Going from a creepy, internet mystery to a singer mixing metal and pop, Poppy is one of the most unique artists in the music industry. Her career started with performance art YouTube videos and pop songs, as her robotic attitude and unique voice went viral in 2011. In 2019, she parted ways with her abusive creative partner, Titanic Sinclair, who was using her as an outlet for his ideas. However, she didn’t quit music, now creating her own songs in the genres metal and pop. On Nov. 15, she released her sixth album “negative spaces.”
The album starts off with the best song on it, “have you had enough?” This great opening shows that Poppy has the perfect voice for this album and the heavy instrumentals that accompany it. Poppy manipulates her voice in a unique way that is satisfying to listen to. An excellent way to start the album, it sets the bar very high.

I give “have you had enough?” a 10/10.

The next song on the album, “the cost of giving up,” is not as strong as the beginning. I’m not a fan of the chorus, it feels generic and too boring for typical Poppy fashion. I like the calmer part in the beginning, but once the chorus starts up, the song is no longer as pleasant.

I give “the cost of giving up” a 5/10.

Next up, “they’re all around us” is a slight improvement from the last song. This song is filled with a lot more screaming than the others, so, while it doesn’t fit my taste, I can see why someone would enjoy it. The instrumental throughout the song is too repetitive, but the calm part with a simpler, easier-to-listen-to instrumental is enjoyable.

I give “they’re all around us” a 6/10.

The song is followed by an interlude titled “yesterday.” It’s a simple song that’s a great break from the last one. After its short runtime, it flows into the next song nicely.

I give “yesterday” a 7/10.

The fifth song on the album, “crystallized,” is way more pop-driven than the previous songs. The catchy chorus’s instrumental sounds like a crystal shining, using repetition in the right way. It reminds me of her earlier work, back when she was still working with her old creative partner.

I give “crystallized” a 9/10.

After the excellent song before it, “vital” is disappointing. The chorus’s vocals are painful to listen to, and the instrumentals in the other parts of the song sounds like church rock music.

I give “vital” a 2/10.

Luckily, “push go” redeems the album after the last song. The bridge is very enjoyable, with a great voice filter accompanying the chorus. It contains a switch-up from the heavier tune to a more cheerful-sounding one, a component of some of her songs that Poppy is well known for.

I give “push go” a 9/10.

However, “nothing” falls back into the same category as “vital.” Poppy has a great scream, she’s just brought down by the ill-fitting instrumental not matching her vocal tone. The chorus, just like “vital,” is painful to listen to, but slightly better.

I give “nothing” a 3/10.

Although not as big as a change from “vital” to “push go,” “the center’s falling out” is an improvement from the song before it. However, it’s a scream-filled song, so it’s not exactly to my taste. But not all hope is lost, the amazing guitar as well as the calm part of the song redeems the rest of the song.

I give “the center’s falling out” a 6/10.

Next up on the album is an interlude, titled “hey there.” It’s an excellent break on the ears after the last song. Just like the interlude previously, this calming song flows nicely into the next one.

I give “hey there” a 9/10.

The title track, “negative spaces” is next up on the album. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel like a title track should. Although it’s a good song with another wonderful guitar, it feels underwhelming. The switch-ups are a great addition, but despite that, the song is definitely missing something I can’t quite place.

I give “negative spaces” a 7/10.

Starting off strong, “surviving on defiance” begins with quite a good and pleasant intro. Even as the intensity kicks up, it’s way more bearable than several of the previous songs.

I give “surviving on defiance” an 8/10.

The next song, “new way out,” is slightly better than mediocre. The intro, with Poppy saying her name and then instantly cuing in the heavy instrumental, was certainly a nice touch. However, the lyrics are too corny to listen to regularly. The song is a great mix of her older and newer styles, but there’s nothing special about it.

I give “new way out” a 6/10.

The final interlude of the album, “tomorrow” is as great as the other ones. The instrumental is unique and interesting to listen to. Poppy knows how to do a short song well, something that several artists can’t replicate.

I give “tomorrow” an 8/10.

The final song on the album, “halo” is a great way to finish. It’s more pop-like than metal, feeling very
similar to “crystallized.” This song is closer to my taste than many of the other ones. I’m glad Poppy closed the album with this one, because if it ended with some of the previous ones, I’d be disappointed and left wanting more.

I give “halo” an 8/10.

With a length of 42 minutes long, Poppy’s “negative spaces” could feel overwhelming at first. However, some of the songs are definitely worth listening to. The album begins and ends well, even though it contains some songs that are mediocre at best. Despite not being a huge metal fan, I can see how many of the songs I disliked would be the greatest ones for others. No matter what, it’s great to see Poppy able to produce the music she actually wants after being controlled for so long.

Overall, I give “negative spaces” a 7/10.