Before her third studio album "Manic" is set to release on Saturday, Jan. 17, Halsey has released a sixth track titled “You should be sad,” alongside an official musical video on Thursday, Jan. 9. After just one day, the video was already trending on YouTube.
Each of the new LPs singles so far have displayed a different sound and mood, making it apparent that the artist’s versatility will be shown on the current project.
“You should be sad" seems to be the artist’s try at a country song, inspired by the fact that “The most petty and heartbreaking songs come from country. Lots of time in Nashville, too,” Halsey stated in a tweet.
She also tweeted that she gained inspiration for this track from some of her idols and hints that the song is another about her previous relationship with rapper G-Eazy.
Although this song is more country than her previous work, you can still hear a mix of indie, pop, and rock aspects as well. She does a great job of displaying her abilities as an artist to switch up her sound and style.
The song is all about a previous partner’s selfishness and other toxic traits, and how they affected the relationship and Halsey personally. While she first states that she herself felt so sorry, so sad and so mad, she ends the track saying that her partner is the one that should really be sad for losing her. “I feel so sad / You should be sad,” Halsey sings.
The video begins with Halsey fiercely stepping out of the passenger seat of a Trans Am in a sexy western outfit. She then knocks on a barn door to tons of beautiful people dressed in a matching aesthetic soon dancing all over her, displaying her fluid sexuality without hesitation. There are also switches to more choreographed western dances with hay all over Halsey’s body.
“But you're not half the man you think that you are / And you can't fill the hole inside of you with money, girls, and cars / I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you / 'Cause you can't love nothing unless there's something in it for you,” Halsey belts during the pre-chorus.
While the video doesn’t necessarily go with the lyrics, Halsey shows that she can bounce back from anything even stronger.
As the video goes on, there are scenes of the artist standing by her lonesome on a haystack in an all cheetah print outfit and a hot pink wig, as well as her later riding a white horse with nothing on but a white wig. Both of these styles give off Shania Twain vibes, while still having that Halsey uniqueness.
While this song is catchy, fun and could definitely be a radio hit, it doesn’t seem too repetitive or boring.
I really enjoy everything about this release, from the lyrics to the sound to the video. I think this truly shows how talented Halsey is as an artist and makes me even more excited for the new album. If you aren’t a fan of Halsey already, be sure to check out all of her music, especially “Manic."
I would give this 4.5 out of 5 swoops.
