What makes Portals by Melanie Martinez notable?

'Portals' debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, featuring a significant shift in sound that incorporates more electronic elements. Critics noted its exploration of darker themes and the innovative use of visuals in conjunction with the album, further solidifying Martinez's position as a boundary-pushing artist in pop music. Released on March 31, 2023, 'Portals' is Melanie Martinez's third studio album and marks her return after a four-year hiatus following 'K-12'. This album showcases her artistic evolution, blending electronic influences with personal storytelling as she navigates complex themes of identity and self-discovery.

Portals works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Portals?

Portals has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Portals

Melanie Martinez · 2023

51 min · 13 tracks · indie pop

A surreal blend of whimsical beats and haunting melodies that explore themes of transformation and introspection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
DEATH — Opening the album, this track sets a reflective tone by exploring existential themes with a striking balance of vulnerability and boldness.
→
BATTLE OF THE LARYNX — This standout track uses metaphoric imagery to convey the struggle for voice and agency within a chaotic world, encapsulating the album's core conflict.
→
NYMPHOLOGY — With its catchy hook and provocative lyrics, this track captures a playful yet critical examination of sexuality and empowerment amidst societal expectations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends whimsical and dark themes with strong electronic elements, showcasing artistic growth while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, with layered electronic beats and vocal harmonies that create a sense of urgency.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'BATTLE OF THE LARYNX', which shifts from a slow, haunting melody to a faster-paced rhythm.
The final three tracks slow down significantly, using minimal instrumentation to emphasize introspective lyrics and create a reflective atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

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, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 31, 2023, 'Portals' is Melanie Martinez's third studio album and marks her return after a four-year hiatus following 'K-12'. This album showcases her artistic evolution, blending electronic influences with personal storytelling as she navigates complex themes of identity and self-discovery.
Stylistic neighbors: Grimes· Lana Del Rey· Billie Eilish