A Dive into the Intricate and Alluring Landscape of HIT ME HARD AND SOFT.

‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ (HMHAS), Billie Eilish’s third studio album, has highlighted the most important thing in a new release - the music. With no singles, the listener experiences a complete body of work, piecing together a story from start to finish. Almost all of the 10 tracks have a run time of over 4 minutes, which is refreshing in an era of short, digestible content.

‘L'AMOUR DE MA VIE’ is a perfect example of a track that could have succeeded as a jazzy ballad alone, but the final verse switched the energy to that of a gritty club, adding autotune to make the lyrics come to life. The ability to take the listener on a sonic journey is admirable and a true testament to the high level of production by Billie alongside brother and long-term producer FINNEAS.

HMHAS is a great example of versatility within Billie's repertoire. The opening track, 'SKINNY', explores a vulnerable depiction of first love and body image, almost a more grown evolution of the track 'idontwannabeyouanymore' ('dont smile at me', 2017). This tone is almost entirely shifted as we progress into the second track, 'LUNCH'.

'LUNCH' is deliciously playful. While Eilish is known to never filter out or water down her lyrics to maintain her honest vulnerability, as seen in tracks like ‘listen before i go’ and ‘wish you were gay’, this song uses that same approach for an entirely different outcome.

She embraces her desire for a new love interest, releasing inhibitions and having a great time doing so. It’s a cheeky song exploring infatuation and sexual liberation.

'LUNCH' has the same digestibility as previous internationally successful hits like ‘bad guy’, while still reminding us that she has grown not only as an artist but as a woman living her truth, regardless of the gender she explores romantically. It was the perfect choice as a first single, as its carefree and vibrant nature effortlessly gives it that 'on repeat' quality.

'THE GREATEST' probably took me by surprise the most. It explores unrequited effort within relationships and personal sacrifices to be accepted by the one you love. Let you get your rest / while I stayed up all night paints the picture of ensuring someone’s comfort at the expense of your own, while also hinting at restless nights left alone to dwell on feelings of unhappiness with the developing relationship. Sacrifice is a repeating theme, with the chorus stating all the times I waited / for you to want me naked, with a quiet longing to be recognised and accepted.

The track's build-up is similar to that of ‘The 30th’ and ’Happier Than Ever’, some of my favourite songs from previous projects. She tells a story that comes to a head so well that the listener yearns and experiences the same realisations that are being encapsulated. The momentum increases to the point of Eilish yelling out to be heard, making an interesting listening experience as we feel that same tension building. ‘THE GREATEST' takes us on a journey of self-reflection and telling ultimately someone they are the one to miss out on a great love, with the final lyric you could’ve been the greatest packing the final punch. Billie can safely place this track as a contender for the best of her entire discography.

'THE DINER' is a personal favourite from HMHAS. From the perspective of an unsolicited visitor, the track explores the themes of obsession to the point of interfering with the law, and delusion in gaining the attention of an individual. Eilish is no stranger to delving into these topics and here, it captures the same eerie essence fans loved on ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ (Eilish's debut album, released in 2019) but with a developed and even more experimental sound. I hope to see this as a future single, as I think her creative direction and eye for the interesting and sinister could produce a visually compelling music video.

Lyrics like I memorised your number, now I call you when I please / I tried to end it all, but now I'm back up on my feet highlight the anguish and desperation increasing throughout the narrative, coming to a head with a phone number hauntingly being whispered as the track fades out. This has made for one of the most interesting tracks on the album. She has a way of touching upon sensitive topics with nuance, but will never shy away from being frank about a feeling or experience.

This album has mastered the welding of multiple sonic universes. It captures the essence of everlasting bonds within 'BIRDS OF A FEATHER' beyond that of romantic relationships, it has moments of intimacy in tracks like 'WILDFLOWER', juxtaposed with rave-esque, dance beats throughout.

There is no room for filler in an album made of so few songs, and the duo has made every moment count. Love is injected into each second, and I am so glad Billie and Finneas allowed us to experience this world with them.

With theories of a secret second album circulating the globe, many are now asking - but when can I hear the next one?

Words by Eliz (Blonde Vibrations)