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. 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. 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.
  2. melissa04
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    I absolutely loved this album, THEIR BEST ALBUM PERIODT. The transition from The Trandition to Bells in Santa Fe IS SO GOOD OMG, Easier than Lying (THIS ONE IS F INSANE), but yeah the eholr album is amazing and I'm so proud of Halsey.
  3. eylull
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    It is mind blowing. Every song on the album is incredible. Halsey never disappoints
  4. akv07
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This is probably the best album of Halsey! The lyrics, the production, the music, her vocals and everything is just top-notch. This album deserves AOTY!!!
  5. Mfrank13
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Hands down the best album Halsey has produced. It’s been on repeat since it dropped at midnight
  6. madara_yy
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    such a unique album! the sounds, the lyrics, the transitions!! EVERYTHING about this album is perfect!
  7. coveredinyou
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Absolutely amazing. The production, the songwriting, everything was fascinating.
  8. Unaiparejo
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    It’s her best album to date. It’s amazing how it gets you into this story. She’s undoubtedly a genius.
  9. Jennxwh
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Phenomenal album and Visual masterpiece, cant wait to see the live event :)
  10. madeline3905
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Halsey comes back to her origins of alternative and rock in this album and it’s absolutely breath taking. Songs that make you really feel something.
  11. jpgkai
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    One of their best albums, it is absolute art and I can only imagine how beautifully that plays out on screen in the film as well.
  12. sdinenno517
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This album is amazing and one of halseys best! No skip songs on this album. Whispers is my favorite on the album and darling is a tear jerker
  13. gionaus
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    The best album of her career! I am not a woman, Im a God was so unique and deep that made scream at 1 am and Ya’aburnee made me cry so much that I ended up with a headache, but it was totally worth it!
  14. Diegour77
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This album is really good, I hope it gets a grammy. The production is on another level
  15. 09shawnee
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    this album is so different and cool great job! It has a different sound that made me feel powerful and cry at the same time
  16. Totaldrama
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is great. very experimental and very cohesive. The vocals are immaculate and so is the production, even though a couple tracks don’t completely hit the mark… Expand
  17. Halsey17
    Aug 27, 2021
    5
    Amazing album, enjoyed it more then Manic from the first listen. IICHLIWP gets even better with replay. Wish it was longer
  18. shlaysanatomy
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    She continues to break down barriers and redefine what it means to be an artist with every project they create- This album is no exception. Equally epic and poetic. Profoundly and wholeheartedly Halsey.
  19. fruktsallad_1
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This album is an experience, so put on your headphones and enjoy the journey. An artistic masterpiece, Halsey has outdone herself in every single department on this record and it's a privilege to experience it. Ever since its release, this is all I've had playing and there isn't a "weak link." Instead it unfolds beautifully with each track and I already know this is going to be my mostThis album is an experience, so put on your headphones and enjoy the journey. An artistic masterpiece, Halsey has outdone herself in every single department on this record and it's a privilege to experience it. Ever since its release, this is all I've had playing and there isn't a "weak link." Instead it unfolds beautifully with each track and I already know this is going to be my most played record this year (and for years to come). Even the transitions between songs are so well-planned! It's a hell of an accomplishment by Halsey, and their constant openness and honesty in both happiness, love and pain is forever appreciated for those of us who can't find the right words.… Expand
  20. Panchogul
    Aug 27, 2021
    3
    Esta chica es talentosa, pero no tiene ningún encanto, es como meter a la licuadora a un sin fin de artistas y sale Halsey como resultado, este album es prueba de ello
  21. LoveTAYSWIFT
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This is art, her best album, my favorite is THE LIGHTHOUSE, LISTEN AND STREAM PLEASE, THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM OF 2021
  22. ercilcano
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Halsey's best work so far. The dark, haunting opening song lets you enter the album and a great world that Halsey creates with this album.
  23. metalhead2901
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    perfeito
  24. MeliM007
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    HALSEY is a mastermind! IF I CANT HAVE LOVE I WANT POWER is a masterpiece! From beginning to end it's total perfection!
  25. edu929
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    album of the year
    no but I'm not even kidding this is their best album ??? she's sick for this one
  26. maricaleninista
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    I am completely speechless and feeling literally every single emotion I could ever feel. This is the album of my life. 10/10
  27. lovebraedyn
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Everything about this album is exquisite! Majority of the songs flow from one to another while still maintaining a diverse sound in each track. This rock sound which we’ve seen a couple times from them before has proved to be meant for her with this project. They’ve really made a masterpiece of a record here and i couldn’t be more proud and excited for whats next.
  28. ReallyAle
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Best album of her. Feel up with emotions that introduce the listeners to a new state of mine. The production is perfect. I'm in love with the album
  29. loverfobic
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    é mais ou menos assim... oh pinguito, ooh pinguitito, ah la que sou pinguito... sou um pinguitito
  30. Ranit
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Very interesting album. I love Halsey for her guts to experiment with each one of her records and this one is by far her best one!
  31. marcxsgomes
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Ela acertou em TUDO, tracks, transições, composições, visuais, estética... album do ano com certeza!
  32. abbeylynn01
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    HALSEY WENT OFFFFFF WITH THIS ALBUM! This album far exceeded my expectations.
  33. giliardynery
    Aug 27, 2021
    7
    Although I didn't like 3/4 tracks I feel this is her best album. Visually it has no faults, I loved it.
  34. venicehoax
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    HALSEY DID IT AGAIN, i just think she can't make bad music lol... this album is just a masterpiece and their voice fits the production so well, i'm OBSESSED
  35. AxelAshley27
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Este álbum es magnífico, la producción de Trent Reznor y Atticus Ross con las letras que escribió Halsey se complementaron muy bien
  36. normanfgabriel
    Aug 27, 2021
    6
    Esse álbum me levou pra ápices de gosto e desgosto, tem faixas que eu realmente curti e salvei e vou ouvir de novo, mas pelo menos 7 faixas do álbum me deixaram bem desconfortável sobre como foram executadas, a repetição de refrão da halsey torna a música enjoativa conforme você avança
  37. VilasBoas
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    omg this album is so good, i don't have words.
    halsey is a genius

    fav tracks: honey, easier than lying, whispers and bells in santa fe
    the least fav is darling but is good too
  38. joaovkp
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This album is a masterpiece! The way it transcends to alternative to rock to indie/pop is so smooth!
  39. Guepardo
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Nunca tinha ouvido a Halsey na minha vida, mas decidi escutar o seu novo álbum e meu Deus, que álbum perfeito!
    Ela consegue manter a qualidade do começo ao fim sem oscilar, TODAS as músicas são sensacionais.
  40. 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. 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.
  41. Nin556
    Aug 27, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum incrível e filme Excelente estou muito surpresa com tanta qualidade nesse álbum… Expand
  42. rabbitwhite
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    this album is definitely one of the best of the year, each track shows Halsey's presence, deserves many grammys and awards and not to mention the movie she made while pregnant, Halsey a real artist.
  43. DanielQuintana
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. without a doubt the best album of the year so far, each song is a complete world that lets you experience every part of halsey's general thinking. 100/100❤️‍… Expand
  44. THERAMROD
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Very solid album. And NIN reminisce, which is not surprising at all knowing the producers handling this album. Love the industrial in it. It is not just added as ornaments, but actually blatantly and proudly shown. In effect to that, this album got into full bloom, it flourished. Halsey's vocals is the best they have ever presented thus far. They added so much conviction into it. I dareVery solid album. And NIN reminisce, which is not surprising at all knowing the producers handling this album. Love the industrial in it. It is not just added as ornaments, but actually blatantly and proudly shown. In effect to that, this album got into full bloom, it flourished. Halsey's vocals is the best they have ever presented thus far. They added so much conviction into it. I dare say this album is Halsey's magnum opus. Bookmark it.

    I will say, this album is for everyone who got tired of slow, sappy and breathy sounding, or half assed alternative album. Alternative don't, and shouldn't, always means emulating Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Fiona Apple, or early Jewel. Being a hard ass blowing up in your face is also constitutes as an alternative. If NIN ever have a femme side, this album perfectly depicted that. 10/10    … Expand
  45. rudahjunqueira
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    It´s incredible to see Halsey´s evolution throughout her albums, but I dare to say this is their finest work to date. This is a whole new atmosphere that is presented without previous taste, a chaotic, beautiful, bittersweet experience. It´s clear that they´ve reached a golden point by working with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the album is amazingly cohesive and, at the same time,It´s incredible to see Halsey´s evolution throughout her albums, but I dare to say this is their finest work to date. This is a whole new atmosphere that is presented without previous taste, a chaotic, beautiful, bittersweet experience. It´s clear that they´ve reached a golden point by working with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the album is amazingly cohesive and, at the same time, explores new sounds, the duo gave the record a personality, one that marks a new era of a possible industrial rock domination. Every song presents a different adventure, you can´t expect what´s coming next and she never lets you down. What an amazing ride this album is. Vulnerability and empowerment in a perfect balance.… Expand
  46. adriandelgrant
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is just ART, it’s a whole new experience. Halsey just surpassed all my expectations.… Expand
  47. Anderaze
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    We can pick this album one of the best till now. The production and lyrics on point. Halsey is proving her growth, musically and personally speaking. Her joint with Trent and Atticus was worth and definitely will make her fans even more proud.
  48. Samthecritic
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    On her fourth full-length project, Halsey bears the unbearable truth. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is a concept album that explores the dark reality of pregnancy, and the power struggle that comes with its physical and emotional challenges. Production by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross creates a grim yet mesmerizing cinematic atmosphere where love and power are constitutions of painOn her fourth full-length project, Halsey bears the unbearable truth. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is a concept album that explores the dark reality of pregnancy, and the power struggle that comes with its physical and emotional challenges. Production by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross creates a grim yet mesmerizing cinematic atmosphere where love and power are constitutions of pain unraveling. With each track, pain is either being endured, inflicted or both simultaneously. Ultimately, the question for the listener seems to be “what and why are you compromising?”. A terrific effort by Halsey, that will certainly solidify her as one of the best storytellers in the music industry!… Expand
  49. MyleeneFRW
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    Глоток свежего воздуха после предыдущего альбома, если его таковым назвать вообще можно.
  50. girlisagun
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    perfection, best album of all time everyone moved, cried, the world is shaking, halsey ? you mean god yeah, insanely perfect and unique.
  51. marihfc
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    An amazing album! One of the best albums of the year! She’s amazing, i’m so proud
  52. analuizaagb
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It’s a complete masterpiece. Full of talent, art, musicality, vocals and melody. Best album of 2021!… Expand
  53. dasha1097
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    Listened because of Trent Reznor production and he with Halsey did not disappoint! I’m not the biggest their fan, but really impressed with this work! Spectacular and grandness album, the concept and execution!
  54. ZiadAmin
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    this a heavenly piece of art, everything about this record is well thought out & polished to perfection, from the storytelling to the production to the aesthetic and cohesion, halsey has outdone herself as usual with another instant classic.
  55. georgek18
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    soooooooooooooo good, great lyrics, great production, her best body of work
  56. ArtemSaloev
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    We clearly can observe the growth of Halsey as a songwriter and an artist. Songs are filled with thoughtful and meaningful lyrics, some of the song deal with important topics, for example, religion. I would like to highlight some top tracks: 1121, honey, I am not a woman, I'm a god. The album allows you to plunge into a mystical atmosphere and dissolve in it.
  57. selsmanic
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    this album is truly a masterpiece she really did a solid 10/10 stunning album with no skips, with very captivating lyrics and SPECTACULAR production, wonderful vocal delivery and great story telling. So proud of them they have been working so hard and this is truly their best album to date (imo alongside Badlands). I'm truly speechless she left me with no words only amused with thisthis album is truly a masterpiece she really did a solid 10/10 stunning album with no skips, with very captivating lyrics and SPECTACULAR production, wonderful vocal delivery and great story telling. So proud of them they have been working so hard and this is truly their best album to date (imo alongside Badlands). I'm truly speechless she left me with no words only amused with this masterpiece! Hope it gets the recognition it deserves cause this is the best album this year so far.… Expand
  58. SGCrazy
    Aug 27, 2021
    8
    I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the album and the instrumental of the songs
    Really good work
  59. daironbustos
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The work on this album is completely wonderful and complex, it brings you to the power that Halsey tries to capture, the production work is spectral… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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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
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