Halsey, Now or Never | Track Review 🎵

Halsey demands her ‘hot n cold’ lover decide about the state of their relationship on “Now or Never,” promo from hopeless fountain kingdom.

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 (expected June 2, 2017), Halsey unveils the promo single, “Now or Never.”

Classifying Halsey artistically typically isn’t cut and dry. On “Now or Never,” however, she seems firmly planted in pop.  Honestly, “Now or Never” could pass for an urban contemporary record.  While alternative still fits her from an artistic perspective, not merely embracing one style but several stylistic influences, “Now or Never” isn’t alternative in the least.  There’s no shame either – the potential is clear from the jump.

What’s the M.O. for Halsey on “Now or Never?” Love, non-love, etc.  Halsey highlights the “ups and the downs,” specifically on the pre-chorus:

“Never pick up, never call me
You know we’re runnin’ out of time
Never pick up when you want me
Now I gotta draw a line...”

On the chorus, she confirms her desire for love right now or never.

“...Said you know I wanna keep you around
‘Round forever, hey, hey, hey
I want you to love me now, now, now, now, now, now
Now or never.”

The second verse offers much of the same.  Halsey wants him, yet there’s still clearly dysfunction within the relationship.

“We’ve been through it all
But you could never spit it out for me
Tryna talk to a wall
But you could never tear it down for me.”

By the bridge, she sends the final ultimatum:

“Yeah, draw the line up
Don’t take no more time up, yeah
Make your mind up
I need you to make your mind up, yeah...
Baby you gotta decide something
Let me know.”

Final Thoughts 

Halsey keeps it real, yet simple on “Now or Never.” To quote Katy Perry, he’s “hot n cold.”  “Now or Never” isn’t innovative in subject matter, production, vocal performance or otherwise, but has plenty of hit potential written all over it.  The single won’t blow anyone away, but it’s enjoyable without question.

Halsey • hopeless fountain kingdom • Astralwerks • Release: 6.2.17

Photo Credit: Astralwerks