Hopeless Fountain Kingdom cover

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom

Halsey · 2017

38 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A cinematic blend of pop and R&B, weaving themes of love and loss through ethereal production and confessional lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Now or Never — This track combines an infectious chorus with a sense of urgency that encapsulates the album's themes of seizing fleeting moments in love.
  • →
    Bad at Love — With its relatable narrative about romantic struggles, this song stands out as a catchy anthem that resonates with listeners navigating complex relationships.
  • →
    Strangers — Featuring a duet with Lauren Jauregui, this track addresses themes of LGBTQ+ identity and love, emphasizing inclusivity while showcasing Halsey's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong production and thematic depth but is somewhat conventional in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken-word prologue that sets a narrative tone, followed by tracks that blend pop and R&B elements.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and atmospheric production, creating a cinematic feel throughout the record.
  • The track 'Good Mourning' transitions into a more upbeat tempo after a series of slower songs, altering the emotional landscape of the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady pacing with emotional build
  • introspective themes of love
  • atmospheric melodies for deep listening
  • consistent flow with gradual peaks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid emotional depth exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Halsey's reputation and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Career context
In 2017, Halsey released 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom' as her second studio album, following the commercial success of her debut, 'Badlands'. This album marked a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned from breakout artist to a more established figure in the music industry, showcasing her growth both sonically and thematically.
Stylistic neighbors
Lorde· Grimes· Banks

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Prologue 1:47
  • 2 100 Letters 3:29
  • 3 Eyes Closed 3:22
  • 4 Alone 3:25
  • 5 Now or Never 3:34
  • 6 Sorry 3:40
  • 7 Good Mourning 1:07
  • 8 Lie 2:29
  • 9 Walls Could Talk 1:41
  • 10 Bad at Love 3:01
  • 11 Strangers 3:41
  • 12 Devil in Me 4:09
  • 13 Hopeless 3:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata