Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
by Halsey
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 597 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 489 out of 597
  2. Mixed: 50 out of 597
  3. Negative: 58 out of 597
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  1. RK13
    Jun 7, 2017
    8
    Halsey keeps on producing great alternative music, however hopeless fountain kingdom just does not meet the standards of BADLANDS. Nevertheless BADLANDS was a very good album. Ashley, you've done yourself proud.
  2. joaoduarte
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    Badlands was great, HFK is the best album in 2017 so far. every song marries each other and the story told im the album is beautiful. all the tracks were well produced and so was the features.
  3. Cittadel
    Feb 20, 2018
    6
    "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" is a decent pop album, but it lacks a unique sound. Unlike Badlands, it doesn't really scream "Halsey". It could've literally been made by anyone else. The songs on the album are all quite decent, with a few great ones, like "Eyes Shut" and "100 Letters", and a few sluggish and unnecessary ones, like "Don't Play" and "Lie". "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" just"Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" is a decent pop album, but it lacks a unique sound. Unlike Badlands, it doesn't really scream "Halsey". It could've literally been made by anyone else. The songs on the album are all quite decent, with a few great ones, like "Eyes Shut" and "100 Letters", and a few sluggish and unnecessary ones, like "Don't Play" and "Lie". "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" just doesn't shine like its predecessor.… Expand
  4. lavieenrose
    Sep 1, 2019
    8
    best tracks: bad at love, walls could talk, 100 letters, heaven in hiding,.
  5. lennoxxx
    Sep 14, 2019
    6
    This album was rushed and it shows. It's very weak compared to Badlands and the production is not good. Her songwriting is great as usual, although it sounds like a collection of demos rather than a full album. With more polish this album could have been great.
  6. EduardoEduardo
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    Halsey follows a very promising path, though BadLands is better in my opinion, yet it follows at a very nice pace. The most prominent track of this album is Doubtless Don't Play.
  7. alazakariia
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    This album is unique and totally different than 'badlands' which is a very good point for Halsey.
    The concept behind this album is also super nice and good,
  8. Juniorsanctus
    Jun 7, 2017
    7
    Depois de roubar o conceito da Sky pro Badlands, Mc Halsinha consegue aqui, sozinha, entregar um álbum coeso, harmonioso e descente. É bom, mas só bom mesmo. Os feats poderiam se mais ambiciosos, mas estão na média. Meu namorado disse que a voz dela combina com a da Lauren.
  9. laerciolucs
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    This album has great sound, lyrics that bring the listener closer to the artist and a versatility of musical styles, I loved it a lot, deserves a higher average, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is a bible.
  10. LucasFerreira
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is a different album from his first album, Badlands. Halsey hit the ante by betting on an older pop and managed to keep him current.
  11. dsfdfcsd
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    This album is masterpiece, i'm speechless. I think it's way better than badlands. She saved 20-17 definitely. I love her **** so much, there are a lot of favorites, i can't even choose.
  12. lookaslookas
    Jun 9, 2017
    9
    I never listened full Halsey`s album before,but i was very exited when i first did it.This album is fully fantastic.Halsey made a great job.

    Best songs:Alone,Heaven in Hiding,Bad at love
    Worst song:Good morning(WTF is that),
  13. Wael
    Jul 23, 2017
    7
    Through all the hype and the anticipation, 'hopeless fountain kingdom' arrives with a bang. The second studio album by 'tri-bi' American angst Halsey finds her widening her musical spectrum, dealing with more mainstream sounds and enlisting the help of huge hit-makers (likes of Benny Blanco, Greg Kurstin, Ricky Reed, etc.) Frangipane's songwriting is less poetic than on her debutThrough all the hype and the anticipation, 'hopeless fountain kingdom' arrives with a bang. The second studio album by 'tri-bi' American angst Halsey finds her widening her musical spectrum, dealing with more mainstream sounds and enlisting the help of huge hit-makers (likes of Benny Blanco, Greg Kurstin, Ricky Reed, etc.) Frangipane's songwriting is less poetic than on her debut 'Badlands', but way more mature, making up a concept record that tracks Shakespear's 'Romeo & Juliet' (she even narrates its prologue on the first track, entitled.. 'The Prologue', obviously). Some songs feel forced: 'Alone', a sonic mess that recalls the works of Drake and Ed Sheeran and Alessia Cara, sounds nothing like Halsey, gets lost in its sounds, and doesn't work in any way; but it's on tracks that are very Halsey-driven like '100 Letters', 'Heaven in Hiding', and 'Angel on Fire' that the album truly bursts with success. On another hand, Quavo's guest-verse on 'Lie' was utterly useless (she could've handled the whole song by herself), and closer 'Hopeless' hits all the right places in all the right ways. Lead single 'Now or Never' remains the absolute highlight.
    Though a slight step-down from 'Badlands', 'Kingdom' is not an album to be under-estimated.
    7/10.    … Expand
  14. valeriavdlc
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    I love this album, is her best record, Walls Could Talk is one of my favorites, Good Mourning is one of the best interludes ever, hopeless fountain kingdom is a masterpiece
  15. kurthawkins
    Jun 8, 2017
    9
    Indo contra as probabilidades, 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom' é um coeso e magnífico álbum, se mantendo no mesmo nível elevado de suas composições e suas escolhas cinematográficas, com uma pegada mainstream de um pop eletrônico mas alternativo na medida certa, Halsey segue com as canções sensuais e envolventes do debut 'Badlands'.
    Inspirações como a época old school de Britney Spears em    Indo contra as probabilidades, 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom' é um coeso e magnífico álbum, se mantendo no mesmo nível elevado de suas composições e suas escolhas cinematográficas, com uma pegada mainstream de um pop eletrônico mas alternativo na medida certa, Halsey segue com as canções sensuais e envolventes do debut 'Badlands'.
    Inspirações como a época old school de Britney Spears em 'Walls Could Talk,' 'Don't Play' com um flow magnífico e que muito lembra ANTI de Rihanna (o mesmo ocorre no refrão de 'Now or Never', e o puro pop radiofônico em 'Bad At Love', até mesmo algo que vaga entre Kanye West e o Queen em 'Alone', a nova iorquina mantém sua marca. Os vocais da cantora neste álbum se mostram muito mais evoluídos, que ficam evidentes em canções marcantes como 'Sorry', 'Heaven In Hiding' e 'Devil In Me'.    … Expand
  16. benbrandon789
    Nov 1, 2017
    0
    No talent was presented in this piece at any point. It is a disgrace to the music industry. I do not recommend this album to anyone with more than one brain cell.
  17. dark-phoenix
    Jun 9, 2017
    0
    Terrible album. This poor girl should just gave up on music. It's like the same song is being played on an infinite loop, every single song it's the same. Seriously what does people have on their heads to think this utter **** is anyhow good? lmaooo
  18. thesolidmelon
    Jun 7, 2017
    0
    Badlands was a excellent album, however it seems Ashley has tried something new, however it didn't quite fit in as there were a lot of fillers in this album, short tracks and a feature with Quavo on the track 'Lie' which wasn't really pleasant.
  19. longjetty7
    Jun 10, 2017
    6
    Halsey is a weird kind of artist. I want to like her, I really do, but her music just doesn't really do it for me. Badlands was alright, and Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is slightly better. I like the general vibe that she's going for and the genre of music she does, but the execution of it sort of leaves me with blue balls. I would say pretty much everything on HFK was decent. There wasn'tHalsey is a weird kind of artist. I want to like her, I really do, but her music just doesn't really do it for me. Badlands was alright, and Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is slightly better. I like the general vibe that she's going for and the genre of music she does, but the execution of it sort of leaves me with blue balls. I would say pretty much everything on HFK was decent. There wasn't anything I hated (except maybe the weird Romeo and Juliet prologue?), but there also wasn't anything I loved. I would probably listen to it again if I'm in the mood for some electro-alt-pop background music, but I'm still waiting for Halsey to put out something that really wows me.… Expand
  20. Epik_Ninnja
    Aug 13, 2017
    7
    While I prefer her first album, this one still stands above most of the other generic pop albums out there (although it's still on the generic side). I liked most of the songs on the album. They offered decent lyrics and rhythms, making for some pretty good alternative pop. If you're a big fan of Badlands, you might be disappointed but it's still worth a listen for sure.
  21. diegonelli
    Jun 8, 2017
    7
    I like this album much more than Badlands! Fresh sounds and nice lyrics. My favorite ones are Eyes Closed, Sorry and Devil In Me. The story the album tells is very good.
  22. estabilau
    Jun 8, 2017
    8
    I just love all the songs but I still don't understand the concept though I feel like it's messy. And there is one or two fillers in my opinion but the other songs are so good and different from each other that they make up for it.
  23. oen65438
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    YES THIS'S ALBUM OF THE YEAR AND I DON'T EVEN ****ING LIKE HER. َ
  24. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    7
    no podria decidir entre cual album es mejor, este o su album debut. ambos muy buenos
  25. JMendez__22
    Aug 24, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Vaya pedazo de mierd*, toda una perdida de tiempo. Lo peor es que lo etiqueta como música alternativa cuando en realidad es el pop más genérico y desesperado por sonar en la radio.… Expand
  26. ScarTissue1990
    Oct 6, 2018
    4
    Went into this album wanting to live for it, but I was sadly let down pretty early on. There's honestly something I can't take and generic "fake deep" lyrics behind even faker instrumentals are a turn off for me, followed by Halsey's less than vocal performance that makes Selena Gomez or her other contemporaries look as if they are vocal powerhouses such as Celine Dion. "Alone" is cute though.
  27. marcmyworks
    Jun 29, 2017
    8
    HFK is one of those rare gems where the tracks get better as the album progresses. The weakness? Well the only one is that unfortunately anyone could be singing, as Halsey's voice is not distinct or unique enough on this album to merit it to be memorable. Download: Lie, Strangers, Hopeless.
  28. spongeswift
    Nov 11, 2017
    9
    Hopeless Fountain Kingdom is the perfect Friday night album. Yes the tracklist was too big there were 4-5 just overall sloppy songs that are clearly filler but the rest are almost golden. Halsey's voice in there songs enchant it and overall some of the songs remind you of an enchanted wonderland and some remind you off how much your life can suck which is why I like it. It was SonicallyHopeless Fountain Kingdom is the perfect Friday night album. Yes the tracklist was too big there were 4-5 just overall sloppy songs that are clearly filler but the rest are almost golden. Halsey's voice in there songs enchant it and overall some of the songs remind you of an enchanted wonderland and some remind you off how much your life can suck which is why I like it. It was Sonically Cohesive in the sound department but the overall meaning for every song is not close to cohesive. HFK is Halsey's best work and if she continues making album's like this she will succeed.… Expand
  29. callmefabs
    Jun 7, 2017
    6
    Quando a Halsey primeiro lançou seu debut, Badlands, todo mundo ficou surpreso e animado para ver algo mais. O problema nasceu no HFK, que ficou com músicas boas, mas esquecíveis.
  30. oiagoabreu
    Jun 11, 2017
    10
    Halsey does not disappoint about what one wants to get through. A totally worked album. A part Visual is one of the great differentials of the album! Congratulations Halsey!
  31. dislexicpotato
    Nov 2, 2018
    8
    A very consistent and memorable album overall. Favourites include Alone, Bad At Love, Now or Never, Sorry and Heaven In Hiding.
  32. AntonioUchoa
    Jun 10, 2017
    6
    Mais conceitual, pseudo-romantico do que "BADLANDS". Hopeless Fountain Kingdom é algo que não passa do conceito e do pseudo-romantismo da Halsey, apesar de ter um apanhado de faixas bem produzidas, e bem escritas.

    Faixas recomendadas: Eyes Closed, Strangers Featuring Lauren Jauregui
  33. vinnynguyen
    Jun 17, 2017
    7
    A solid first-half of the album, yet as it continues, displays an apparent self-superiority that makes the album difficult to stomach. The first-half contains some solid tracks that will leave you hooked, but the enjoyment slowly wears out as the decrease in musical quality lessens.
  34. Music_Observer
    Aug 15, 2017
    5
    This music was way too contrived, formulaic, and ordinary for its pop-style goal, and although each song was nicely concise and had purpose within them, musical experimentation and guts were sadly at a minimum. My Score: 97/180 (Deficient) =5.4/10
  35. jesusraul
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    Really good album. Halsey is a good future for alternative music. All she made is art. Sorry, my inglish is so bad, i´m mexican.......................
  36. joaofelin
    Jun 20, 2017
    7
    The Prologue - 8
    100 Letters - 7
    Eyes Closed - 7
    Alone - 5
    Now or Never - 5
    Sorry - 6
    Good Mourning - 4
    Lie - 8
    Walls Could Talk - 7
    Bad at Love - 9
    Strangers - 9
    Devil in Me - 7
    Hopeless - 7

    score: 6,8
  37. Aidenhab
    Jun 7, 2017
    5
    I really liked "Badlands" back then, because it has some kind of unique style. However, in "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" there are literally many unique styles. Too many. Every song has got different vibe, so the album is basically filled up with some random songs. BUT. The instrumental of every song is very good and in like four songs, I would say that the instrumental is perfect.
  38. markxe
    Jun 8, 2017
    10
    i'm not a halsey fan but this so much better than her debut album, better vocals, production ,sounds too. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　     .
  39. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    5
    it was okay............................................................................................................................................................
  40. Paranormal
    Jul 25, 2017
    4
    Ожидал большего. Самый любимый трек - с Лорен. Как не зашел мне ее BADLANDS, также и этот. Не знаю, может голос не цепляет, а может сама Холзи. Во всяком случае альбом довольно скучный, все треки сливаются в один. Такое же ощущение было от дебютника.Ожидал большего. Самый любимый трек - с Лорен. Как не зашел мне ее BADLANDS, также и этот. Не знаю, может голос не цепляет, а может сама Холзи. Во всяком случае альбом довольно скучный, все треки сливаются в один. Такое же ощущение было от дебютника.
  41. max_ayala25
    Aug 5, 2017
    8
    La voz de Halsey se expresa muy bien en este album. Tiene canciones muy buenas tales como "sorry", "bad at love" y "Devil in me" son buenas muestras de letras y ritmos variados que dejan una buena experiencia. Una propuesta muy recomendable para el género alternativo
  42. S4dboxx
    Oct 2, 2017
    8
    Mostrando bastante evolução desde seu primeiro álbum, Halsey mostra um lado seu mais obscuro e sensível, um lado mais humano reagindo aos amores e sua atual vida em um álbum em que não somente as melodias se destacam, mas as letras também.
  43. batuhanotrakci
    Oct 26, 2017
    10
    My favorite female album in 2017! Halsey did that! The album sounds is verry good. Writers and producers not noob. All know really music. Sia and The Weeknd is writer in album.
  44. behzatgoren
    Dec 23, 2017
    10
    The Prologue/8
    100 Letters/9,5
    Eyes Closed/10
    Heaven In Hiding/10
    Alone/10
    Now Or Never/10
    Sorry/10
    Good Mourning/8
    Lie/10
    Walls Could Talk/10
    Bad At Love/10
    Don't Play/10
    Strangers/10
    Angel On Fire/10
    Devil In Me/10
    Hopeless/9,5
    HFK♥:9,6
  45. A-ING
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. HFK is a great album, the modern romeo and Juliet concept is something who get you and put into each one of the songs. There's a lot of feelings that i had while i was listening to it. There are some songs who i felt that something was missing, but the next track made me forget of it and fall into the thing again. Great job, Halsey. Waiting for new songs!… Expand
  46. prestonhung
    Jul 26, 2018
    4
    'hopeless fountain kingdom' is a disappointingly plain and fame-seeking album for its singles. Although the singles "Now Or Never" and "Bad At Love" are powerful, other than this there is absolutely nothing special, spectacular, or worth mentioning about this album.
    Strongest Tracks: "Now Or Never", "Bad At Love", "Devil In Me"
    Weakest Track(s): "100 Letters"
  47. mokshaj
    Apr 6, 2018
    9
    an ambitious album with a solid concept, more mature lyrics and a very favorable sound change for Halsey that shows us how talented she is.
  48. gabrielcipriano
    Dec 21, 2018
    9
    Halsey gave her surpasses, she did an engaging album with her hands in every detail and making the album sensational. Got some of each and have their songs passionate.
  49. guycritics
    May 26, 2018
    9
    Com toda uma história por trás, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom tem total coesão em suas 16 faixas, fazendo com que ele se torne um álbum prazeroso e interessante para ser ouvido (com bastante atenção)
  50. andres288
    Jun 10, 2018
    10
    I didn't use to listen alternative music but i discovered this album and immediately fell in love with this album, I think this is a masterpiece, it's background, composition, history, vocals, you won't regret listen it.
  51. KatrinaAirlines
    Aug 28, 2018
    9
    После прослушивания "Now Or Never", а затем и целого альбома, я понял, что влюбился в певицу, которая исполняет эти изумительные песни.
  52. CasketAirlines
    Aug 27, 2018
    9
    Настолько яркий альбом, настолько офигенные инструменталки, что просто не описать словами. Лучшая работа Холзи на данный момент.
  53. pd15
    Sep 28, 2019
    0
    Una mierda de album como puede ser considerado musica esto pedazo de caca asco
  54. MohammedAlley
    Sep 17, 2018
    3
    I tried to listen to this album, mainly because blogs all over the internet seem to have an infatuation with "Halsey." However, I fail to see what is fascinating about this music. Everything just seemed so dull and unmelodic, as in I couldn't distinguish one song from another. I guess this girl is all about image and not so much substance, only that image is that she portrays herself asI tried to listen to this album, mainly because blogs all over the internet seem to have an infatuation with "Halsey." However, I fail to see what is fascinating about this music. Everything just seemed so dull and unmelodic, as in I couldn't distinguish one song from another. I guess this girl is all about image and not so much substance, only that image is that she portrays herself as the anti-Britney Spears (and failing at it). Better luck next time, I guess?… Expand
  55. Javisarceno
    Jun 8, 2019
    10
    Está súper bueno cada álbum que sacará será arte como toda su carrera de artista en verdad es muy bueno
  56. MyleeneFRW
    Nov 30, 2020
    9
    Шедевральный, недооцененный второй альбом Холзи, безупречное продолжение дебютного альбома, новое звучание, в котором Холзи не прогадала. Целостный, концептуальный, со своей историей. Одним словом, это - вышка.
  57. morganasashes
    Nov 13, 2019
    9
    Amazing album top to bottom. Halsey uses a diverse range of genres in this record. With the key genres being R&B, electropop, alternative, and even hints of rock, you can see why today's youth is enamored with her. Well done!
  58. Ranit
    Jan 17, 2020
    10
    So strong. She kept power of Badlands, but gave it radio-friendly spin. Halsey has a full power on this record.
  59. lisonmusic
    Dec 8, 2019
    10
    My favorite album of all time. The storyline, the vocals, the aesthetic... Everything is perfect
  60. FFyord
    Dec 21, 2019
    0
    It is sooooo bad! Her voice is very annoying. Why do people like that album? I don’t see that.
  61. Fer1807
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    The whole album is so amazing. Has great Lyrics written by her and with incredible meanings
  62. Loverfest
    Jan 15, 2020
    10
    Amazingly, beautifully done. Love the concept album set up is just perfect.
  63. hfklucas
    Jan 17, 2020
    10
    conceito, coesão e aclamação. hopeless fountain kingdom é uma obra de arte.
  64. pinkfobico
    Jan 17, 2020
    10
    perfection, beauty, amazing and fantastic. I love her musicality, is perfection and DIVINE!!!
  65. cipriano
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Halsey brought the best concept and cohesion that one can have inside an album. The vocals and their powerful compositions have given strength to this album to be extremely grandiose. The evolution of an artist like her doing something of this medium, it's rare and she managed to do it all, it was a perfect time for those who are tired of a standard pop and came in a very fluent footprintHalsey brought the best concept and cohesion that one can have inside an album. The vocals and their powerful compositions have given strength to this album to be extremely grandiose. The evolution of an artist like her doing something of this medium, it's rare and she managed to do it all, it was a perfect time for those who are tired of a standard pop and came in a very fluent footprint as the album becomes.… Expand
  66. natanullrich
    Oct 26, 2022
    10
    from the concept to the videos, this album is pure pop perfection. Not a single skip, only the quavo feat that could easily be removed even though the song is great.
  67. andyn823
    Jun 8, 2020
    8
    This album is insane. Halsey was so great. Best tracks : "Bad At Love", "Now Or Never", "Walls Could Talk".
  68. Sophieblackbeak
    Apr 27, 2020
    8
    I love the storytelling of this album. Halsey proved that she is definitely one of the greatest és most creative songwriters and artists of her generation.
  69. Saraafn
    Jun 23, 2022
    8
    I really loved this album and some songs like bad at love (incredible) and eyes closed. Also, the lyrics in sorry... omg, halsey you're insane. I still think it's inferior to badlands especially in production wise.
  70. Lexap
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    My favorite of her albums ❤️❤️ There’s not one bad song on here and I love the story she tells.
  71. gustavomar
    Aug 19, 2021
    10
    This album is an awesome journey! The productions are beyond and the lyrics are interesting to listen to!
  72. miguelcstb
    Feb 2, 2022
    5
    I like this album, it has a every well-made production and the songs are catchy, but this only happened with half of the them, the rest were kinda boring. I feel like if she had made all the songs with a sound similar to "bad at love", "now or never, or "strangers" this album would've been amazing, because even the short tracks sound good, but then we have some that are just dull.
  73. Akura-ou
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    There's no track, I don't like. Every tracks here is just immaculate. Production, lyrics, concept are just perfect
  74. jxshua
    Mar 16, 2023
    10
    This album deserves a lot more recognition from the critics, another lyrical masterclass from Halsey, what a talent they are, and what an album this is!

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    Jun 15, 2017
    70
    Hopeless Fountain Kingdom as a whole feels quintessentially 2017 in how it jumbles styles and sentiment, streamlining a teeming, contradictory culture into something smooth, glassy and easy to digest.
    Read full review
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 14, 2017
    60
    2017 has had better pop records surely, but hearing Halsey grow as an artist is a uniquely rewarding experience that makes the album’s faults more forgivable and its successes more thrilling.
    Read full review
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 7, 2017
    60
    It’s not remotely bad; it certainly sounds just like one of the most hotly awaited pop albums of 2017. But you can discern, just off stage, the chorus of unignorable industry types bearing down on one bankable creative, advising this timely collaboration, that hot producer, this set of references.
    Read full review
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