I absolutely love Halsey at the moment, from her beautifully unique voice to her bold fashion and her even bolder lyrics. But the song that has really grabbed my attention is ‘Eyes Closed’. ‘Eyes Closed’ has a great chilled vibe to it yet when you strip it down it is a very complex song.
Focusing first on the music itself ‘Eyes Closed’, features a combination of vocals, guitars, bass, mixers and keyboards, that are all layered with avoidance of overlaying being achieved greatly. The sound that all these instruments produces is that of a soft, alternative R&B track similar to the sound we hear from The Weeknd’s – Trilogy album. This is accomplished by the soft electric guitar riffs, deep bass chords, and the soft backing electronics produced by the mixer/keyboards. By incorporating electric guitar into this song rather than acoustic, the song has a harshness added to it, which is very subtle but adds flavour. Bass is a key component within this track as you hear it clearly throughout and it supplies the beat that is usually produced by drums. This also builds the depth of the song as bass is naturally deep, but by using very cleverly selected chords the bass sounds even deeper.
On its own the music would make a great instrumental piece, as it features so many aspects. There is character too, in terms of it has feeling to it, it has depth and it makes you move. What emphases this feeling within the song is the vocals themselves. Halsey has a beautiful voice that is both soft and powerful. She has the ability to utilise her vocal capacity by messing with different pitches, notes and the use of different projections throughout. This piece all in all musically is phenomenal; there is nothing about it that just doesn’t work. The construction and foundation of it all is immaculate.
On its own the music would make a great instrumental piece, as it features so many aspects. There is character too, in terms of it has feeling to it, it has depth and it makes you move. What emphases this feeling within the song is the vocals themselves. Halsey has a beautiful voice that is both soft and powerful. She has the ability to utilise her vocal capacity by messing with different pitches, notes and the use of different projections throughout. This piece all in all musically is phenomenal; there is nothing about it that just doesn’t work. The construction and foundation of it all is immaculate.
Secondly and finally let’s talk about the lyrics. As always this is completely my own opinion and may even be miles off what Halsey wrote it about, but the story I feel and sense below really works and connects well with the lyrics and audience…
For me, the lyrics tell a story of a break up from a relationship so tormenting that it results in new relations being impacted and having almost troublesome thoughts. This is all brought to light by some very key aspects within the lyrics, which I will highlight below.
The song starts with the simplest verse about knowing the game, and how to play the game. It then breaks into the powerful, emotion driven chorus which lets you in on the true effect of the torment. The second verse however, really breaks it down for you. Featuring lines like ‘would’ve gave it all for you’ and ‘so tell me where I went wrong’, you are enlighten to the heartbreak and confusion that is still so raw. But then hidden away backing vocals sing ‘my lover, my liar’ which will make you as the listener, feel the pain that this song holds and ask the biggest question ever.
The question right there for you is, why are you asking what you did wrong, when you know they lied? This unfortunately is something that many will be asked during their life when in this kind of situation, where your mind has been messed with. This verse maybe chunkier than the first, but it is still short and sweet and flows straight into that chorus again. After this second introduction to the chorus we are greeted by the most powerful, two-lined verse ever! This verse literally is filled with heart-breaking truth, but also pure raw emotion. And it is this verse I think is what connects to so many people out there.
The song starts with the simplest verse about knowing the game, and how to play the game. It then breaks into the powerful, emotion driven chorus which lets you in on the true effect of the torment. The second verse however, really breaks it down for you. Featuring lines like ‘would’ve gave it all for you’ and ‘so tell me where I went wrong’, you are enlighten to the heartbreak and confusion that is still so raw. But then hidden away backing vocals sing ‘my lover, my liar’ which will make you as the listener, feel the pain that this song holds and ask the biggest question ever.
The question right there for you is, why are you asking what you did wrong, when you know they lied? This unfortunately is something that many will be asked during their life when in this kind of situation, where your mind has been messed with. This verse maybe chunkier than the first, but it is still short and sweet and flows straight into that chorus again. After this second introduction to the chorus we are greeted by the most powerful, two-lined verse ever! This verse literally is filled with heart-breaking truth, but also pure raw emotion. And it is this verse I think is what connects to so many people out there.
“They don’t realise that I’m thinking about you
it’s nothing new, it’s nothing new”
it’s nothing new, it’s nothing new”
And reality is, that most people that go through a breakup that leaves them questioning themselves constantly, and leaves them broken for a long time, will experience this. They will be with a new lover, whether long-term or short, and will be completely entangled in thoughts of the one that caused the pain, that caused the strains in their trust/life/confidence/faith. This is a proper pain filled song! And regardless of whether Halsey intended this song to be interpreted this way, that’s the connection and story I find. And truthfully that’s the beauty of music; it doesn’t always mean the same thing to one person as it does another, it can be connected to what they feel and how they feel. The story they feel maybe their own story, or it may be a story they’ve witnessed. What I love more is that the song itself is so well produced, constructed and elaborate, that despite being able to be connected to some heavy raw emotions it’s got an edge to it.
Halsey is definitely smashing the music world at the moment, which I’m in love with every second, and this song definitely showcases it! I hope she tours the UK as I will definitely be on it for some ticket purchasing. She’s got the edge, drive and music, but she’s also got the passion which is a very key aspect to have in the music industry especially this day and age.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my post filled with my opinions and thoughts. I honestly means more than you could imagine!
If you’d like to leave any feedback or comments, please do so in the comments box below.
Thank you,
Leanne xo
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