To anyone looking for an incredible story about an incredible, heartbreaking, terrifying journey, I recommend looking no further than Halsey's debut album BADLANDS. What a wild ride. I had the pleasure of getting to know Halsey through her EP Room 93, which featured five tracks – two of which made it onto BADLANDS – that proved Halsey was going to be a force to be reckoned with. Apart from that EP, the only other evidence I had of her talent were some live performances of unreleased songs (such as a track called "Colors"), but it was all enough for me; I purchased two tickets to see her perform in Columbus this October for myself and one of my roommates. I didn't need to hear BADLANDS to know it was going to be stunning, and now that it is released, I've realized that 'stunning' is the Mt. Everest of understatements.

         I don't know that Halsey is for everyone, as much as I wish she could be. Her lyrics are harsh and raw and bone-chilling, and she doesn't hold back. She had a story to tell, and with BADLANDS she finally got to do that. I hope you all love this album as much as I did. Here are my thoughts:

01: CASTLE – 9/10

         I felt that, after having read the lyrics for this song, I understood what it was about: Halsey was gaining popularity in a man's world. I have no idea if I'm right or not, but either way, you'll get that general gist as well when you listen to it and pay attention. When this track opens the album, you are in the badlands. The ominous choir vocals before Halsey begins the chorus every time combined with industrial music (is that even a thing?) allows you to visualize a type of setting. Your badlands will be different from hers, but Halsey has experienced things many of us will probably never understand, as this album will show us. But with songs like this one, we might be able to get sort of close to an understanding. Pay attention to the sound effects in every track from here on out to be able to place yourself into a setting, because Halsey isn't going to hold back. Welcome to the Badlands. Favorite lyrics: Now my neck is open wide / begging for a fist around it / Already choking on my pride / so there's no use crying about it.

02: HOLD ME DOWN – 10/10

         This was truthfully the first song by Halsey I'd ever heard, and I probably recommend that it be the first song by her that anyone hear. It was released much earlier than this album was, and sometimes I wonder if I'd ever gotten into her had I not fallen in love with this song. Despite the song's up-tempo beat, pay attention to the lyrics; this is not a happy song. Halsey mentions her "demons" a lot, and we can assume she is talking about her mental illness(es?). And I mean, I could pick apart all of the lyrics for you and tell you exactly what I think this song is about, but if you listen closely enough and read the lyrics for what they are, you should be able to figure them out yourself. And it's sort of heartbreaking. What a day in the badlands, hey? Favorite lyrics: I sold my soul to a three-piece / and he told me I was holy / He's got me down on both knees / but it's the devil that's tryin'a hold me down.

03: NEW AMERICANA – 10/10

         Along with "Hold Me Down", I consider this track a 'Halsey Beginners Song' as it's an easier listen for anyone just starting to listen to her. "New Americana" is anthemic and musically (and lyrically, and vocally..) very strong. It's about our generation, the one coming into adulthood now and the way we've been raised – how we differ from the generation before us and probably the one after us as well. You cannot go wrong with this song. Even if you don't particularly enjoy the rest of Halsey's music, you'll probably dig this song. I was blown away the first time I heard it, and honestly I'm still blown away every time I've listened to it since. It speaks for itself. Favorite lyrics: Young James Dean / some say he looks just like his father / but he / could never love somebody's daughter.

04: DRIVE – 9/10

         Unfortunately, this track wound up leaking a couple weeks before the album was set to release, but luckily Halsey was pretty cool about it. That was when I heard it (as I was unaware that it was a leak at the time), and it was after then that I got a better feel of what Halsey was trying to do with this album. Like I said earlier, make sure you listen for the sound effects. In the very beginning you hear a vehicle being revved to life and throughout the song, you'll hear more noises you'd hear on the road. This is as close to a ballad as Halsey comes on this album, and it's fine. "Drive" is soothing and I don't know if it's the lyrics or the music (some of which is reminiscent of the music in "Hurricane") or the faint sounds of rain that can be heard at one point, but I do love this song. I also don't know who backs Halsey up during the last chorus, but they sound fantastic together. Favorite lyrics: Sick and full of pride / all we do is drive.

05: HURRICANE – 10/10

         This is one of two tracks that was on Room 93 before this album, and I don't know that any changes were really made to it unless they embellished the production a little bit. Pay special attention to the music in the song, as you'll hear it make a special guest appearance in another track later on (hint: I'm not going to tell you where, so you'll have to listen to find out). I love everything about this song. The lyrics are beautiful, the song is somewhat chilling and calming simultaneously, and I feel like we get a really great glimpse at the way Halsey views herself. I think gray skies and violent winds whipping the trees and knocking over power lines and electric sparks and lightning and shattering glass when I think about this song, and I picture Halsey standing right in the middle of it all. 'Hurricane' is so visually strong. Favorite lyrics: Don't belong to no city / don't belong to no man.

06: ROMAN HOLIDAY – 9/10

         My favorite thing about this song is the contrast between Halsey's lower vocals during the verses and her whispier, higher vocals during the chorus. This track is a breath of fresh air after the weight of the previous five. Although I can't guarantee the message is meant to be as light-hearted as it sounds, at least we know that even if she was fooling herself, Halsey could experience some better days in the wasteland that was her mind most of the time. This could probably be another Halsey Beginners Song as it is simply a fun tune.  And you've heard nothing until you've heard this sung live, because wow.  Favorite lyrics: We'll be lacing the same shoes / that we've worn through / to the bottom of the line.

07: GHOST – 10/10

         "Ghost" is the second of the two tracks that were originally on Room 93. It's about discovering your partner is very absent in your relationship and things aren't the same anymore, basically, though when you listen to the lyrics it's obviously more complex than that. Either way, you'll find this song stuck in your head often – the verses especially. The concept is relatable as well. How many of you have had a friendship or romantic relationship or any kind of relationship really where you realize suddenly the person you thought you were with isn't necessarily there anymore? Like, physically, sure, they're there with you, but you can tell they aren't involved anymore. I think it happens often, and I think Halsey captured the feeling you get when you realize it's happening to you perfectly in this song. It's another Halsey Beginners Song, and there's a reason it became so popular so quickly. Favorite lyrics: You're a Rolling Stone boy / never sleep alone boy / got a million numbers and they're filling up your phone boy.

08: COLORS – 10/10

         One of my favorites on the album, "Colors" is the song you probably know some of the lyrics to before ever having heard of Halsey, let alone any of her music. Does the following quote sound familiar? "You were red, and you liked me because I was blue. But you touched me, and suddenly I was a lilac sky, and you decided purple just wasn't for you." If you frequent Tumblr, you've likely seen that at least once. Well, it originated on Halsey's personal Tumblr. I've been listening to the live version of this song for what feels like forever (it's really only been a couple months), and I couldn't begin to describe my excitement for the studio version to finally be released. It's a bit more electro than I imagined it'd be, especially compared to the way it was performed live, but it is still one of the strongest tracks on the album lyrically. I promise you won't see the last of this song in any form any time soon. Favorite lyrics: You're ripped at every edge but you're a masterpiece / and now I'm tearing through the pages and the ink.

09: COLORS PT II – NOT RATED

         It's difficult to rate this song because it's really not meant to serve any purpose other than to symbolize Halsey's leaving of the badlands. This is the track where you are meant to imagine that you're finally escaping, finally waking up. But it's an ominous exit, as you'll soon find out, because the worst part of the badlands isn't necessarily while you're trapped there. The worst part very well be having to deal with the aftermath of what you've now been through.

10: STRANGE LOVE – 8.5/10

         This is my least favorite track on the album, but that doesn't mean it still isn't good. It's just very hard to compete with some of the others. "Strange Love" is the first explicit song we hear, and Halsey suddenly does not hold back. Freshly free from her badlands, Halsey is headstrong and happy to be out. Her fists are raised and her jaw is clenched. This track is generally about being aware that you do not have to explain yourself to anyone about anything, including your love life and the people you choose to invest yourself in. Ignore anyone else's judgments and go about your life how you want. Favorite lyrics: They know you walk like you're a god / they can't believe I made you weak.

11: COMING DOWN – 8.5/10

         Similarly to "Drive", this track sounds calm and easy-going. The music is very chill and Halsey's vocals remain relatively low, and at this point we all know her low vocals could relax anyone to the point of deep rest (in the best way). Her lyrics paint quite the picture that I think can be interpreted several ways depending on how you listen to the song. What I took from it is that things are a bit less optimistic than they were in "Strange Love". You've been out of the badlands for a little longer now, and you're starting to realize you've been affected more than you thought, and things aren't all glitter and unicorns anymore. This track felt like Halsey was disheartened to me. Favorite lyrics: I found a savior / I don't think he remembers / 'cause he's off to pay his crimes / and he's got no time for mine.

12: HAUNTING – 9.5/10

         This is one of my favorite tracks to listen to because Halsey's vocals really shine in the bridge/pre-chorus. Every time she sings the word haunting you hear bits and bobs of more vocals, creating a chilling effect that sold this one for me. "Haunting" is truly "Ghost"'s older, hotter brother, to put it simply. I think their meanings are pretty similar except this time it's worse because you're no longer in the badlands, you know? You're out, and things are supposed to be better but they aren't. Halsey is yearning for her ghost of a partner to continue to stick around her, to keep haunting her, even though she knows they're no longer really there. It's a fantastic listen. Favorite lyrics: We walk as tall as the skyline / and we have roots like the trees / but then your eyes start to wander / 'cause they weren't looking at me.

13: GASOLINE – 10/10

         We see Halsey hold nothing back in this track, and that could be what makes it one of the best on the album. It's brutally honest and heartbreaking and when the chorus hits, it's truly blood-curdling if you're paying enough attention to the lyrics. Halsey rips into everything that makes her Ashley Frangipane and lays it all out on the table for us. The worst part is hearing her understand and almost accept that there is no way to change what has become of her, what the badlands have done to her. The terrifying reality of what mental illnesses and so many other hardships can do to a person makes this song a stand-out track, and I honestly hope so many people get the privilege to hear it. Favorite lyrics: Well my heart is gold and my hands are cold.

14: CONTROL – 10/10

         In a way, when you begin this track it's like it's more haunting than "Haunting" itself. But it's meant to be scary, as you realize later on in the song. If I've got this figured out correctly, this song is essentially focused completely on her mental illnesses and how she doesn't even know anymore if she's controlling herself or if her illnesses are. This is my favorite song on the entire album and it was after the very first time I listened to all sixteen tracks. The chorus gave me actual goosebumps the first time I heard it, and the bridge toward the end was so incredible that I actually wrote those lyrics down in a note on my phone (and...on my Wattpad profile...). Even if you don't end up enjoying this song as much as I do, I recommend giving it a listen at least once to hear what it sounds like when an artist tells a true, painful story through music and words. Favorite lyrics: And all the kids cried out, 'Please stop, you're scaring me!' / I can't help this awful energy / goddamn right you should be scared of me / who is in control?

16: YOUNG GOD – 10/10

         This is the track I was most excited to hear (apart from "Colors") because Halsey talked about it several times. She wants everyone to lose their virginity to it, and she wishes it had existed earlier for her to lose her virginity to it. I really enjoy the verses personally; the lyrics are so pretty and the tune gets you into the song properly, I think. But basically, the song is about feeling on top of the world, like a young god, in a moment when you're with someone. It becomes explicit in the second verse, and it's sort of unexpected at first, but that's Halsey. Abrupt and unapologetic. That tends to be what makes her music so special. Favorite lyrics: He says, 'Oh, baby girl, you know we're gonna be legends / I'm the king, you are the queen, and we will stumble through heaven.

16: I WALK THE LINE – 8.5/10

         Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who have heard Johnny Cash's song before Halsey covered it, and while I obviously prefer Halsey's cover, I have that pre-conceived judgment of what I think the song should sound like and to be totally, one hundred percent honest, Halsey's cover didn't meet those specifications. But again, I do like her cover better than the original (mostly because I'm not a Johnny Cash fan). It's slowed down and everything is emphasized and while this, again, isn't my favorite track on the album, it's not like I'm going to skip it or anything. It's an interesting way to close the album, and to be honest, I'm still trying to figure out what Halsey's intentions were with it. Favorite lyrics: Because you're mine, I walk the line.

         So, if you can't tell, I love this entire album. I rate the whole thing 10/10, and I can't believe I ever waited so long to look up Halsey after seeing her name on Tumblr forever ago. Blindly buying tickets to her Columbus show is one of the best decisions I've ever made and I can't wait to see her. I hope you all give her a chance if you haven't already.