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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. kkaterinaa
    Oct 30, 2021
    9
    This album is fantastic. I was pretty impressed by Halsey's work. "Easier than lying" and "The tradition" are my favourite songs of the album!!!
  2. sixteenpixies
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    When I saw that Trent Reznor was going to be in this project, I already knew that this was going to be amazing but STILL I was extremely surprised listening! As a Halsey's fan since Badlands I mean it when I say that this is her best album so far. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
  3. 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
  4. Bidesantos
    Aug 30, 2021
    9
    Really good! Thank you for this masterpiece! The lyrics are amazing! And the production too!
  5. urielhuidobro
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    este álbum es una obra maestra; una vez mas Ashley demostró que es una artista de verdad. Las canciones del álbum no se sienten fuera de lugar y funcionan muy bien dentro del concepto del album. 20/10
  6. 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
  7. wildluvxx
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    halsey's best album.. a REAL industrial rock/punk-pop album.. working with grammy and oscar winning legends she did her best work here. Deserved to win best alternative album at the grammys
  8. Saracyrus14
    Aug 29, 2021
    9
    The tradition and Bells in Santa Fe were so good that gave me goosebumps. Halsey has amazing vocals and she's a good lyricist but the album could still be better or at least I expected it to be better because of the film trailer.
  9. Iamgiannhs
    Dec 31, 2021
    10
    The Tradition ~>10/10
    Bells in Santa fe ~> 10/10
    Easier than lying ~> 10/10
    Lilith ~> 10/10
    Girl Is A Gun ~> 10/10
    You asked for this ~> 10/10
    Darling ~> 5/10
    1121 ~> 10/10
    Honey ~> 10/10
    Whispers ~>10/10
    I'm not a woman,I'm a God ~> 10/10
    The lighthouse ~>10/10
    Ya Aburnee ~>10/10
  10. eullerscb
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Perfeito, entregou conceito, coesão e aclamação, obrigado Halsey por tudooooo.
  11. 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
  12. TheFameLover_
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    Halsey has done it again. This album is a masterpiece. Her vocals, the production, the lyricism literally EVERYTHING is great. 10/10 a must listen! Also the movie?! mwah chef’s kiss
  13. MetacriticOnur
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  14. amiru1isme
    Sep 4, 2021
    7
    Reznor, Ross and Halsey team up has created a raw and majestic blend on her latest album. If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power has this unspoken, unique craft of pop and rock. As a new fan of Halsey, with her 'Experiment on Me' song that features Bring Me the Horizon on production, this genre/approach is the perfect one for her.
  15. 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.
  16. Joolucaas
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfeito , halsey soube fazer um grande trabalho estrondoso , vocais lindos e perfeitos… Expand
  17. 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
  18. NDAFANTASY
    Apr 9, 2022
    9
    Such a cool and immersive experience! Definitely not something I was expecting to see from Halsey, however this album contains a wide variety of tracks! Some of which are just perfect. This album is a must hear!
  19. BuildingMusic70
    Sep 7, 2021
    8
    Halsey is playing with an experimental side of their musical ability. From the punk-heavy, Dave Grohl featuring honey, to the synth-aided, electro pumps of I am not a woman, i'm a god. Many of the songs on the album are a pleasant listening experience, and they have matured a lot since 2020's Manic. Recorded during their pregnancy of their first child (hence the baby on the cover), theyHalsey is playing with an experimental side of their musical ability. From the punk-heavy, Dave Grohl featuring honey, to the synth-aided, electro pumps of I am not a woman, i'm a god. Many of the songs on the album are a pleasant listening experience, and they have matured a lot since 2020's Manic. Recorded during their pregnancy of their first child (hence the baby on the cover), they are always evolving with their projects. This studio album isn't perfect, however this album is recommended to punk-rock lovers, and those into some synth-pop.

    8/10    … Expand
  20. bieleyelash
    Sep 11, 2021
    6
    Para um projeto tão ambicioso (com direito a filme de alta produção), foi decepcionante pra mim terminar o álbum e pensar "um álbum ok". NÃO ERA PRA TER SIDO SÓ "OK". Eu estava muito ansioso e queria muito ter amado o projeto, porém não foi dessa vez
  21. euphoriaboii
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    AMAZINGGG SO GOOD!! from start to end the album was always interesting and really transported to a different dimension. This whole album is one giant masterpiece and dare i say…the best album of the decade thus far.
  22. 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
  23. hfksupremacy
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    halsey is a mastermind & this album proves it. the sound of the album is nothing like she has ever done, they continue to explore different styles of music. the lighthouse alone deserves all the awards, the imagery brought forth from that song is completely unmatched. halsey has really grown & im so proud of her!
  24. 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!!!
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. abbeylynn01
    Aug 27, 2021
    10
    HALSEY WENT OFFFFFF WITH THIS ALBUM! This album far exceeded my expectations.
  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. 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.
  30. 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
Page:

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 »