Strip down (your ego): Halsey’s ‘Ego’ takes a step back in her newest release

Halsey preparing to ‘kill her ego’ in music video for newest ‘Ego’ release. Columbia Records.

Have you ever imagined yourself as two people (your alter ‘ego,’ maybe), chasing each other around in a room with knives? It’s two sides of the same coin fighting to win an internal battle, and you’re just a spectator watching from the sidelines.

Well, ‘New Americana’s pop-star Halsey’s newest release “Ego” expertly encapsulates the feeling of when your brain plays tug-of-war with itself.

The song’s release excites fans with the singer’s highly anticipated 5th studio album, ‘The Greatest Impersonator,’ coming October 25, two days before Halsey’s first Room 93 EP debut.

“I made this record in the space between life and death,” writes Halsey on Instagram. “And it feels like I’ve waited an eternity for you to have it. I’ll wait a bit longer. I’ve waited a decade, already.”

It’s no surprise that new and old fans alike are itching for TGI. Released tracks like “Ego” and “Lonely is the Muse” scream late ‘90s tinged heavily with the decade’s emphasis on rock. The newly released track continues the artist’s exploration of different music eras, which is materialized through the four different vinyl versions of the album inspired by the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s.

‘TGI’s “Ego” is a reminder that Halsey has not shied away from being vulnerable with her fans. While described as a ‘confessional album’ by the singer, it’s quite obvious that Halsey’s ability to share parts of herself with her fans is nothing new.

The track’s rock-inspired guitar riffs and bass background alongside high-energy vocals mirrors Halsey’s 2020 “Manic” album that’s tied together with themes of loneliness and introspection.

Like ‘Manic,’ “Ego” draws both from Ashley’s state of mind–Halsey’s real name–and Halsey, their stage name.

“Know that my identity’s always getting the best of me / I’m the worst of my enemies / And I don’t really know what to do with me,” sings Halsey on “3AM.”

It’s really Ashley who takes the stage in “3AM” as she fights a losing battle to desperately resist losing herself to her literal insecurities in the throes of the night, unknowing who she is outside of a digital realm.

The driving beat and frenetic energy of the song mirror the lyrical content. The tempo and intensity reflect the urgency and restlessness of Halsey’s internal state. The song feels like it’s hurtling forward, much like the singer herself, who is caught in a spiral of seeking and not finding.

“Ego” is a much more introspective exploration of identity. Where “3AM” looks outward–seeking external validation– “Ego” turns inward, questioning the very nature of Halsey (or in this case, Halsey and Ashley) herself. There’s a vulnerability in the way Halsey delivers each line, as if she’s letting the listener in on her innermost thoughts and fears.

The new release is more subdued, almost as if it is Ashley’s resignation to their internal struggle. Both personas are not frantically seeking validation but rather quietly questioning the very foundation of their identities.

“I think that I should try to kill my ego / ‘Cause if I don’t, my ego might kill me,” sings Halsey in “Ego.”

The chorus poses a fundamental question about the nature of self-identity. Halsey is torn between holding onto her ego, characterized as superficial and letting it go in search of something (more like someone) more authentic to herself.

Halsey’s no stranger to loneliness, and it’s clear the singer is more authentic than they give themselves credit for. Both songs from two different eras dive into the theme of isolation but in much different ways.

The loneliness in “Ego” is more existential—it’s the loneliness that comes from not knowing herself and how Halsey fits into this large societal puzzle. Where “3AM” throws us into a frenzied state searching for external connection, “Ego” looks inward in attempts to find connection within ourselves, hidden underneath the many layers of the ‘ego.’

“Ego” is a testament to Halsey’s lyrical prowess and her ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and depth, daring to go deeper and challenging both the artist and the listener to confront the uncomfortable truths about identity and self-perception.

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