
Halsey’s live recording of debut album BADLANDS makes for a nice trip down memory lane, but perhaps does not stand apart as a piece in its own right, Music Critic Samantha Andrews writes
Five years ago, Halsey took us to the dark and gritty BADLANDS that was her debut album. Fans were taken by her raw sound, alternative influences and vulnerability, whilst the visual and lyrical concept of the Badlands became an iconic symbol within Halsey’s career. Five years later, Halsey has celebrated the anniversary of this album by releasing BADLANDS (Live from Webster Hall). In the live set, recorded at the release of the album, she plays the album in full as well as including moments of speech and tracks from her early EPs. This is an album that brought a lot of nostalgia for me, and whilst it may not stand alone as a piece of art, this album is the perfect walk down memory lane.
Whilst it may not stand alone as a piece of art, this album is the perfect walk down memory lane
For devoted Halsey fans, BADLANDS (Live from Webster Hall) will be a beautiful and nostalgic experience. Older tracks such as ‘Is There Somewhere’ and ‘Trouble’ particularly stand out as deeper cuts that serve as a reminder of Halsey’s beginnings. The artist has since strayed a bit from her initial sound as her music has developed, but with BADLANDS (Live from Webster Hall) she reminds us of her roots.
Other moments really benefit from the live nature of the album that allows for new twists on songs to be taken
Another really beautiful element of BADLANDS (Live from Webster Hall) is being able to hear songs live that Halsey has since packed up and left in her past. For example, ‘Strange Love’ and ‘Roman Holiday’ are often hailed as fan favourites from the original Badlands album, and it is really interesting to hear them within a live setting. They definitely call back to her initial, moody, alternative sound and yet still carry a certain sense of energy. Specifically, ‘Roman Holiday’ live becomes an almost euphoric sound. The only downside is not being able to physically experience that atmosphere in the crowd.
In moments, BADLANDS (Live from Webster Hall) seems to lack in coherence. I can imagine that for an album that was so rooted in its visual aesthetics, the live show would only amplify that, and this is lost in the live recording. Yet, the live recording does manage to capture a certain energy and passion that plays out as a dynamic between Halsey and her fans. Which, at its core, is what BADLANDS (Live from Webster Hall) is about. It is a nostalgic walk through her past and it is the perfect complement to the five-year anniversary of her debut album.
Rating: 6/10
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