After releasing several EPs, singer-songwriter Halsey released her first full-length album Badlands, which is named after her state of mind when she wrote it, giving a metaphorical physical place to a lonely and desolate state of mind. The third single, “New Americana,” has received enormous praise, being called a generational anthem; and with Halsey being 20 herself, all the songs are written in a similar manner.

The first single of Badlands is “Hurricane.” It is originally from Halsey’s first EP Room 93. It’s about a girl who falls in love with an older guy who really complicates things for her and her response telling him that as much as he thinks she belongs to him, she doesn’t belong to anyone.It’s about young love and independence, again directly relating back to teenagers and young adults.

“Ghost,” the second single, is arguably the most successful one to date. It was the first song she wrote in a studio, and like “Hurricane,” there is a Room 93 and a Badlands version. One more time, she brings a song about love. This one is about being in a relationship with someone who isn’t invested and realizing that she deserves better. While the theme of this song isn’t particularly unique, it’s got all it really needs to be popular. A catchy melody and relatable lyrics.

Another standout track is the third single “New Americana.’’ It has earned huge amounts of compliments and buzz. While the lyrics have the popular elements of partying and listening to rap music, the message behind the song is about the upcoming generation that not only accepts diversity but embraces it.

The assertions being made about Badlands being written by a young adult for young adults are for the most part accurate. All the songs are just that: relatable for young people going through things like young love, break ups, and the search for independence.