Halsey’s ‘The Great Impersonator’ was introduced with a bit of hero-worship. Recreating iconic photoshoots from Fiona Apple, Aaliyah, Dolores O’Riordan, Britney Spears, Stevie Nicks, and Bruce Springsteen, she provided a fascinating peek into the musical influences that informed album five. Equally, though, it was shaped by her experience of living with lupus and a rare T-cell disorder while being a young mother. As a result, this is a profound exploration of identity, illness, and the power of music.
The End delves into existential questions raised by serious health problems, marking a stark departure from her more upbeat past work. “Every couple of years now a doctor says I'm sick / Pulls out a brand new bag of tricks / And then they lay it on me,” she candidly shares, laying out the emotional toll of her condition while accompanied only by Alex G’s evocative acoustic guitar.
During I Never Loved You, meanwhile, Halsey draws inspiration from Kate Bush as she vividly compares the end of a relationship to undergoing open heart surgery. The song’s melancholic atmosphere is underscored by delicate synths and wistful piano chords, creating a poignant backdrop.
There are punchier moments elsewhere. Fuelled by a compelling guitar riff and Halsey’s commanding vocals, Ego pays tribute to ‘90s grunge-pop, recalling O’Riordan’s work with The Cranberries as much as it channels the spirit of Garbage and No Doubt.
“Try to kill my ego / cause if I don’t, my ego might kill me,” she sings. Dark and vicious, Lonely Is The Muse is another standout, channelling the emotive intensity of Evanescence’s Amy Lee and the pop-punk sounds of the 2000s.
The album’s title track shows the inherent contradiction of being a musician while living with a chronic illness. As an artist known for her honesty with fans, she was forced for a time to keep her health struggles a secret, feeling like the titular “great impersonator”. The song’s message is particularly relevant in the social media age, where artists are often expected to display a perfect image to their fans. By breaking that barrier down, we see Halsey at their peak, displaying artistic growth and the ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
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