The 2nd full-length from Halsey is a concept album inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. The 13-tracker opens w/ Halsey reciting the prologue from the play, and she tells the story from her point of view through the LP. Featuring production from Greg Kurstin, Benny Blanco, Lido, Cashmere Cat, and Ricky Reed, the LP features forward, alternative pop tunes fit for the radio, with guest appearances from Migos' Quavo and Lauren Jauregui upping the ante. The glossy musical backdrop is contrasted by thoughtful lyrics and catchy, effortless melodies from Halsey, and there is a visual quality to the music presented in Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, probably a byproduct of the singer's ability to "see" the exact vibe she is looking for in a song: "I am picturing Jimi Hendrix solo-ing in a Roman Cathedral, light pouring through the stained glass, but he's in, like, a Hawaiian shirt." Hightlights include "Now or Never," "Strangers," "Eyes Closed," "Bad At Love," "Alone," and "Sorry.

• clear w/ teal splatter colored vinyl
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ printed insert
• limited edition
• music label: Astralwerks 2017
  

reviewed by any gunk 06/2017