Portals (Melanie Martinez album)

Portals is the third studio album by American singer and songwriter Melanie Martinez, released on March 31, 2023, through Atlantic Records. The album follows Martinez's alter ego, Cry Baby, in her rebirth and journey through the afterlife, exploring themes of life, death, and spiritual growth.

Musically, Portals departs from the electropop sound of Martinez's previous works, incorporating elements of alternative rock, art pop, and ethereal soundscapes. The album is characterized by its layered instrumentation, experimental vocal effects, and fantastical lyrical content.

Portals was preceded by the singles "Death," released on March 3, 2023, and "Void," released on March 22, 2023. Upon release, the album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambitious concept, sonic experimentation, and Martinez's artistic evolution. Portals also achieved commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. The album's release was accompanied by a corresponding tour, showcasing elaborate stage designs and costumes that further embodied the album's fantastical themes. The album concludes the Cry Baby storyline, though Martinez has indicated future musical projects exploring new creative directions.