By: Davyn Horton
Halle Bailey is on a roll. Using her newfound popularity from her role as Ariel in 2023’s The Little Mermaid, she has released her 5th single. “Braveface” is a bold new song release from an artist who hasn’t, as of now, released a full album. It takes her out of her comfort zone, but in one of the best ways possible. All in all, this is an emotinally powerful song, with impactful lyrics building off the recent birth of her child, that end up creating something truly unique and special for all to hear.
“Braveface” Is Halle At Her Most Vulnerable
The final lyrics for the first verse of “Braveface” were: “Then I grab my makeup bag and shuffle it around / My head is in the clouds, self-esteem is on the ground.”
In short, these lyrics in particular, but the song as a whole, showcase Bailey, known musically as Halle, at a very vulnerable state. As stated, “Braveface” is about Halle “confronting her struggles with postpartum depression, self-image, and the weight of new motherhood.”
For Halle, this is something that she’s never experienced before. She’s learning things as she goes along. She’s trying to put into lyrics all of these emotions surel going through her head all at once. She will express herself through this unique experience, and it shows. “Braveface” is a product of what happens when it feels the back is against the wall. The R&B energy fused with emotionally-charged lyrics combines for a truly vulnerable song. However, that’s what makes it all the more impactful and powerful, and why fans will be enjoying it for a long time to come.
Halle Is Unstoppable
In conclusion, Halle Bailey is putting herself out there more than ever with “Braveface.” One of her most powerful songs to date, it showcases the range that she has as a performer. In addition, it shows her range as a lyricist. She has the power to make fans feel what she’s feeling with just words, and nothing else. Though usually it is preferred to show and not tell, Halle can tell fans through the words of her music what she’s truly feeling. Combine that with the instrumental, and one gets “Braveface,” which will be an anthem for many struggling just like Halle for a long time to come.