View source for Portals (Melanie Martinez album)

{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{infobox album
| name         = Portals
| type         = studio
| artist       = [[Melanie Martinez]]
| cover        = Melanie Martinez - Portals.png
| alt          = A strange pink creature called a Nymph.
| released     = {{Start date|2023|03|31}}
| recorded     = 2020–2022<!-- Please source recording dates/years -->
| studio       =
| genre        = * [[Alternative pop]]
* [[art pop]]
* [[art rock]]
* [[experimental pop]]
| length       = 51:33
| label        = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| producer     = * The 23rd
* [[CJ Baran]]
* Hoskins
* Melanie Martinez
* [[One Love (record producer)|One Love]]
* Pearl Lion
* Simon Says
* [[Cautious Clay]]
| prev_title   = [[After School (EP)|After School]]
| prev_year    = 2020
| misc         = {{Singles
| name         = Portals
| type         = studio
| single1      = [[Death (Melanie Martinez song)|Death]]
| single1date  = March 17, 2023
| single2      = [[Void (song)|Void]]
| single2date  = March 29, 2023
| single3      = Evil
| single3date  = November 21, 2023
}}
}}
'''''Portals'''''<!-- See [[MOS:CAPS]], we disregard stylizations and standardize their spellings on Wikipedia --> is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter [[Melanie Martinez]], released on March 31, 2023, through [[Atlantic Records]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Transforms Into a Pink Creature for New Album ''Portals'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-album-1234684602/ |access-date=February 22, 2023 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222203522/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-album-1234684602 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is Martinez's first album after she{{efn|Martinez uses [[she/her]] and [[they/them]] pronouns. This article uses she/her pronouns for consistency.}} took a three-and-a-half-year hiatus from releasing music. With her return, she introduced a new image and sported a new creature. In support of the album, Martinez embarked on the [[Portals Tour]] in May 2023.
The album had three singles: "[[Death (Melanie Martinez song)|Death]]", "[[Void (song)|Void]]", and "Evil"; the first two marked her first original appearances on the chart, respectively reaching numbers 95 and 61 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The album debuted at number two on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with first-week sales of 142,000 units.
==Background and release==
In 2019, Martinez released her second studio album ''[[K–12 (album)|K–12]]'' alongside a [[K–12 (film)|musical film of the same name]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Gamboa |first=Glenn |date=May 23, 2019 |title=LI Sound: Melanie Martinez readying new album, movie |url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/columnists/glenn-gamboa/melanie-martinez-new-album-1.31423989 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |website=[[Newsday]] |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523185411/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/columnists/glenn-gamboa/melanie-martinez-new-album-1.31423989 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wass |first=Mike |date=September 4, 2019 |title=Film Review: Melanie Martinez's 'K-12' Is A Twisted Pop Musical |url=https://www.idolator.com/7870647/film-review-melanie-martinez-k-12?view-all&chrome=1 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |website=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]] |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316193539/https://www.idolator.com/7870647/film-review-melanie-martinez-k-12?view-all&chrome=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Grunenburg |first=Kira |date=September 25, 2020 |title=Get Set for Something Special with Melanie Martinez's 'After School' EP |url=https://americansongwriter.com/after-school-melanie-martinez-album-interview |access-date=October 23, 2020 |website=American singer-Songwriter|archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027120046/https://americansongwriter.com/after-school-melanie-martinez-album-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After a two-year hiatus from music, she started to archive all of her [[Instagram]] posts and began to tease her then upcoming album on February 18, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 19, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Takes a Fresh Start After Cleaning Most of Her Instagram Photos |url=https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/melanie-martinez-seems-to-be-starting-her-new-era-after-clearing-most-of-her-instagram-latest-tweet-by-pop-base-4856413.html |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Latestly |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311023028/https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/melanie-martinez-seems-to-be-starting-her-new-era-after-clearing-most-of-her-instagram-latest-tweet-by-pop-base-4856413.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Martinez also released a twelve-second snippet of a song on [[Spotify]].<ref>{{cite web |date=February 18, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Gives a Glimpse of Her 2023 Single; Singer Releases 12 Seconds Audio of Her New Song on Spotify |url=https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/melanie-martinez-has-released-a-12-second-snippet-on-spotify-latest-tweet-by-pop-base-4856872.html |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Latestly |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311024536/https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/melanie-martinez-has-released-a-12-second-snippet-on-spotify-latest-tweet-by-pop-base-4856872.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In February 2023, Martinez released a teaser video showing a mushroom in a foggy forest, with the phrase "RIP Crybaby" engraved in its stem, accompanied by a snippet of a new song.<ref name="release1">{{cite web |last=Our |first=Darwin |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Is Back and Better Than Ever |url=https://glittermagazine.co/2023/02/21/melanie-martinez-is-back-and-better-than-ever/ |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Glitter Magazine |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311022716/https://glittermagazine.co/2023/02/21/melanie-martinez-is-back-and-better-than-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Several more teasers were subsequently posted, representing the "themes of rebirth, growing embryos, and eggs incubating in forests".<ref>{{cite web |last=Rivera |first=Kelsey |date=February 22, 2023 |title=A look into Melanie Martinez's alien-inspired new album 'Portals' |url=https://en.as.com/entertainment/a-look-into-melanie-martinez-alien-inspired-new-album-portals-n/ |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Diario AS]] |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310234448/https://en.as.com/entertainment/a-look-into-melanie-martinez-alien-inspired-new-album-portals-n/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One teaser showed Martinez "herself hatching from an egg as a pink fairy creature".<ref>{{cite web |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Transforms Into a Pink Creature for New Album 'Portals' |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/melanie-martinez-transforms-pink-creature-202038185.html |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311022712/https://sports.yahoo.com/melanie-martinez-transforms-pink-creature-202038185.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Martinez's official website was also updated showcasing the album cover while merchandise for the album became available to the public for [[pre-order]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Krishnamurthy |first=Chaitra |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez's merch featuring Portals album cover art is selling out |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/23/melanie-martinezs-merch-featuring-portals-album-cover-art-is-selling-out/ |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[HITC]] |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311023450/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/02/23/melanie-martinezs-merch-featuring-portals-album-cover-art-is-selling-out/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's title was revealed through Martinez's official website.<ref>{{cite web |title=Portals Lyric Reveal |url=https://www.melaniemartinezmusic.com/lyricreveal |access-date=March 16, 2023 |website=Melanie Martinez Music |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316193542/https://www.melaniemartinezmusic.com/lyricreveal |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Portals'' was finally  released on March 31, 2023.<ref name="release1"/>
== Composition ==
=== Genres and themes ===
''Portals'' is primarily an [[Alternative rock|alternative]] [[art pop]] and [[art rock]] album with elements of [[dark pop]], [[experimental pop]], [[synth-pop]], [[grunge]] and [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]].<ref name="alternative pop1">{{cite web |last=DeWald |first=Mike |date=March 30, 2023 |url=https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/melanie-martinez-portals |title=Album Review: Melanie Martinez comes to life on 'Portals' |website=Riff Magazine |access-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331040538/https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/melanie-martinez-portals/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Rolling Stone" /><ref name="artrock1">{{cite web|first=Frank|last=Lovence|title=Baldwin's Melanie Martinez to headline Radio City show|url=https://www.newsday.com/amp/entertainment/music/melanie-martinez-portals-jvn0m4qi|website=[[Newsday]]|date=April 3, 2023|access-date=April 4, 2023|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404082105/https://www.newsday.com/amp/entertainment/music/melanie-martinez-portals-jvn0m4qi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tcd1" /> Throughout the album, Martinez displays "[[pop-rock]] songwriting, driving drum beats, and voice filters".<ref name="Rolling Stone" /> The main theme of the album centers around the idea of a never-ending cycle of life and death and was described as "otherworldly and extraterrestrial".<ref name="brig1"/> Martinez takes the form of her alter-ego Cry Baby (established from her previous albums ''[[Cry Baby (Melanie Martinez album)|Cry Baby]]'' and ''[[K–12 (album)|K-12]]'') who is reborn as a "pink-skinned, four-eyed fairy creature that's stuck between Earth and the afterlife".<ref name="brig1"/>
=== Music and content ===
The album begins with "[[Death (Melanie Martinez song)|Death]]" which "reintroduced her newfound concept" for the album.<ref name="LOBF1"/> The song begins with the phrase "Death is life is death is life" while heavy breathing and fast-paced footsteps are used at the beginning of the song.<ref name="brig1"/><ref name="Rolling Stone" /> The song leads into "[[Void (song)|Void]]" which uses a softer "ethereal [[Ambient music|ambience]]" sound and works as a "story of being in the void [...] in between life and death" while Martinez also talks about her insecurities.<ref name="LOBF1"/><ref name="brig1"/> This is followed by "Tunnel Vision" which has "layered eerie vocals" and transitions into an [[trip-hop]] outro that ends with Melanie's sigh "Show me how far obsession goes / Could've been more, now we'll never know". "Faerie Soirée" is an "intricate alt-pop [[ballad]]".<ref name="alternative pop1" /> This is similar to the next track, "Light Shower", where Martinez uses "simplified and stripped-down" sounds.<ref name="alternative pop1" /><ref name="brig1"/>
"Spider Web" has a [[xylophone]] melody and describes a social media addiction through "spider imagery and being caught in the web".<ref name="c1">{{Cite web|url=https://collegian.com/articles/aande/2023/04/category-arts-and-entertainment-melanie-martinez-portals-album-analysis-and-review/|title=Melanie Martinez 'Portals' album analysis, review|website=Collegian|date=April 13, 2023|accessdate=June 30, 2023|last=Eckburg|first=Bella}}</ref> The song seamlessly transitions into "Leeches" which was described as a "slimy and superficial" ballad.<ref name="Rolling Stone" /><ref name="alternative pop1" /> In "Battle of the Larynx", Martinez speaks out against male dominance against female psyche ["larynx" == "voice"]. The song was likened to that of [[rock music]] with a "fuzz-toned guitar riff and emphatic beat" and fades into ocean waves.<ref name="alternative pop1" /> "The Contortionist" has a [[traditional pop]] structure with an "array of orchestral elements, creating a pop symphony".<ref name="alternative pop1" /> "Moon Cycle" is a tragicomic and sketchy song about accidentally ruined relationship, which split Melanie regrets very.
"Nymphology" is a [[pop music|pop]] song with a chaotic climax.<ref name="alternative pop1" /> In the song, Martinez compares [[nymphs]] in Greek mythology to "men, social media and the music industry" who put "femme-presenting people" into boxes and "use them for their own pleasure or gain and discarding them".<ref name="c1"/> This is followed by "Evil," which was called a stand-out on the album.<ref name="LOBF1"/> The song sarcastically calls out an indecisive ex-partner refusing to reunite with the singer. The album ends with "Womb," which is a metaphor for Martinez's musical rebirth and loops back to the phrase "Life is death is life is death".<ref name="Rolling Stone" /> The song also loops directly back into "Death" if played on repeat.<ref name="c1"/>
== Promotion ==
=== Live performances ===
{{see also|Portals (Melanie Martinez album)#Tour}}
In the weeks leading up to the album's release, Martinez debuted several songs from the album in South America. She performed at all three South American [[Lollapalooza]] festivals,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drake, Blink-182, Billie Eilish Are Headlining Lollapalooza South America In 2023 |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/lollapalooza-chile-argentina-brazil-2023-headliners-dates |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Nylon |date=October 11, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205001727/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/lollapalooza-chile-argentina-brazil-2023-headliners-dates |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Melanie Martinez looks terrifying at Lollapalooza Argentina {{!}} 103.5 KISS FM |url=https://1035kissfm.iheart.com/featured/the-fred-show/content/2023-03-19-melanie-martinez-looks-terrifying-at-lollapalooza-argentina/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=The Fred Show |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401204145/https://1035kissfm.iheart.com/featured/the-fred-show/content/2023-03-19-melanie-martinez-looks-terrifying-at-lollapalooza-argentina/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as [[Festival Estéreo Picnic]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Jeanette |date=2022-10-11 |title=Estéreo Picnic Festival's Lineup Just Dropped & It's Epic |url=https://remezcla.com/music/estereo-picnic-festival-lineup-just-dropped-its-epic-bogota/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Remezcla |language=en-US |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401204143/https://remezcla.com/music/estereo-picnic-festival-lineup-just-dropped-its-epic-bogota/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a solo headlining show in [[Santiago]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=¿Quedan entradas? Melanie Martínez llega con toda su música al sideshow de Lollapalooza |url=https://redgol.cl/tiempolibre/Lollapalooza-Chile-Quedan-entradas-para-Melanie-Martinez-20230227-0073.html |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=RedGol |date=February 27, 2023 |language=es-ES |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401204148/https://redgol.cl/tiempolibre/Lollapalooza-Chile-Quedan-entradas-para-Melanie-Martinez-20230227-0073.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She also embarked on the [[Portals Tour]].<ref name="tour1">{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=April 3, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Announces ''Portals'' Summer Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-tour-1234708850/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404205548/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/melanie-martinez-portals-tour-1234708850/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Singles ===
In March 2023, Martinez teased the lead single "[[Death (Melanie Martinez song)|Death]]" on [[Instagram]], featuring a cryptic message and a photo showcasing a pink alien alter-ego "emerging from a prone human form". The song was released on March 17, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rivera |first=Kelsey |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez to release first single 'Death' from upcoming album 'Portals' on Friday |url=https://en.as.com/entertainment/a-look-into-melanie-martinez-alien-inspired-new-album-portals-n/ |access-date=March 15, 2023 |website=Diario AS |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311021526/https://en.as.com/entertainment/a-look-into-melanie-martinez-alien-inspired-new-album-portals-n/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The single was written and produced by Martinez, with [[CJ Baran]] co-producing.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vigil |first=Dom |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Returns With New Single, "Death" |url=https://preludepress.com/featured/2023/03/17/melanie-martinez-death/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Prelude Press |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317162443/https://preludepress.com/featured/2023/03/17/melanie-martinez-death/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The song peaked at number 95 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], marking her first original song on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="Rolling Stone"/>
"[[Void (song)|Void]]" was released digitally as the second single from the album on March 29, 2023, and was sent to [[alternative radio]] in the United States on April 11, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases|title=Alternative Future Releases|publisher=All Access Music Group|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405093547/https://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases|archive-date=April 5, 2023|access-date=April 7, 2023}}</ref> The song charted at number 61 on the Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fabris |first=Andres |date=March 29, 2023|title=Melanie Martinez releases 'Void'|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/melanie-martinez-releases-void/|access-date=April 15, 2023|website=The Music Universe|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{AllMusic |id=mw0003937156 |title=Review of ''Portals'' |last=Collar |first=Matt |access-date=March 31, 2023}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Evening Standard]]''
| rev2score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="ES1">{{Cite news |last=Smyth |first=David |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez – ''Portals'' album review: back to nature in a delightfully weird way |work=[[Evening Standard]] |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/melanie-martinez-portals-album-review-b1071085.html |access-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330231523/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/melanie-martinez-portals-album-review-b1071085.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[The Line of Best Fit]]''
| rev3score = 6/10<ref name="LOBF1">{{Cite news |last=Franzini |first=Sam |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez' ''Portals'' is a halfway-there attempt at reinvention |work=[[The Line of Best Fit]] |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/melanie-martinez-portals-halfway-there-attempt-at-reinvention |access-date=March 31, 2023 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330230711/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/melanie-martinez-portals-halfway-there-attempt-at-reinvention |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev4score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Melanie Martinez Is Born Again and Bold as Ever on ''Portals'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/melanie-martinez-portals-1234706468 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331003621/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/melanie-martinez-portals-1234706468 |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=April 2, 2023 |url-access=limited}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
}}
''[[Rolling Stone]]'' writer Tomás Mier praised Martinez's use of a new alter-ego, noting that she used "that character to deliver her most introspective lyrics and sounds that move outside her sonic comfort zone".<ref name="Rolling Stone"/> He called the album an "effortlessly inventive, mature record", saying that it "reintroduces her as an artist unafraid to start from scratch and tackle complex, difficult ideas".<ref name="Rolling Stone"/> ''Brig Newspaper'' writer Emma Victoria Jenky called the album "undeniably authentic" and added that it is "exciting to see her grow her skills into production, and receiving credit for her genius ideas".<ref name="brig1">{{Cite web|url=https://brignews.com/2023/04/03/melanie-martinez-portals-album-review-a-psychedelic-trip-to-a-new-dimension/|title=Melanie Martinez PORTALS album review – a psychedelic trip to a new dimension|accessdate=June 27, 2023|website=Brig Newspaper|last=Victoria Jenky|first=Emma|date=April 3, 2023}}</ref>
Emma Herold, writer for ''[[The Cavalier Daily]]'', praised the album calling it a "statement of rebirth" for Martinez.<ref name="tcd1"/> She noted that while there are "recognizable elements of Martinez's sound like syncopation and classic rhyme", she also felt there was a good combination of new sounds including "[[synth pop]] and a more harsh, [[Grunge|grungy]] and dark tone".<ref name="tcd1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2023/04/melanie-martinez-is-reborn-in-her-new-concept-album-portals|title=Melanie Martinez is reborn in her new concept album "PORTALS"|website=[[The Cavalier Daily]]|last=Herold|first=Emma|date=April 17, 2023|accessdate=June 30, 2023}}</ref>
''[[The Line of Best Fit]]'' writer Sam Franzini gave the album's lyrical content praise, comparing it to her older works, noting that the "themes are darker, and feel more real compared to her previous songs lacquered in metaphor".<ref name="LOBF1"/> However, he felt that while her reinvention was "fantastical and imaginative", it failed to live up to her past work.<ref name="LOBF1"/> Conversely, ''[[Evening Standard]]'' writer David Smyth gave the album three stars and criticised Martinez's lyrical content saying they were "comparatively lacking" and that "for the complete Martinez experience, the album isn't enough".<ref name="ES1"/> He compared Martinez's new image to [[Björk]],<ref name="ES1"/> and so did ''[[Exclaim!]]'', writing: "Björk can pull off this kind of thing because, well, she's Björk. ''[[The Voice (American TV series) season 3|The Voice]]'' alum [...], on the other hand, looks like an ''[[Annihilation (film)|Annihilation]]'' extra who stumbled through a hedge."<ref name="exclaim!" />
===Year-end lists===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Critics' rankings for ''Portals''
|-
! scope="col"| Publication
! scope="col"| Accolade
! scope="col"| Rank
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Exclaim!]]''
| ''Exclaim!''{{'}}s 25 Worst Album Covers of 2023
|style="text-align:center;"| 10
| {{center|<ref name="exclaim!">{{cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Alex |last2=Bell |first2=Kaelen |last3=LaPierre |first3=Megan |title=Exclaim!'s 25 Worst Album Covers of 2023 |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/exclaim_worst_album_covers_of_2023 |website=[[Exclaim!]] |access-date=2024-04-03 |language=en |date=2023-12-14}}</ref>}}
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| The 100 Best Albums of 2023
|style="text-align:center;"| 56
| {{center|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-2023-1234879538/melanie-martinez-portals-1234886089/|title=The 100 Best Albums of 2023|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=30 November 2023|accessdate=30 November 2023}}</ref>}}
|}
== Commercial performance ==
''Portals'' debuted at number two on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] with 142,000 equivalent album units of which 99,000 were from pure album sales, making it her highest-charting album in the country.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/melanie-martinez-portals-top-morgan-wallen-no-1-album/|title=Will Melanie Martinez's 'Portals' Open at No. 1 on the Billboard 200?|accessdate=June 27, 2023|magazine=Billboard|last=Unterberger|first=Andrew}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=2023-04-09 |title=Morgan Wallen's 'One Thing at a Time' Notches Fifth Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/morgan-wallen-one-thing-at-a-time-fifth-week-number-one-billboard-200-chart-1235300113/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The album also reached the top of the US [[Top Alternative Albums]] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/melanie-martinez-boygenius-billboard-rock-album-charts/|title=Melanie Martinez & Boygenius Rule Billboard Rock Album Charts|accessdate=June 27, 2023|magazine=Billboard|last=Rutherford|first=Kevin}}</ref> Internationally, the album reached number one in [[ARIA Charts|Australia]] and New Zealand, making it her first number-one album in both countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Melanie+Martinez|title=Discography Melanie Martinez|website=charts.nz|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Br |first1=Lars |last2=le |date=2023-04-07 |title=Melanie Martinez Defeats DMA'S For Australian Chart Crown |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/melanie-martinez-aria-albums-chart-1235299432/ |access-date=2023-04-15 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> It also reached number two in the United Kingdom,<ref name="uk"/> three in Canada,<ref name="Canada"/> Ireland,<ref name="Ireland"/> [[Scotland]],<ref name="Scotland"/> and top ten in Germany,<ref name="Germany"/> [[Belgium]],<ref name="Belgium"/> and Spain.<ref name="Spain"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/melanie-martinez-brings-portals-album-life-with-over-top-production/|title=Melanie Martinez brings 'Portals' album to life with over the top production|accessdate=July 8, 2023|website=The Music Universe|last=Iahn|first=Buddy|date=June 10, 2023}}</ref>
== Tour ==
{{infobox concert
| concert_tour_name = Portals Tour
| image             = Portals tour Asia poster.jpeg
| caption           = Asia leg promotional poster
| artist            = Melanie Martinez
| start_date        = {{start date|2023|05|30}}
| end_date          = {{end date|2024|02|06}}
| album             = ''Portals''
| number_of_legs    = 3
| number_of_shows   = 54
| support_act       = {{Flatlist|
*  [[Tanukichan]]
*  [[Upsahl]]
*  Sofia Isella
}}
| attendance        =
| gross             =
| last_tour         = [[K–12 Tour]]<br />(2019–2020)
| this_tour         = '''Portals Tour'''<br />(2023–2024)
| next_tour         = [[The Trilogy Tour (Melanie Martinez)|The Trilogy Tour]] <br />(2024)
}}
The '''Portals Tour''' is Martinez's fourth [[concert tour]]. The singer in support of her third studio album ''Portals'' announced the first leg, in North America, via her [[Instagram]]. Comprising thirty-one dates, the leg began on May 30, 2023, in [[Denver]], Colorado, and concluded on July 15, 2023, in [[Montreal]], Canada.<ref name="tour1"/> In March 2023, two dates in Mexico were added, bringing the North American leg to a scheduled close on October 19.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melanie Martinez {{!}} Melanie Martinez takes on the persona of Cry Baby for the entire show. Portals |url=https://www.melaniemartinezmusic.com/tour |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=Melanie Martinez |language=en}}</ref> In June 2023, dates in Europe and Oceania were announced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.grimygoods.com/2023/06/14/melanie-martinez-shares-new-video-for-void-new-tour-dates-for-europe-australia-new-zealand/|title=Melanie Martinez Shares New Video for "VOID" — New Tour Dates for Europe, Australia, New Zealand|accessdate=July 8, 2023|website=Grimy Goods|date=June 14, 2023|last=Olinger|first=Sandra B}}</ref>
=== Set list ===
The following set list is obtained from the Denver concert on May 30, 2023. It is not representative for all dates throughout the tour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melanie Martinez Kicks Off the Portals Tour in Denver |url=https://www.setlist.fm/news/05-23/melanie-martinez-kicks-off-the-portals-tour-in-denver-63d6aadb |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=setlist.fm |language=en}}</ref>
{{Div col}}
# "[[Death (Melanie Martinez song)|Death]]"
# "[[Void (song)|Void]]"
# "Tunnel Vision"
# "Faerie Soirée"
# "Light Shower"
# "Spider Web"
# "Leeches"
# "Battle of the Larynx"
# "The Contortionist"
# "Moon Cycle"
# "Nymphology"
# "Evil"
# "Womb"
'''Encore'''
#<li value=14> "Powder"
# "Pluto"
# "Milk of the Siren"
{{Div col end}}
== Track listing ==
{{Track listing
| headline             = Standard edition
| extra_column         = Producer(s)
| all_writing          =
| title1               = [[Death (Melanie Martinez song)|Death]]
| writer1 = Melanie Martinez
| extra1               = {{hlist|Martinez|[[CJ Baran]]}}
| length1              = 5:06
| title2               = [[Void (song)|Void]]
| writer2 = Martinez
| extra2               = Martinez
| length2              = 4:07
| title3               = Tunnel Vision
| writer3              = {{hlist|Martinez|[[Kinetics (rapper)|Jeremy Dussolliet]]|[[One Love (record producer)|Tim Sommers]]}}
| extra3               = {{hlist|Baran|[[One Love (record producer)|One Love]]}}
| length3              = 4:44
| title4               = Faerie Soirée
| writer4              = {{hlist|Martinez|Jon Hoskins|Glen Garth|Phil Garth}}
| extra4               = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran|Hoskins|The 23rd}}
| length4              = 2:43
| title5               = Light Shower
| writer5 = Martinez
| extra5               = Martinez
| length5              = 4:27
| title6               = Spider Web
| writer6 = Martinez
| extra6               = Baran
| length6              = 3:03
| title7               = Leeches
| writer7              = {{hlist|Martinez|Simon Rosen}}
| extra7               = {{hlist|Baran|Simon Says}}
| length7              = 3:20
| title8               = Battle of the Larynx
| writer8 = Martinez
| extra8               = Baran
| length8              = 5:28
| title9               = The Contortionist
| writer9              = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran}}
| extra9               = Baran
| length9              = 3:20
| title10              = Moon Cycle
| writer10             = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran|Jared Scharff}}
| extra10              = {{hlist|Baran|Pearl Lion}}
| length10             = 2:32
| title11              = Nymphology
| writer11             = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran|[[Nick Long]]}}
| extra11              = {{hlist|Baran|Justin Greenwood{{ref|a|[a]}}}}
| length11             = 5:06
| title12              = Evil
| writer12             = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran}}
| extra12              = Baran
| length12             = 4:06
| title13              = Womb
| writer13             = {{hlist|Martinez|[[Omer Fedi]]}}
| extra13              = Baran
| length13             = 3:31
| total_length         = 51:33
}}
{{Track listing
| headline              = Deluxe edition
| extra_column          = Producer(s)
| title14               = Powder
| writer14              = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran}}
| extra14               = Baran
| length14              = 3:58
| title15               = Pluto
| writer15              = {{hlist|Martinez|Baran|[[Cautious Clay|Joshua Karpeh]]}}
| extra15               = {{hlist|Baran|[[Cautious Clay]]}}
| length15              = 3:01
| title16               = Milk of the Siren
| writer16              = {{hlist|Martinez|Dussolliet|Sommers}}
| extra16               = One Love
| length16              = 4:25
| total_length          = 62:57
}}
'''Notes'''
* {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies an additional producer
* "Nymphology" contains the hidden interlude "Amulet", starting at 3:58.<ref>{{Cite web |title=[Part 2: AMULET] |url=https://genius.com/28162819/Melanie-martinez-nymphology/Part-2-amulet |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=Genius |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405155429/https://ads.assemblyexchange.com/doh/ingest?partner=adkernel&uid=371e0011-5a5f-446e-80b3-3b87deaf2ee8&property_id=genius.com&app_version=web_0.0.1&lib_version=web_2.1.3&partner_uid=A6307035566741057985 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* "Faerie Soirée" contains the hidden interlude "Venus", starting at 1:45
==Personnel==
'''Musicians'''
* [[Melanie Martinez]] – vocals (all tracks); [[programming (music)|programming]] (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5)
* [[CJ Baran]] – [[Programming (music)|programming]], synthesizer (tracks 1, 3, 7–12); guitar (tracks 1, 8, 11, 12)
* Rhys Hastings – drums (tracks 1, 2, 8, 10, 13)
* Martin Kutnar – cello (tracks 1, 7, 9, 11)
* Matej Mihaljević – violin (tracks 1, 7, 9, 11)
* [[One Love (record producer)|One Love]] – programming, synthesizer (track 3)
* Pearl Lion – guitar (track 10)
* [[Nick Long]] – guitar (track 11)
* [[Ilan Rubin]] – drums (track 12)
'''Technical'''
* Emerson Mancini – [[Mastering (audio)|mastering]]
* Mitch McCarthy – [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]]
* CJ Baran – [[Audio engineer|engineering]]
* Michael Keenan – engineering (5)
== Charts ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=== Weekly charts ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Weekly chart performance for ''Portals''
! scope="col"| Chart (2023–2024)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|1|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2023|refname="Aussie"}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|11|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 12, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|14|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2023|refname="Belgium"}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|15|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|3|artist=Melanie Martinez|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023|refname="Canada"}}
|-
! scope="row"| Croatian International Albums ([[Top of the Shops|HDU]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.top-lista.hr/www/lista-prodaje-strano-15-tjedan-2023/|title=Lista prodaje 15. tjedan 2023. (03.04.2023. – 09.04.2023.)|date=April 22, 2023 |publisher=[[Top of the Shops|HDU]]|language=hr|access-date=April 22, 2023}}</ref>
| 4
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|8|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Finland|16|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|France|30|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|4|id=515272|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 6, 2023|refname="Germany"}}
|-
! scope="row"| Greek Albums ([[IFPI Greece|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.gr/charts_en.html|title=Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart (Week: 31/2024)|publisher=[[IFPI Greece]]|access-date=August 7, 2024|archive-date=August 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807062328/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| 56
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|11|year=2023|week=14|rowheader=true|access-date=April 13, 2023}}
|-
! scope="row" |Icelandic Albums ([[Tónlistinn]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://plotutidindi.is/tonlistinn/|title=Tónlistinn – Plötur – Vika 14 – 2023|publisher=Plötutíðindi|language=is|trans-title=The Music – Albums – Week 14 – 2023|access-date=April 15, 2023}}</ref>
| 20
|-
{{album chart|Ireland3|3|date=20230407|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2023|refname="Ireland"}}
|-
{{album chart|Italy|20|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 8, 2023}}
|-
! scope="row"| Lithuanian Albums ([[AGATA (organization)|AGATA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/s14-2/|title=2023 14-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)|publisher=[[AGATA (organization)|AGATA]]|language=lt|date=April 7, 2023|access-date=April 7, 2023}}</ref>
| 7
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|1|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 8, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway|22|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Poland2|9|date=31.03.2023–06.04.2023|rowheader=true|access-date=April 13, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|4|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 27, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|3|date=20230407|rowheader=true|access-date=April 8, 2023|refname="Scotland"}}
|-
{{album chart|Spain|8|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023|refname="Spain"}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|28|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|23|artist=Melanie Martinez|album=Portals|rowheader=true|access-date=April 9, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2|2|date=20230407|rowheader=true|access-date=April 7, 2023|refname="uk"}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|2|artist=Melanie Martinez|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardAlternative|1|artist=Melanie Martinez|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023}}
|-
!scope="row"|US Top Rock & Alternative Albums (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/melanie-martinez/chart-history/rkc|title=Melanie Martinez Chart History (Top Rock & Alternative Albums)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref>
|1
|-
{{album chart|BillboardTastemaker|1|artist=Melanie Martinez|rowheader=true|access-date=April 11, 2023}}
|}
{{col-2}}
=== Year-end charts ===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Year-end chart performance for ''Portals''
! scope="col"| Chart (2023)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/top-billboard-200-albums/|title=Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2023|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=November 23, 2023}}</ref>
| 112
|-
! scope="row"| US Top Rock & Alternative Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2023/top-rock-alternative-albums/|title=Top Rock & Alternative Albums – Year-End 2023|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=November 23, 2023}}</ref>
| 21
|}
{{col-end}}
== Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for ''Portals''}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|relyear=2023|certyear=2024|title=Portals|artist=Melanie Martinez|type=album|award=Gold|id=19500-4255-2|access-date=18 November 2024}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | noshipments=true|nosales=true|streaming=true}}
== Release history ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+ Release dates and formats for ''Portals''
! scope="col" | Region
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Format(s)
! scope="col" | Edition
! scope="col" | Label
! scope="col" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
! scope="row" | Various{{efn|name=digital|Digital copies are available worldwide, with the exception of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurostore.melaniemartinezmusic.com/eu/faq-global.html|title=Frequently Asked Questions|website=Melanie Martinez Music|access-date=August 1, 2024}}</ref>}}
| rowspan="4" | March 31, 2023
| {{hlist|CD|digital download|[[streaming]]|[[LP record|vinyl LP]]}}
| Standard
| rowspan="5" | [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>''Portals'' release formats:
* {{cite web |title=Portals CD |url=https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/standard-cd |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Melanie Martinez Music |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224062539/https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/standard-cd |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |title=Portals Digital Album |url=https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/portals-digital-album |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=Melanie Martinez Music |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327210644/https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/portals-digital-album |url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |title=Portals Vinyl |url=https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/vinyl |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=Melanie Martinez Music |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311005915/https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/vinyl |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Apple Music">{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Portals |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/portals/1673604325 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Apple Music]] (US) |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224062536/https://music.apple.com/us/album/portals/1673604325 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | United States
| rowspan="3" | Vinyl LP
| [[Target Corporation|Target]] exclusive
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |title=Portals (Target Exclusive) Vinyl |url=https://www.target.com/p/melanie-martinez-portals-target-exclusive-vinyl-ruby-red/-/A-88627730 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Target Corporation]] |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310234438/https://www.target.com/p/melanie-martinez-portals-target-exclusive-vinyl-ruby-red/-/A-88627730 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Urban Outfitters]] exclusive
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |title=Portals (Urban Outfitters Exclusive) Vinyl |url=https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/melanie-martinez-portals-limited-lp |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Urban Outfitters]] |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316193513/https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/melanie-martinez-portals-limited-lp |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Walmart]] exclusive
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Portals (Walmart Exclusive) Vinyl |url=https://www.walmart.com/ip/1049400603 |access-date=March 10, 2023 |website=[[Walmart]] |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316193531/https://www.walmart.com/ip/Melanie-Martinez-Portals-Lavendar-Vinyl-Walmart-Exclusive/1049400603 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | Various{{efn|name=digital}}
| April 5, 2023
| {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}}
| Deluxe
| style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web |title=Portals Digital Deluxe Album |url=https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/portals-digital-deluxe-album |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=Melanie Martinez Music |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405155413/https://store.melaniemartinezmusic.com/products/portals-digital-deluxe-album |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Melanie |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Portals (Deluxe) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/portals-deluxe/1680490456 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=[[Apple Music]] (US) |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405064310/https://music.apple.com/us/album/portals-deluxe/1680490456 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Melanie Martinez}}
[[Category:2023 albums]]
[[Category:Atlantic Records albums]]
[[Category:Melanie Martinez albums]]