On May 17, Billie Eilish released her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, following weeks of promotion that was kept under wraps with not a single title revealed prior to the album’s release. While it is similar to her albums When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever, its tracks lived up to the hype. Eilish and her record producer and brother, Finneas, venture into many new sounds, symbolizing a mature shift in her art.
Starting the album is “SKINNY,” a slow song about Eilish’s insecurities. Despite the lyrics, the song is calming and feels somewhat symphonic and ocean-like.
“LUNCH” follows as the lead single, and its music video was released on the same day as the album. Both the song and the video have a distinct ‘90s feel.
The third track on this album is “CHIHIRO,” named after the protagonist from the 2001 Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. The song utilizes abstract lyrics and haunting sounds, and it can be described as how one feels when falling. The ghostly feeling it embodies makes it a highlight of the album.
Following this is the trending “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” a happier and more upbeat song about everlasting love. While this track also borrows from ‘90s music, it is different from “LUNCH,” and is more similar to the band The Cardigans.
Track five is “WILDFLOWER,” a dramatic and emotional song that leaves the listener feeling heartbroken upon its conclusion. The song is about how one may feel about their partner’s ex throughout the relationship. This track also employs a buildup — a feature that is so prominent on this album.
Following “WILDFLOWER” is “THE GREATEST,” a slow, rock-influenced track that also uses a buildup, which conveys sadness transforming into anger.
The next track is “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE,” yet another song that is split into parts. Its first half is a slow sarcastic ballad where Eilish wishes her former lover the best. The second half is ‘80s-influenced and upbeat, symbolizing Eilish’s happiness over an ended relationship. The switch in the middle of the song makes it stand out.
Song number eight “THE DINER,” which is about Eilish’s experience with stalkers. The song has a very creepy feeling, as Eilish sings the song from the perspective of a stalker.
The ninth track is “BITTERSUITE,” a three-part song where moods change. It depicts the desire to protect yourself while also searching for a relationship.
“Blue” finishes the album, a combination of two unreleased tracks from previous projects. This two-sided song gives off a feeling of distance, allowing the album to end on a pretty yet solemn note.
Hit Me Hard and Soft is an amazing addition to Eilish’s discography, symbolizing the breaking of new ground in her music. It’s her most mature album so far; while she incorporates new influences, inspiration from her old works is still evidently present. Though all the tracks released are pivotal to the album’s success, the songs that feature split halves all have intricate buildups, so the emotion of the pieces hits harder. Billie and Finneas is still the dynamic duo to be reckoned with, which fans will be able to see for themselves when Eilish performs at TD Garden on October 11, as part of the Hit Me Hard and Soft World Tour.