Two years ago Ashley Frangipane, New Jersey native, was a high school musician. Like many, she wrote her own music and posted videos on YouTube. What made her different was that when she uploaded videos it was for an audience of 16,000. Halsey—Frangipane’s alter ago— is now 20 years old and her debut album, Badlands, reached #2 on iTunes Overall Top Albums Chart. Badlands, titled after the young performer’s artistic state of mind, contains 11 tracks that blend angst and defiance together like a true Millennial. Follow through to the Badlands.

“Castle” is, rightfully, the albums opener. It introduces the listener to the unapologetic attitude that permeates all of the tracks that follow. The song follows Halsey overthrowing a seemingly misogynistic throne. She also, in true pop star fashion, bashes fame and all that comes with it, “sick of all these camera’s flashing, sick of being poised.” The gritty, electronic vibe makes this song battle scene worthy. A scene that paints Halsey as the queen and us her loyal subjects.

“Hold Me Down” infuses remnants of addiction laced between the chilling lyrics. Despite its upbeat, stuck-in-your-head tempo the song is more than just a summer hit. “I sold my soul to a three piece / And he told me I was holy” she writes of giving into the sweet talking devil. Whether its drugs or love, the songs emotional affliction is glaring and thought provoking.

Contemporary social issues are seldom found in today’s popular music. But one in a while there will be a song that rocks a generation. These songs, from N.W.A.’s “F*** Tha Police” to Macklemore’s “Same Love”, are headstrong and iconic. Which are only two words out of many used to describe Halsey’s newest single “New Americana.” At first glance the lyrics of this suburban basement party anthem are superficial and inflated. With a chorus chanting “We are the new Americana/High on legal marijuana/Raised on Biggie and Nirvana/We are the new Americana.” Admittedly the lyrics sound like any other rebellious alternative single; but the meaning goes deeper than drugs and hip hop. This song portrays a generation of people unafraid of diversity, unafraid to be glaringly different or flagrantly ordinary.

Unlike any other song on the album, the music in “Drive” overpowers the actual lyrics. The lyrics are slightly dull and the pace mimics one of a lullaby (in the worst way). Despite this, the music behind the dull words evoke the senses. Rhythmic windshield wipers, the soothing sound of the rain on the hood, all these sounds sit the listener in the passenger seat.

The creative writer in Halsey shines through in “Roman Holiday”. Opening with, “Do you remember the taste of my lips that night/I stole a bit of my mother’s perfume?” A situation not many people have been in, but most can relate to. Her story telling shines through in correlation with the face paced synths. I can almost feel myself being pulled along the love fueled excursion she sings about. This song would blend in perfectly on Lorde’s Pure Heroine and Lana Del Rey’s Dark Paradise. Surely winning her brownie points among the soft grunge, indie pop demographic that she is trying so desperately to attract.

One of the most anticipated songs on the album, “Colors” almost makes you ache for a misunderstood guy of your own. Almost. The upbeat, dance club mix sound gives this song an outlandish sound. It is truly unlike anything else she has released but clearly it worked. Colors is the most quoted song on Tumblr right now. The poetic lyrics, the alternative sound, the raw emotion. If anyone was questioning Halsey’s talent, this song is sure to restate her abilities.

One of the most provocative and daring on the album, “Coming Down” is every confused heart’s favorite tune. Halsey describes the frighteningly strong feelings she has towards his person. “I found God / I found him in a lover,” the lyrics shake to the core in only a few words. I enjoyed how elegantly the singer professes her dying love and desire; it isn’t trashy or desperate. It is devotion that would put Romeo and Juliet to shame.

The notoriously aggravating “Haunting” is number 8 on the album. The premise of this song is the recollection of a past relationship and its many woes. Despite the unhappy ending the singer is begging the other to keep on haunting them. “I came here so you’d come for me,” is sadly something all people can understand. The singer needs their ex-lovers presence so much she doesn’t even mind being haunted. Though it has a heavy meaning the song is light and airy. The contrasts bring light to the sorrow ridden vocals that carry the tune.

“Control” is an unusual song. If you listen close enough you can hear the slight jack in the box clicking. It provides a Poltergeist-clown-scene atmosphere. It’s spine chilling in a way that would usually leave me with a nightlight and surveillance cameras. And yet it provides quite the opposite reaction. “God damn right you should be scared of me,” she sings about facing her suppressors and conquering her demons. Rather than running and hiding this song could persuade me to burn down cities and tear down buildings.

The penultimate song on the song on the album is blissful and ethereal. Its opening sounds like something you’d play on the beach on a tropical island. The happy tone goes hand in hand with the walking on air lyrics. “Young God” is the coming of age song that makes you cry happy tears in gymnasium dances. Its meaning is unclear in some parts but the vocals are full of hope and happiness the downsides are overshadowed by all the good.

“Ghost” was released in the singer’s first EP, Room 93. Though it is new to some old to others, it has the same effect all around. It combines all of Halsey’s signature traits and blends it together to create a bad ass, heart wrenching ballad. Quick and lively at some places, slow and somber in others it has all the aspects that make Halsey, Halsey.

Overall Badlands is a phenomenal debut album. It follows a girl who conquers love, loss and everything in between. She has started with the Badlands but soon enough, she will take over the world.