Which artists inspired the songs in Halsey’s The Great Impersonator?

I’ll never forget Stevie Nicks’ song

Halsey blessed us all with her new album The Great Impersonator this week, and the whole concept was that the songs were parodies of different artists.

On the back cover of the album it is written: “Stand up now, ladies and gentlemen! Here is the wonder of the century! Witness the uncanny ability of a woman who can become anything and everything your heart desires. Friend, lover, enemy.”

halsey Announced on Instagram Over the course of several weeks, it was revealed which artist inspired which song on the album. Here’s a helpful rundown of all the songs on Halsey’s new album, The Great Impersonator, and exactly which iconic artist inspired them.

1. The Only Girl Living in Los Angeles

The first track was recently revealed on Halsey’s Instagram account. It pays homage to Marilyn Monroe, whom Halsey calls “the most imitated woman in history.”

2. Ego

Ego’s moving music video
(image via YouTube)

Halsey impersonated Dolores O’Riordan for Ego. They joked on Insta: “There’s not a lot of transformation needed here since I was born as Dolores’ long-lost daughter, but I couldn’t make the show without honoring this incredible woman.”

3. Dog Years

2000s icon PJ Harvey said, “They say all dogs go to heaven, but what about the bitch?” It inspired this song, which has extremely sarcastic yet tragic lines such as.

4. Letter to God (1974)

Halsey broke up The Great Impersonator with three songs called Letter to God. Cher inspired the first version. Halsey wrote on her Insta that 1974 was a reference to Cher’s 1974 song Dark Lady.

5. Panic Attack

Halsey preferred the “witchy ballerina” vibe of Rumors-era Stevie Nicks. I knew I loved him for a reason.

6. The end

The unforgettable first single from The Great Impersonator is a tribute to Joni Mitchell. No wonder the lyrics are heartbreaking.

7. I Believe in Magic

Halsey’s son Ender’s voice is mixed into this track, and Halsey even stated that the toddler co-wrote the lyrics. She impersonates producer Linda Ronstadt.

8. Letter to God (1983)

Halsey chose Bruce Springsteen as the source for her ’80s version of Letter to God. Being from Jersey himself, he wanted to honor it.

9. Hometown

Queen Dolly Parton inspired the American country feel of this track.

10. I Never Loved You

Halsey embraces her inner Kate Bush
(image via YouTube)

This song has Kate Bush’s signature smooth, dreamy feel.

11. Darwinism

Halsey wrote on Insta that the song is a tribute to “Ziggy Stardust, The Starman, The Thin White Duke, The Picasso of Pop, Major Tom, The Master of Reinvention and The Chameleon of Rock… DAVID BOWIE.”

12. The Muse is Lonely

This wonderfully dramatic song is in the style of Amy Lee. “And I pulled out a few diamonds from the stories in my head / But here I’m reduced to just a body in someone else’s bed.” I can’t get enough of saying this.

13. Arsonist

Only Fiona Apple can inspire dark lyrics like “You can make me sleep in the dark so you can hide your knife / Then lock the door and trap me here in the flames.”

14. The Spider’s Life (Draft)

The production on this song was toned down to mimic Tori Amos. Halsey said: “It’s the most personal song on the album, just me and my piano. Because that’s all Tori needs to shatter her heart.”

15. Hurt Feelings

Halsey mimicked herself by imitating the sound of her iconic album Badlands. What a powerful movement.

16. Lucky

A complete 90’s video
(image via YouTube)

It’s Britney, bitch!

17. Letter to God (1998)

The latest edition of this song is a tribute to Aaliyah. “Fun fact: I layered this song with vocals my son sang when he was a baby, inspired by Are You That Somebody,” Halsey explained on Insta.

18. The Great Imitator

The grand finale of The Great Impersonator has the vibe of Björk, whom Halsey calls “the coolest, most ethereal being that has ever existed.” To each their own I guess.

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Feature images via YouTube