Halsey’s anthemic new single “safeword” is a fierce, punk-infused exploration of energy, freedom, and self-expression, wrapped in daring, kinky power.
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Stream: “safeword” – Halsey
Halsey’s new single “safeword” is something however shy.
It’s a fiery, daring, and unapologetic exploration of energy dynamics, sexuality, and self-expression that takes her followers into uncharted territory. After a yr that noticed her launch The Nice Impersonator, a document that spanned a number of genres, Halsey is again with a monitor that faucets into one thing uncooked and rebellious, embracing punk rock sounds whereas unmasking a kinkier facet in each the music and its accompanying video.
Pin me to the ground,
swing me by the neck
Locked behind a door,
is it time but? Time but?
Don’t be such a bore,
give me respect
Are you feelin’ sore?
Are you moist but? Moist but?
“safeword” may be brief on subtlety, however it greater than makes up for it in sheer depth. The tune opens with a punchy, distorted guitar riff that immediately pulls you into its riot grrrl-inspired world.
Halsey’s voice, although nonetheless recognizable, is extra aggressive right here, channeling the punk spirit of Joan Jett and Kathleen Hanna as they delve into an unapologetically wild facet. “I’m not a felony, I’m only a wild youngster,” they sing with a rasp, laying down the legal guidelines of the sport. The lyrics are brash, assured, and unflinching – completely matching the tune’s thumping beat.
“Sure, sir,” “no, sir,” on all fours
Are you able to get
what you’ve been ready for?
I’m not a felony,
I’m only a wild youngster
I’m not a foul woman,
I identical to it wild model
I’m powerful, I’m imply, I’m tough
Simply say the protected phrase
while you’ve had sufficient
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to deal with it?
Don’t inform me what to do,
I’m not gonna stand for it
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to handlе it?
Don’t inform me what to do,
I received’t stand for it
If there’s one factor Halsey has mastered, it’s the flexibility to mix vulnerability with energy, and “safeword” isn’t any exception.
The tune thrives on its overt kink references, turning BDSM right into a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints. The refrain – “I’m powerful, I’m imply, I’m tough / Simply say the protected phrase while you’ve had sufficient” – gives each an empowerment chant and a second of pause. A “protected phrase” in BDSM is supposed to sign when issues go too far, however right here, it’s greater than a strategy to take management of a scenario. It’s a reminder that even in probably the most intense moments, consent and bounds are at all times central, making the tune’s power really feel each thrilling and accountable.
It’s arduous to disregard the subversive nature of “safeword,” which is as a lot about Halsey’s dominance as it’s about their self-exploration. The accompanying music video is simply as intense, pushing boundaries additional with a storyline that flaunts kink tradition in all its leather-clad, high-heeled glory. Directed by Lana Jay Lackey, the video opens with a close-up shot of Halsey in a dominant pose, commanding the display screen with sharp, deliberate actions. Because the video unfolds, Halsey oscillates between the function of the dominator and the dominated, strolling a superb line between vulnerability and management. There are leather-based outfits, spanking, bondage, and even Halsey stepping on somebody’s throat whereas sporting a pair of sky-high heels. It’s positively NSFW, however it’s additionally an paintings that places kink within the highlight whereas celebrating it as a type of liberation.
You’re taking place, yeah,
I’m taking you down
We’re goin’ for a trip,
I’m the queen of this city
I bought a foul popularity
from the f*ing round
I bought a standing ovation
from the others on the playground
Whereas Halsey’s self-assurance is clear in each facet of the tune and video, it’s necessary to notice that “safeword” doesn’t really feel gratuitous.
There’s a playfulness beneath the floor, a touch of humor that lightens the heavy themes. Halsey herself leans into the efficiency with a wink, by no means letting the dominance come off as overly aggressive or mean-spirited. It’s clear that this isn’t nearly pushing buttons or shock worth – it’s an exploration of the human expertise in all its extremes, displaying that pleasure, management, and freedom are complicated, layered ideas that need to be explored.
“Sure, sir,” “no, sir” on all fours
Are you able to get
what you’ve been ready for?
I’m not a felony,
I’m only a wild youngster
I’m not a foul woman,
I identical to it wild model
I’m powerful, I’m imply, I’m tough
Simply say the protected phrase
while you’ve had sufficient
Halsey’s versatility as a musical artist is on full show serving as a testomony to her artistry. Whereas her prior album “The Nice Impersonator” noticed her experimenting with a broader vary of kinds, this monitor appears like a love letter to punk rock’s uncooked, rebellious spirit. The guitar riff is distorted and gnarly, the percussion crashing with urgency. It’s loud, quick, and unapologetic, calling to thoughts the riot grrrl motion of the ‘90s, the place ladies in music reclaimed energy by means of defiance. Halsey’s shouty vocals mirror that power completely, making each line really feel like an anthem. If this can be a response to the polished pop of The Nice Impersonator, it’s an exciting one, taking her into new, exhilarating territory.
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to deal with it?
I don’t gotta take heed to you,
I received’t stand for it
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to deal with it?
Don’t inform me what to do
I received’t stand for it
Past the music and video, “safeword” is an extension of Halsey’s ongoing journey to outline themselves on their very own phrases.
They’ve lengthy been an artist unafraid of embracing the complexities of id – whether or not that’s gender, sexuality, or self-image – and this monitor isn’t any totally different. It’s about discovering the stability between wildness and restraint, dominance and submission, energy and vulnerability. By these polarities, Halsey invitations listeners into their world, the place nothing is off-limits and all the pieces is negotiable.
It’s no shock that this tune comes as a part of the lead-up to Halsey’s upcoming “For My Final Trick” tour, which guarantees to be a stay expertise full of power, visuals, and a career-spanning setlist. Given the depth of “safeword,” it’s protected to say that the performances might be nothing wanting electrifying. Followers can anticipate a present that not solely celebrates Halsey’s new music but additionally supplies an immersive, multi-sensory journey by means of the highs and lows of the human expertise.
I don’t gotta take heed to you
(You’re not the boss of me)
Sure, sir, no, sir,
you’re not the boss of me
Within the grand scheme of Halsey’s discography, “safeword” appears like an thrilling evolution.
It’s a tune that distills the artist’s uncooked energy and confidence, wrapped in a fiery punk bundle. Halsey has at all times been an artist who pushes boundaries, however with “safeword,” they’ve managed to do it in a approach that feels each subversive and empowering. The tune, and its accompanying video, seize the great thing about self-expression – loud, unapologetic, and completely unafraid to be actual.
That is Halsey at their most daring, and it’s arduous to not be captivated by the boldness of all of it.
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© Sarah Pardini
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