Half Written Story
Hailee Steinfeld · 2020
17 min · 5 tracks · pop music
A blend of introspective lyrics and catchy melodies underpinned by vibrant dance-pop production.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Love You’s — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hook and exploration of vulnerability within a relationship. It encapsulates the emotional journey that defines the EP.
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Wrong Direction — As one of the standout singles, this track delves into heartbreak with poignant lyrics and a memorable chorus, showcasing Steinfeld's vocal strengths and emotional range.
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Your Name Hurts — This song features a relatable narrative about moving on from a past relationship, highlighted by its infectious melody and engaging production, making it a fan favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing growth but remaining within familiar pop structures.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the final two tracks introduce slower tempos that create a reflective atmosphere.
- Each song features a prominent chorus that contrasts with more subdued verses, emphasizing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The production employs layered synths and rhythmic beats, creating a vibrant dance-pop sound that supports the introspective themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of emotional honesty
- introspective reflections on love
- cathartic release of heartbreak
- engaging narrative through tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer listening experiences
- seek upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in May 2020, Half Written Story is Hailee Steinfeld's first project since her debut EP in 2016. Positioned as an evolution of her sound, this album showcases her growth as both a singer and songwriter, exploring themes of love and self-discovery.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dua Lipa· Charlie Puth· Tove Lo
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Wrong Direction
Towards the end, the lyrics shift from reflection to realization about the pain caused by past choices.
This moment marks a turning point in the song's narrative, emphasizing personal growth through acknowledging past mistakes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Love You’s 3:36
- 2 Your Name Hurts 3:42
- 3 End This (L.O.V.E.) 3:03
- 4 Man Up 2:48
- 5 Wrong Direction 4:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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