Halsey, You should be sad | Track Review 🎵

On “You should be sad,” the country/folk-flavored, sixth advance single from Manic, Halsey is filled with scorn – mad as hell. 

Halsey has promoted the ‘sugar honey iced tea’ out of her third studio album, Manic.  What’s been clear leading up to Manic is that there are a number of different stylistic elements being explored.  Considering she’s considered herself something of an alternative or alt-pop artist, the mix of styles feels appropriate.  The single at hand, “You should be sad,” marks the sixth song/single released in advance of the album, following my personal favorite, “Finally // beautiful stranger”.  “You should be sad” is, well, another about-face to say the least.

What shocked me the most about “You should be sad” is the sound.  This is a bit of a confusing record, finding Halsey dip into country.  Ultimately, maybe it’s best described as pop with a bit of country influence, but, it’s certainly a different sound than we’re accustomed to hearing her sing. As far as the production, it’s one of pop’s most reliable and successful fixtures, Greg Kurstin, who constructs this backdrop.  After the song progresses, I get a bit more acclimated – it was certainly a stark, shocking contrast initially.

The biggest takeaway shouldn’t actually be the sound, even if a lot of energy was devoted to the surprise of it.  No, the biggest takeaway is how superbly Halsey plays the ‘woman scorned’ role.  Honestly, she’s mad as hell.  “No, you’re not half the man you think that you are / And you can’t fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs, and cars,” she asserts on the pre-chorus, continuing with the key lyric, “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.” Oh snap!  It does seem like she’s referencing a previous relationship with a certain cocky rapper… The chorus further confirms how she feels post-relationship:

“Oh, I feel so sorry
I feel so sad
I tried to help you
It just made you mad
And I had no warning
About who you are
Just glad I made it out without breaking down.”

Final Thoughts

Wow… “You should be sad” is a bit polarizing for me.  On the one hand, the sound is surprising, so, it takes some getting used to.  That said, what’s not polarizing is the power Halsey showcases vocally, not to mention how potent the emotion is.  What’s crystal clear is that Manic may indeed be a manic affair, as well as an intriguing one.

Halsey • Manic • Capitol • Release: 1.17.20

Photo Credit: Capitol