Billie Eilish Shines in New Album "Hit Me Hard and Soft": A Starriest Anti-Star's Journey
Billie Eilish: The Starriest Anti-Star Shines Again
Billie Eilish continues to defy expectations and redefine stardom. With her hit “Bad Guy” in 2019, Eilish became the first person born in the 21st century to top the US singles chart. Her success only grew from there, becoming the first person born this century to win an Oscar for her James Bond theme song “No Time to Die.” Now, with her song “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie soundtrack, she has become the youngest ever double Academy Award-winner.
Redefining Fame with Rejectionism
Despite her growing list of accolades, Eilish has a unique stance on fame. She has amassed a collection of fame-sucks songs, with the latest one opening her new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. This album arrives with no advance singles, as Eilish and her brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, believe it should be experienced as a whole. In contrast to the lavish promotions of other major releases, Hit Me Hard and Soft emphasizes sustainability with its recycled vinyl editions.
Embracing Contradictions
Eilish’s position as an A-list outsider is complex but authentic. Instead of ignoring contradictions, she embraces them, infusing her music with their energy. Her signature amplified murmur creates an intriguing dynamic that draws listeners in while maintaining a distance. This delicate balance was perfected in her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, though it felt less assured in her follow-up, Happier Than Ever.
A New Sound with "Hit Me Hard and Soft"
In Hit Me Hard and Soft, Eilish explores these themes with greater confidence. The album's opening track, “Skinny,” reflects on the pressures of fame, featuring Eilish's gentle trills over acoustic guitar and lush strings. However, the album soon shifts gears, moving away from languishing themes.
Evolving Themes and Production
The romantic interests in Hit Me Hard and Soft shift from the mostly male subjects of her debut to predominantly female subjects. These scenarios, though less sharply defined, are brought to life by Eilish’s versatile vocals and Finneas’s intricate production. Subtle details, like the faint squeal of brakes when Eilish describes herself as a deer in headlights, add depth to the tracks.
