Portals | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | March 31, 2023 | |||
Recorded | 2020–2022 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 51:33 | |||
Label | Atlantic | |||
Producer |
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Melanie Martinez chronology | ||||
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Singles from Portals | ||||
Portals is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez, released on March 31, 2023, through Atlantic Records.[1] It is Martinez's first album after she[lower-alpha 1] took a two-year hiatus from releasing music. With her return, she introduced a new image and sported a new creature-like alter-ego. In support of the album, Martinez embarked on the Portals Tour in May 2023.
The album yielded three singles, "Death", "Void" and "Evil". They marked her first original appearances on the chart, respectively reaching number 95 and 61 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 142,000 units.
Background and release
In 2019, Martinez released her second studio album K–12 alongside a musical film of the same name.[2][3][4] After a two-year hiatus from music, she started to archive all of her Instagram posts and began to tease her then upcoming album set for release on February 18, 2023.[5] Martinez also released a twelve-second snippet of a song on Spotify.[6]
In February 2023, Martinez released a teaser video showing a mushroom in a foggy forest, with the phrase "RIP Crybaby" engraved in its stem, accompanied by a snippet of a new song.[7] Several more teasers were subsequently posted, representing the "themes of rebirth, growing embryos, and eggs incubating in forests".[8] One teaser showed Martinez "herself hatching from an egg as a pink fairy creature".[9] Martinez's official website was also updated showcasing the album cover while merchandise for the album became available to the public for pre-order.[10] The album's title was revealed through Martinez's official website.[11] Portals was eventually released on March 31, 2023.[7]
Composition
Genres and themes
Portals is primarily an alternative art pop and art rock album with elements of dark pop and R&B.[12][13][14] Throughout the album, Martinez displays "pop-rock songwriting, driving drum beats, and voice filters".[13] The main theme of the album centres around the idea of a never-ending cycle of life and death and was described as "otherworldly and extraterrestrial".[15] Martinez takes the form of her alter-ego Cry Baby (established from her previous albums Cry Baby and K-12) who is reborn as a "pink-skinned, four-eyed fairy creature that's stuck between Earth and the afterlife".[15]
Music and content
The album begins with "Death" which "reintroduced her newfound concept" for the album.[16] The song begins with the phrase "Death is life is death is life" while heavy breathing and fast-paced footsteps are used at the beginning of the song.[15][13] The song leads into "Void" which uses a softer "ethereal ambience" sound and works as a "story of being in the void [...] in between life and death" while Martinez also talks about her insecurities.[16][15] This is followed by "Tunnel Vision" which was compared to "Strawberry Shortcake" from K-12.[16] The song has "layered eerie vocals" and transitions into "a more traditional pop song" with Martinez singing about being over-sexualised.[12] "Faerie Soirée" is an "intricate alt-pop ballad".[12] This is similar to the next track, "Light Shower", where Martinez uses "simplified and stripped-down" sounds.[12] Both songs talk about a toxic relationship.[15]
"Spider Web" has a xylophone melody and describes a social media addiction through "spider imagery and being caught in the web".[17] The song seamlessly transitions into "Leeches" which was described as a "slimy and superficial" ballad.[13][12] In "Battle of the Larynx", Martinez addresses allegations made against her.[16] The song was likened to that of rock music with a "fuzz-toned guitar riff and emphatic beat" and fades into ocean waves.[12] "The Contortionist" has a traditional pop structure with an "array of orchestral elements, creating a pop symphony".[12] "Moon Cycle" was called a "sarcastic and low-key" response to Oliver Tree who had previously referenced Martinez in his lyrics.[12]
"Nymphology" is a pop song with a chaotic climax.[12] In the song, Martinez compares nymphs in Greek mythology to "men, social media and the music industry" who put "femme-presenting people" into boxes and "use them for their own pleasure or gain and discarding them".[17] This is followed by "Evil," which was called a stand-out on the album.[16] Martinez sings about empowerment, the "emotional manipulation from a past partner" and the "realisation of being in a toxic relationship".[15] The album ends with "Womb," which is a metaphor for Martinez's musical rebirth and loops back to the phrase "Life is death is life is death".[13] The song also loops directly back into "Death" if played on repeat.[17]
Promotion
Live performances
In the weeks leading up to the album's release, Martinez debuted several songs from the album in South America. She performed at all three South American Lollapalooza festivals,[18][19] as well as Festival Estéreo Picnic[20] and a solo headlining show in Santiago.[21] She also embarked on the Portals Tour.[22]
Singles
In March 2023, Martinez teased the lead single "Death" on Instagram, featuring a cryptic message and a photo showcasing a pink alien alter-ego "emerging from a prone human form". The song was released on March 17, 2023.[23] The single was written and produced by Martinez, with CJ Baran co-producing.[24] The song peaked at number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first original song on the Billboard Hot 100.[13]
"Void" was released digitally as the second single from the album on March 29, 2023, and was sent to alternative radio in the United States on April 11, 2023.[25] The song charted at number 61 on the Hot 100[26]
Critical reception
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [27] |
Evening Standard | [28] |
The Line of Best Fit | 6/10[16] |
Rolling Stone | [13] |
Rolling Stone writer Tomás Mier praised Martinez's use of a new alter-ego, noting that she used "that character to deliver her most introspective lyrics and sounds that move outside her sonic comfort zone".[13] He called the album an "effortlessly inventive, mature record", saying that it "reintroduces her as an artist unafraid to start from scratch and tackle complex, difficult ideas".[13] Brig Newspaper writer Emma Victoria Jenky called the album "undeniably authentic" and added that it is "exciting to see her grow her skills into production, and receiving credit for her genius ideas".[15]
Emma Herold, writer for The Cavalier Daily, praised the album calling it a "statement of rebirth" for Martinez.[29] She noted that while there are "recognizable elements of Martinez's sound like syncopation and classic rhyme", she also felt there was a good combination of new sounds including "synth pop and a more harsh, grungy and dark tone".[29]
The Line of Best Fit writer Sam Franzini gave the album's lyrical content praise, comparing it to her older works, noting that the "themes are darker, and feel more real compared to her previous songs lacquered in metaphor".[16] However, he felt that while her reinvention was "fantastical and imaginative", it failed to live up to her past work.[16] Conversely, Evening Standard writer David Smyth gave the album three stars and criticised Martinez's lyrical content saying they were "comparatively lacking" and that "for the complete Martinez experience, the album isn't enough".[28] He compared Martinez's new image to Björk.[28]
Year-end lists
Publication | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Rolling Stone | The 100 Best Albums of 2023 | 56 |
Commercial performance
Portals debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 with 142,000 equivalent album units of which 99,000 were from pure album sales, making it her highest-charting album in the country.[31][32] The album also reached the top of the US Top Alternative Albums chart.[33] Internationally, the album reached number one in Australia and New Zealand, making it her first number-one album in both countries.[34][35] It also reached number two in the United Kingdom,[36] three in Canada,[37] Ireland,[38] Scotland,[39] and top ten in Germany,[40] Belgium,[41] and Spain.[42][43]
Tour
Tour by Melanie Martinez | |
Associated album | Portals |
---|---|
Start date | May 30, 2023 |
End date | February 5, 2024 |
Legs | 3 |
No. of shows | 54 |
Melanie Martinez concert chronology |
The Portals Tour is Martinez's fourth concert tour. The singer in support of her third studio album Portals announced the first leg, in North America, via her Instagram. Comprising thirty-one dates, the leg began on May 30, 2023, in Denver, Colorado, and concluded on July 15, 2023, in Montreal, Canada.[22] In March 2023, two dates in Mexico were added, bringing the North American leg to a scheduled close on October 19.[44] In June 2023, dates in Europe and Oceania were announced.[45]
Set list
The following set list is obtained from the Denver concert on May 30, 2023. It is not intended to represent all dates throughout the tour. All songs are styled in all uppercase.[46]
Shows
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Death" | Melanie Martinez |
| 5:06 |
2. | "Void" | Martinez | Martinez | 4:07 |
3. | "Tunnel Vision" |
|
| 4:44 |
4. | "Faerie Soirée" |
|
| 2:43 |
5. | "Light Shower" | Martinez | Martinez | 4:27 |
6. | "Spider Web" | Martinez | Baran | 3:03 |
7. | "Leeches" |
|
| 3:20 |
8. | "Battle of the Larynx" | Martinez | Baran | 5:28 |
9. | "The Contortionist" |
| Baran | 3:20 |
10. | "Moon Cycle" |
|
| 2:32 |
11. | "Nymphology" |
|
| 5:06 |
12. | "Evil" |
| Baran | 4:06 |
13. | "Womb" |
| Baran | 3:31 |
Total length: | 51:33 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
14. | "The Hatching" | Martinez | Martinez | 1:01 |
Total length: | 52:34 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
14. | "Powder" |
| Baran | 3:58 |
15. | "Pluto" |
|
| 3:01 |
16. | "Milk of the Siren" |
| One Love | 4:25 |
Total length: | 62:57 |
Notes
Personnel
Musicians
- Melanie Martinez – vocals (all tracks); programming (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5)
- CJ Baran – programming, synthesizer (tracks 1, 3, 7–12); guitar (tracks 1, 8, 11, 12)
- Rhys Hastings – drums (tracks 1, 2, 8, 10, 13)
- Martin Kutnar – cello (tracks 1, 7, 9, 11)
- Matej Mihaljević – violin (tracks 1, 7, 9, 11)
- One Love – programming, synthesizer (track 3)
- Pearl Lion – guitar (track 10)
- Nick Long – guitar (track 11)
- Ilan Rubin – drums (track 12)
Technical
- Emerson Mancini – mastering
- Mitch McCarthy – mixing
- CJ Baran – engineering
- Michael Keenan – engineering (5)
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom (BPI)[73] | Silver | 60,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
Region | Date | Format(s) | Edition | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Various[lower-alpha 2] | March 31, 2023 | Standard | Atlantic | [74][48] | |
United States | Vinyl LP | Target exclusive | [75] | ||
Urban Outfitters exclusive | [76] | ||||
Walmart exclusive | [77] | ||||
Various[lower-alpha 2] | April 5, 2023 |
|
Deluxe | [78][79] |
Notes
References
- ↑ Mier, Tomás (February 22, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Transforms Into a Pink Creature for New Album Portals". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
- ↑ Gamboa, Glenn (May 23, 2019). "LI Sound: Melanie Martinez readying new album, movie". Newsday. Archived from the original on May 23, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
- ↑ Wass, Mike (September 4, 2019). "Film Review: Melanie Martinez's 'K-12' Is A Twisted Pop Musical". Idolator. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
- ↑ Grunenburg, Kira (September 25, 2020). "Get Set for Something Special with Melanie Martinez's 'After School' EP". American singer-Songwriter. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Takes a Fresh Start After Cleaning Most of Her Instagram Photos". Latestly. February 19, 2023. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Gives a Glimpse of Her 2023 Single; Singer Releases 12 Seconds Audio of Her New Song on Spotify". Latestly. February 18, 2023. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
- 1 2 Our, Darwin (February 22, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Is Back and Better Than Ever". Glitter Magazine. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ Rivera, Kelsey (February 22, 2023). "A look into Melanie Martinez's alien-inspired new album 'Portals'". Diario AS. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ Mier, Tomás (February 22, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Transforms Into a Pink Creature for New Album 'Portals'". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ Krishnamurthy, Chaitra (February 22, 2023). "Melanie Martinez's merch featuring Portals album cover art is selling out". HITC. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Portals Lyric Reveal". Melanie Martinez Music. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DeWald, Mike (March 30, 2023). "Album Review: Melanie Martinez comes to life on 'Portals'". Riff Magazine. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Mier, Tomás (March 30, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Is Born Again and Bold as Ever on Portals". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
- ↑ Lovence, Frank (April 3, 2023). "Baldwin's Melanie Martinez to headline Radio City show". Newsday. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Victoria Jenky, Emma (April 3, 2023). "Melanie Martinez PORTALS album review – a psychedelic trip to a new dimension". Brig Newspaper. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Franzini, Sam (March 31, 2023). "Melanie Martinez' Portals is a halfway-there attempt at reinvention". The Line of Best Fit. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- 1 2 3 Eckburg, Bella (April 13, 2023). "Melanie Martinez 'Portals' album analysis, review". Collegian. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ↑ "Drake, Blink-182, Billie Eilish Are Headlining Lollapalooza South America In 2023". Nylon. October 11, 2022. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez looks terrifying at Lollapalooza Argentina | 103.5 KISS FM". The Fred Show. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ↑ Hernandez, Jeanette (October 11, 2022). "Estéreo Picnic Festival's Lineup Just Dropped & It's Epic". Remezcla. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- ↑ "¿Quedan entradas? Melanie Martínez llega con toda su música al sideshow de Lollapalooza". RedGol (in European Spanish). February 27, 2023. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
- 1 2 Mier, Tomás (April 3, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Announces Portals Summer Tour". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ↑ Rivera, Kelsey (March 15, 2023). "Melanie Martinez to release first single 'Death' from upcoming album 'Portals' on Friday". Diario AS. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
- ↑ Vigil, Dom (March 17, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Returns With New Single, "Death"". Prelude Press. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
- ↑ "Alternative Future Releases". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ↑ Fabris, Andres (March 29, 2023). "Melanie Martinez releases 'Void'". The Music Universe. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ↑ Collar, Matt. Review of Portals at AllMusic. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- 1 2 3 Smyth, David (March 31, 2023). "Melanie Martinez – Portals album review: back to nature in a delightfully weird way". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- 1 2 Herold, Emma (April 17, 2023). "Melanie Martinez is reborn in her new concept album "PORTALS"". The Cavalier Daily. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ↑ "The 100 Best Albums of 2023". Rolling Stone. November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
- ↑ Unterberger, Andrew. "Will Melanie Martinez's 'Portals' Open at No. 1 on the Billboard 200?". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ↑ Caulfield, Keith (April 9, 2023). "Morgan Wallen's 'One Thing at a Time' Notches Fifth Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ↑ Rutherford, Kevin. "Melanie Martinez & Boygenius Rule Billboard Rock Album Charts". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ↑ "Discography Melanie Martinez". charts.nz. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
- ↑ Br, Lars; le (April 7, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Defeats DMA'S For Australian Chart Crown". Billboard. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- 1 2 "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- 1 2 "Melanie Martinez Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- 1 2 "Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- 1 2 "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- 1 2 "Offiziellecharts.de – Melanie Martinez – Portals" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- 1 2 "Ultratop.be – Melanie Martinez – Portals" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- 1 2 "Spanishcharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ↑ Iahn, Buddy (June 10, 2023). "Melanie Martinez brings 'Portals' album to life with over the top production". The Music Universe. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez | Melanie Martinez takes on the persona of Cry Baby for the entire show. Portals". Melanie Martinez. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ↑ Olinger, Sandra B (June 14, 2023). "Melanie Martinez Shares New Video for "VOID" — New Tour Dates for Europe, Australia, New Zealand". Grimy Goods. Retrieved July 8, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Kicks Off the Portals Tour in Denver". setlist.fm. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Announces 2020 K-12 Tour: Dates, Tickets". Vivid Seats. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
- 1 2 Martinez, Melanie (March 31, 2023). "Portals". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "[Part 2: AMULET]". Genius. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
- ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Melanie Martinez – Portals" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
- ↑ "Ultratop.be – Melanie Martinez – Portals" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- ↑ "Lista prodaje 15. tjedan 2023. (03.04.2023. – 09.04.2023.)" (in Croatian). HDU. April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Melanie Martinez – Portals" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez: Portals" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ↑ "Lescharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ↑ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2023. 14. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Tónlistinn – Plötur – Vika 14 – 2023" [The Music – Albums – Week 14 – 2023] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
- ↑ "Italiancharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ↑ "2023 14-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ↑ "Charts.nz – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
- ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ↑ "OLiS - oficjalna lista sprzedaży - albumy" (in Polish). OLiS. Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Note: Change the date to 31.03.2023–06.04.2023 under "zmień zakres od–do:". Retrieved April 13, 2023.
- ↑ "Portuguesecharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Melanie Martinez – Portals". Hung Medien. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Chart History (Top Rock & Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
- ↑ "Melanie Martinez Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ↑ "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ↑ "Top Rock & Alternative Albums – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
- ↑ "British album certifications – Melanie Martinez – Portals". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ↑ Portals release formats:
- "Portals CD". Melanie Martinez Music. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- "Portals Digital Album". Melanie Martinez Music. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
- "Portals Vinyl". Melanie Martinez Music. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Portals (Target Exclusive) Vinyl". Target Corporation. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Portals (Urban Outfitters Exclusive) Vinyl". Urban Outfitters. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Portals (Walmart Exclusive) Vinyl". Walmart. Archived from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Portals Digital Deluxe Album". Melanie Martinez Music. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ↑ Martinez, Melanie (April 5, 2023). "Portals (Deluxe)". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on April 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.