Madelline makes her triumphant return on her new single, “Happy as Hell”. As swelling, striking strings kick in from the off, it’s evident that this is more than just a tune, it’s an experience. Crafted by Arthur Besna Nessa Barrett, Lay Banks, and Jon Buscema Sophie Truax, the song marks what Madelline refers to as the new era of her Theatrical Pop, which is as much inspired by powerful visuals as it is bold production.
“Happy as Hell” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt they were falling behind in life. Madelline captures the bittersweet tension of pursuing happiness while struggling under the weight of expectation with acuity and familiarity wrapped up in her usual mix of biting lyricism and emotional openness. The production has a striking sweep to it, from its lush strings to dramatic flourishes that make every note feel bigger than life, an ideal match for her confessional but wry narrative.
Where Madelline stands out in today’s crowded pop field is her fearless storytelling. From mental health to mortality, she addresses head-on, and with a bit of humor, some pretty big themes, sounding along the way like a queer Lady Gaga, a more earnest Christine and the Queens, and a cheekier Perfume Genius. But her lyrics aren’t the only thing that makes her fascinating, her presence on the stage is. Madelline blurs the distinction between performance art and pop spectacle, and turns each song into a platform where music, dance, and visual clobber slide right alongside each other. Then you’ve got “Happy as Hell,” which, when you listen to it, is kind of what I’d imagine walking a runway at a cabaret show must feel like sexy and fun and impossible to forget.
With “Happy as Hell”, Madelline shows she’s not at the mercy of the pop landscape, she’s defining it. The single is an exercise in her artistic vision, full of swagger and wit and theater, and it further cements her as pop’s boldest original voice. As you’re about to hear, for old fans and new fans alike, this song is more than a single, it’s an invitation to step through pop’s threshold and into the world of Madelline, where chaos is beautiful, feelings grow exponentially, and everything is performed flawlessly.
Follow Madelline on Instagram