"Melanie Martinez, the famous pop singer, songwriter, actress, and director has made her comeback. " -Kaliyah smith, 6th grade
Melanie Martinez, the famous pop singer, songwriter, actress, and director has made her comeback. On Wednesday, February 15th, Martinez announced her return after four years with the release of her third album, Portals which was released Friday, March 31st. Many are curious about what is to come as they released a teaser about the upcoming album on TikTok. Zanthe Jones-Jerachis, 7th grade Literary Arts student, says she really enjoys Martinez’s song “Dollhouse” and “Fire Drill.”
“[The news that she wasn’t release anymore Crybaby songs] didn't really affect me that much because she's going to be making a new album and all her other albums have so many songs already,” Jones-Jerachis says.
Martinez lifted the curtain on Portals last month with an instantly viral TikTok video, including teasers instantly reaching 115 million views across socials. Many people have very mixed feelings about Martinez’s new album and are very upset she won’t be releasing anymore Crybaby songs. Some people are even hating on Melanie stating her new muse is “ugly” or “hideous.” Regardless the hate, Martinez has still released the album which has gotten over 1 million views. The new album consists of 13 tracks, just like Martinez’s previous two albums, Crybaby and K-12.
“Portals screams death is life is death is life is death is life. A continuous loop. A circle,” Martinez says. Leaking the start of her most viral piece, “Death,” which starts out with the sentence she shared in a soft whispering voice before the music starts.
Ziah Smith, 6th grader in Media Arts says they weren't very affected when they found out that Martinez wouldn't be releasing any more Crybaby songs. “It’s ok, I wasn't underwhelmed or overwhelmed,” Smith states. Smith also enjoys Martinez’s songs “Nymphology” and “The Contortionist” from Portals.
Martinez released the single “…” on February 17th with an all-black cover photo. Her single “…” is a 12-second snippet of Martinez repeating the words `”Back from the dead. I’m back from the dead,” and then whispering, “I’m back!” The announcement video, directed by Martinez themself, shows a mysterious alien figure emerging from an egg, releasing the preview of what was to come with the new album. “I feel like it's more of mental struggles,” said Ruby Deetz, 6th grade Literary Arts student. Deetz says it didn’t really affect them when they found out about Martinez not releasing anymore Crybaby (K-12) songs, and they are very happy with the new release of Portals. Deetz enjoys “Void,” from portals.
If people bother to actually listen to this album, it is absolutely incredible. With all thirteen songs, the album consists of many enjoyable sounds that have gone instantly viral after release.
“The lyrics in this album are unpredictable. Going from song to song it gives this full amazing story that captivates you entirely. The song titles like ‘DEATH’ and ‘WOMB’ being at the beginning and end bring you a full circle of this story of rebirth” says The Eastern Echo. “While the album feels like a storytelling masterpiece, it still gives you so much emotion that you can relate to. Especially with songs like ‘BATTLE OF THE LARYNX’ give you these strong emotions of hurt and the things you're trying not to say.” The Eastern Echo states that though they liked this album, some things can pull them away from the lyrics.
The more you listen to a new song you didn’t initially like, the more you grow to enjoy, which is the idea here with Portals. The fresh album may seem interesting, especially with some of the lyrics to the songs. But as you listen more, you may find the lyrics make sense and are really catchy too! But from the view of a fan, this album might not be for everyone.