Bad at Love

August 22, 2017 marked the release of "Bad at Love," a track that stripped away the metaphorical layers Halsey often used to describe her romantic life. The song arrived as the second single from Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, serving as a direct confession about repeating relationship mistakes rather than hiding behind allegory. Co-written with Justin Tranter, Ricky Reed, and Rogét Chahayed, the track blends moody synth-pop with a driving electronic beat that underscores the breathy, emotive delivery characteristic of the artist.

Critical reviews highlighted the lyrical honesty found within the verses, noting how the song captures the specific frustration of self-sabotage without relying on clichés. Many outlets pointed to the artist's tumultuous relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio as a likely inspiration for the lyrics, adding a layer of real-world context to the narrative. This shift toward raw storytelling helped define the album and signaled a new level of artistic maturity for Halsey. [edit]