Ghost

Movies with No Pictures

Ghost by Halsey

Recommended by Anon

"This is a really great song by a very talented young artist, and I just love listening to it. Aside from that, I think it's important to watch both versions of the music video - one that portrays a heterosexual couple and another that portrays a f/f couple. I don't mean to get too deep here, and it's not always about trying to make a statement...however, when you're faced with media and a society that tries to shove heteronormativity down your throat as if it's the only option, then sometimes it's important to use the platforms available to speak your mind. I really appreciate what Halsey had to say about making both versions and also how the press reacted."

Okay, I love this album, so thanks for sending in the recommendation and the links to the interviews with Halsey (1 2). Badlands was the first time I went into an album without knowing anything about the artist...and liked every song. I've tried and failed to pick a favorite multiple times.

I also love your commentary on society. That ties in with everything Halsey was saying about how the m/f video (above) received positive reviews; whereas the parallel f/f video (below) was viewed as controversial and borderline pornographic. I guess that says a lot about society. Yikes.

I think the difference in reception is also partially influenced by the fact that there is more kissing and less clothes in the f/f video. Nevertheless, it's still quite tastefully done and doesn't deserve the criticism it received. It's like how Selena was criticized for this album cover while 5sos were praised for this magazine cover. Double standards abound.

I'm proud of Halsey for not shying away from the criticism but rather turning it into an opportunity bring attention to the double standards for assessing the behavior of men vs. women as well as the hypocrisy in the way we present relationships between gay/lesbian/bisexual people vs. straight people in the media.

Anyway, it's interesting how the Room 93 version is shorter, but I guess that makes sense given that Badlands is supposed to be more cinematographic. The Badlands version has a spoken intro and a quiet outro that make it more film-like.

Y'all, I love this song. I think it has a really cool vibe. It starts out slow and kind of muted, like it's being held back, before it jumps into a faster, more upbeat rhythm. The gentle, yearning I'm searching for something that I can't reach is great on its own, and I really like the way it contrasts with the verses.

Halsey's voice is great, and the lyrics throughout this album are excellent. It's not exactly straightforward, but the meaning is always accessible. In this song, I guess it's about a girl that's in a relationship with someone who's grown kind of distant, and she misses what they used to have.

Overview:

Genre:
Pop

Favorite Lyrics:
What happened to the soul that you used to be?

You're a rolling stone, boy;
never sleep alone, boy.

Verdict:
Netflix and chill