Halsey’s deeply personal album “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power,” produced by Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, arrived August 27, 2021. The concept album explored pregnancy, childbirth, and bodily autonomy through industrial rock and gothic imagery.
The Album
The project marked a sonic shift:
- Industrial rock production (Reznor/Ross)
- Gothic and medieval aesthetic
- 13 tracks exploring motherhood themes
- Vulnerable, raw lyrics
Album Cover Controversy
The cover art (by Luca Buzza) depicted Halsey on a throne, breast exposed, holding a baby—inspired by Renaissance Madonna paintings. The image sparked debates about:
- Breastfeeding normalization
- Female body objectification
- Art vs. shock value
- Social media censorship
Personal Context
Written during Halsey’s pregnancy with first child (born July 2021), the album processed:
- Body autonomy
- Medical trauma (endometriosis journey)
- Identity transformation
- Female rage and power
Critical Reception
Reviews praised the artistic ambition:
- Pitchfork: 7.9/10
- NME: 5/5
- Mature evolution from pop hooks
- Reznor/Ross production elevated sound
IMAX Film
Halsey released an accompanying hour-long IMAX film directed by Colin Tilley, blending music videos into a narrative exploring the album’s themes. Limited theatrical screenings created exclusivity.
Cultural Impact
The album contributed to conversations about:
- Pregnancy representation in pop music
- Female artists controlling their narratives
- Breaking pop genre expectations
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