Ahead of ‘hopeless fountain kingdom,’ Halsey returns with a second single, “Eyes Closed.” “Eyes Closed” is ‘good’ at best, not particularly great. 

Halsey is “kind of a big deal.” After a breakthrough album (Badlands) as well as a ubiquitous, no. 1 single with The Chainsmokers (“Closer”), Ashley Frangipane seems untouchable.  Ahead of her sophomore album, hopeless fountain kingdom (arriving June 2, 2017), Halsey unveiled three promo singles. “Now or Never” served as the first offering from the alt-pop artist.  “Eyes Closed” arrived second.

“Eyes Closed” opens mysteriously, possessing a darker quality.  Halsey delivers vocals drenched in reverb on the first verse.  Much like the sound established, the vocal vibe is similarly enigmatic.  Essentially, Halsey’s vocals sound hazy. Matching the haze of the first verse are lyrics lacking depth:

“I, I know where to lay / I know where to say / It’s all the same / And I, I know how to play / I know this game / It’s all the same.”

The vocals are clearer on the second verse. Lyrically, there’s repetition as opposed to particularly distinct words.  The second verse is based around, “Would’ve gave my all for you…”

The chorus serves as the best moment of “Eyes Closed,” hands down:

“Now if I keep my eyes closed, he looks just like you / But he’ll never stay, they never do / Now if I keep my eyes closed, he feels just like you / But you’ve been replaced / I’m face to face with someone new.”

As for the bridge, it brief, contributing little more than what was previously offered:

“He don’t realize that I’m thinkin’ about you / It’s nothing new, it’s nothing new.”

Final Thoughts 

“Eyes Closed” is easy on the ears, but not particularly accomplished.  The vibe is harder hitting than the lyrics or the song itself.  The chorus is the best feature overall.  Ultimately, “Eyes Closed” feels a bit empty.  Good, but not particularly great.

Halsey • hopeless fountain kingdom • Astralwerks • Release: 6.2.17

Photo Credit: Astralwerks