Halsey opens her third album, Manic with “Ashley” – a title taken from her own name, Ashley Nicolette Frangipane. Fittingly, the song introduces Halsey fans to a new era, an album coming from not only a self-created character of sorts, Halsey, but her real identity, Ashley.

Whilst she reflects on her past as Halsey, she gently reminds fans that when Halsey is no longer around, a legacy will be left behind through her music.

She discussed the sonics behind “Ashley” with Zane Lowe for Apple Music:

It’s arguably the most Halsey sounding song on the album […] A reminition of Badlands at little bit. [It was like] a comfortable entry point for people.