151
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    perfect amazing serve galatic slay so fab omg slay so bad perfect amazing serve galatic slay so fab omg slay so bad
  8. Marcks
    Sep 28, 2021
    0
    Álbum extremamente fraco e sem graça, tem que ter muito saco para engolir 42 minutos de pura ladainha e musicas descartáveis e sem almaÁlbum extremamente fraco e sem graça, tem que ter muito saco para engolir 42 minutos de pura ladainha e musicas descartáveis e sem alma nenhuma! O pior álbum lançado esse ano!… Expand

See all 259 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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