If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power
by Halsey
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2021
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 712 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 640 out of 712
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 712
  3. Negative: 54 out of 712
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  1. Vasya228
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Awesome n various. I’m envy people who s listening ths album the first time
  2. sasha200
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    The best album, so powerful and in the meantime so loving, she chooses between love and power, but for Halsey love is power!!!
  3. alicej243
    Aug 30, 2021
    7
    Great album, love it! It has a more mature vibe than her previous album Manic. I can’t decide if I like it better than Manic though, I will have to listen a few more times to make up my mind!
  4. tatemcrae
    Aug 31, 2021
    8
    This album is a breakthrough for music. Production and lyrics in this album are very beautiful and strange !!!! This is Halsey's best album.
  5. YxungGxd
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of her best albums yet, well crafted and finished. Certain songs have that essence that tastes like truly them, sticking to her style but still reinventing herself and delivering new things. Contrasts in the melodies and instrumental changes that leaves you not knowing where the next verse of the song will take you. The same connections between their songs and previous studio work albums that give the fans that much to love. Easier than lying, you asked for this, honey, the lighthouse or Woman/god give us halsey in their purest rock state, while the tradition, whispers or lilith give us that sound we already know, but in a new format but that works well. Finally, darling and Ya'burnee give us the purity and calmness that is always needed and always goes well coming from halsey's trained voice. All in all a perfect album, amazing and proving that halsey can reinvent herself and deliver something safe and true to her style as often as necessary and no matter what context she finds themselves in.… Expand
  6. Whyyoumad
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Taylor Swift is the music industry
    Yggnhcjcjcjcufucuvjvkvkcifydyststxycu obovicucudystxycub
  7. cynth
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Halseys best work yet. The influence of NIN complimented Hasleys voice perfectly. the opening song ‘The Tradition’ really set the tone for the album and prepared you for what is in store. The closing song ‘Ya’burnee’ was a great ending to a beautiful masterpiece of an album.
  8. murgino
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    one of her best work, 10 out of 10 for sure. the music, production and lyrics are just something that penetrate you in the deep of your heart and soul. not a maternity album nor something related to love, just her power put onto this masterpiece.
  9. aboud02
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    An incredibly cohesive and powerful album. This is most definitely Halsey's best work yet!
  10. BITEPISCES
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    honestly this album is one of the best i’ve listened to in a while. it talks in depth about so many issues.
  11. Alexcontreras_g
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    Halsey gave us on this album just one masterpiece, each song is perfect on its own but together on this album it makes them works of art. the cover of this album is worthy of being in a museum.
  12. rachkinzi
    Aug 31, 2021
    9
    beautiful new sound for halsey, glad they chose this route. 1121 and bells in santa fe have my heart!
  13. Kingkayro67
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    O melhor álbum do ano, Halsey entregou muito conceito!! Já pode entrar AOTY
  14. rxdri_alan
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece. No more words needed. One year since Manic and the quality of this album is just amazing.
  15. 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
  16. Mariecedile
    Sep 2, 2021
    10
    Me encantó el concepto. Halsey nos entrega un disco perfecto en todos sus tracks.
  17. Fromkey
    Sep 2, 2021
    9
    Halsey’s amazing voice with NiN, it’s like the Reese’s Peanut butter cup of music!
  18. traumaking4eva
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    ALBUM OF THE YEAR!! Halsey was so artist and insightful in making this masterpiece. Everything is very impeccable!!
  19. aidencheungyh
    Sep 3, 2021
    7
    Interesting beats but Halsey’s vocals don’t really match the punk rock style of the album.
  20. Wanesta
    Dec 29, 2021
    6
    With an interesting concept, a great production duo, and an amazing film, Halsey had everything to make a stellar album. If it ended up lacking cohesiveness and quickly got repetitive, it's still a remarkable record that we can only wish to be explored more in-depth in the future.
  21. TayTay01
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Powerful you can tell she put her soul into this album absolutely motivational for women in the industry
  22. antthesymbol
    Sep 4, 2021
    8
    Most adventurous pop album I've heard in a while with the personnel to match
  23. dimdammn
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    This is everything. The music, lyrics, visual things. This is the album of the year!!!!!!
  24. Didido09
    Sep 9, 2021
    10
    Para mim, ouvir esse álbum completo é uma experiência a ser vivenciada. Quando um artista consegue fazer algo nesse nível, é de se admirar. De longe, o melhor album dela.
  25. Andrick11
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    has a great improvement vocally, not the rock album I expected but exceeded my expectations
  26. cinnamongirl97
    Oct 15, 2021
    0
    Halsey started her career by copying the queen of alternative Lana Del Rey, and now she switched into being a Taylor Swift wannabe. She keeps talking about songwriting and wants to be taken seriously, and yet she can't write and her music sucks. Halsey, you will never be successful.
  27. Miacat
    Oct 22, 2021
    0
    irrelevante todas las canciones se parecen ella tiene más talento para crear un mejor álbum, es como si no se hubiere esforzado mucho.
  28. glucax
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    Amo, maravilhoso, perfeito, obra-prima, um dos melhores álbuns da história da música mundial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  29. Jorgep3
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    DÍOS MÍO!! Que álbum tan espectacular! No tengo palabras para describir semejante obra maestra que escribió Halsey
    Que dicha la de Ender al tener una madre tan talentosa
  30. Azizkha
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. AOTY 10/10!!! My best tracks is :

    Ya’aburnee Girl is a gun 1121
    Easier than lying Lilith Bells in santa Fe    … Expand
  31. Akura-ou
    Feb 1, 2023
    9
    Halsey experimented a lot here so I was afraid it might not be a good design but I'm glad I was wrong.
  32. 735914017381038
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Es de los mejores albums de esta década, arte total, la voz y letras muy bien hechas más la pista musical son una gran combinación, y no hablar de la combinación de géneros musicales en este álbum, teniendo un poco de Rock, Alternativo y Blues
  33. Denny19
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    To start out I have been a fan of Halsey for years now. I think she has some of the best albums in my opinion with zero skips, yet this one had to grow on me. However it has grown on me so much and I think it is one of if not the best album to come out of 2021.
  34. UnknownMonster
    Nov 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Such a good album, Halsey always puts her best effort on her art… Expand
  35. Malivday
    Dec 19, 2021
    8
    "If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power" is a collection of great songs with some awesome sounds and genius lyrics. The album gets you from beginning to end ans never let you go until the very last track which ends this beautiful piece of art in a very melancholic and heartbreaking tone. The only problem with this album is cohesiveness; Halsey aims to talk about her pregnancy and all about"If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power" is a collection of great songs with some awesome sounds and genius lyrics. The album gets you from beginning to end ans never let you go until the very last track which ends this beautiful piece of art in a very melancholic and heartbreaking tone. The only problem with this album is cohesiveness; Halsey aims to talk about her pregnancy and all about that, but at the end she has talked about pregnancy, relationships and more, what wouldn't be a problem if she hadn't promised an album about a specific theme right at the beginning. However, that is only a little defect that does not, at any circunstancies, damage the phenomenal experience that is this perfectly written album.… Expand
  36. about_pietro
    Dec 22, 2021
    7
    Probably her best album, but not a masterpiece. The production is amazing, but as an album it won't last. So cohesive but nothing great.
  37. 9906dimatulac
    Feb 6, 2022
    10
    This album is the best and her best album so far. Easier than Lying is my favorite on this album, an electronic genre that makes you feel dead and dance. Bells of Santa Fe, Honey, and Girl Is a Gun are pleasing and fit in this album. I think it deserves a lot of attention. And I love this album. I will listen to this so many times.
  38. LonelyHeart28
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    This album is pure art, from the lyrics, the production, Halsey's voice, a splendid work that deserves to be heard by everyone
  39. danilamolotov
    Mar 25, 2022
    10
    Their best work. The album has an amazing concept story based on her real life
  40. LilDroidBlue
    Apr 24, 2022
    10
    I wasn't a Halsey fan before this album. I had somehow heard the song 'Easier Than Lying' and found out that the album was produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and instantly went to YouTube music to stream it. Man, what an album! From the start the the finish it's a powerhouse. You can hear Trent and Atticus' influence all over it and I'm not complaining. I will be giving her otherI wasn't a Halsey fan before this album. I had somehow heard the song 'Easier Than Lying' and found out that the album was produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and instantly went to YouTube music to stream it. Man, what an album! From the start the the finish it's a powerhouse. You can hear Trent and Atticus' influence all over it and I'm not complaining. I will be giving her other music a listen now because I enjoyed this album so much. I actually a big fan of vinyl and when I seen it in the store it was an impulse buy oh it's on vinyl and I snapped it right up and it sounds just as good, even better IMO.… Expand
  41. osabamask
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    that boob only deserves a 10/10. one of the best albums of 2021 featuring her best song ever: NIGHTMARE.
  42. solosolsol
    Jul 15, 2022
    10
    after badlands, hfk and manic, you’d think, there’s no way halsey can keep surprising me,,, and then. and then she does. they have so many tricks up their sleeve!
  43. Aguarras
    Aug 16, 2022
    9
    Halsey’s raw vulnerability finds the perfect vehicle in Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s exquisite production.
  44. papuca
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    will never understand why this album received so much hate. istg yall are tasteless.
  45. Hope0
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Amazing work of art. Her vocals and her lyrics. Speechless. I'm obsessed with the album
  46. FloMoz
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    Pure art! The visual perfectly fits the album, I think it's the best way to listen to the album
  47. Yraeit
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    this album is an underrated masterpiece who really deserves better : halsey made one of the greatest album of all time
  48. Llamawaffle
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    This is one of the most underrated and albums that has not been discussed nearly as much as it should be! It is my favorite album of hers so far and I am excited for the future!
  49. 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
  50. violettrq
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    halsey's most cohesive, personal, fierce, impressive and meaningful album and 2021 in general.
  51. halseyaespa
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    eu quando sou artista, entrego um dos melhores álbuns e filmes da década e faço isso tudo enquanto estou grávida
  52. Brynn1998
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    This is album is an exploration of both the soaring highs as well as the crushing lows of pregnancy. The experimental sound is refreshing. For me personally the standout tracks include: Lilith, Bells in Santa Fe, Darling, You Asked For This, and Ya’aburnee
  53. sinahdt
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    it’s just spectacular on so many levels. i think it’s their best album yet.
  54. Crosstorelli
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Halseys 4th studio album is the culmination of her passion and perseverance. Her best album yet, produced by the legendary Nine inch Nails.
  55. aleom_hx
    Sep 18, 2022
    10
    9.8/10
    It's the best Alternative/Rock album in 2021.Halsey got perfect vocal performance in each songs,whatever whisper or shout.
  56. juanselopez340
    May 14, 2023
    10
    She is a Russian in combat she doesn't let go of the goal until she meets it, she is GREAT with her effort to converse.
  57. jxshua
    Mar 20, 2023
    10
    Halsey never fails to deliver a strong lyrical album followed with sublime production. They continuously gets better and better, What an artist!
  58. Ureear
    Mar 20, 2023
    10
    Halsey's songwriting, from Trent's production, everything was at it's best. What a brilliant album, one of Halsey's best bodies of work, cannot wait to buy this album on vinyl!
  59. ClementineZM
    Sep 11, 2023
    10
    No words to say, do yourself a favor and tune into the weirdness, the darkness and the exceptional atmosphere of this album.
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 30, 2021
    82
    If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is on an upward trajectory in terms of Halsey releasing quality music. By and by, Halsey may not have love, but her latest record is power.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »