Billie Eilish has released a new full-length album titled "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT." When it comes to a new Billie Eilish album, the expectations are sky-high. So, when you see the positive reviews and high ratings, you can be almost certain the album is going to be a hit—and indeed, the ratings for Billie Eilish's latest album are excellent.

I have to agree with the consensus. The album unmistakably feels like a Billie Eilish creation, yet it also brings something fresh and distinct from her previous work. It’s truly astounding how Billie and her brother FINNEAS, who produces all her songs, consistently create hit after hit. They seem to be in an incredible flow and momentum.

Just like her other albums, the tracks on "HIT ME HARD AND SOFT" offer something new and refreshing to the pop scene, while still fitting seamlessly into the current pop landscape. The songs resonate instantly, making sense right from the first listen.

I think Billie's song style has changed a little bit where she will really drag out the crescendos or last couple of words on her phrases more than before. If you do this too much, you’re going to sound like you are trying to sing to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Billie does it just enough so that it does not sound like cheesy animated cartoon soundtracks. Not that there is much wrong with that, it would just sound strange in this context.

Since Taylor Swift has recently released a new album, a lot of fans are comparing the two. I think this is fair and fun practice, but I’m not going for a deep dive in that topic now. I will say though, if you compare the difference in production on the two albums, the emotional effect that the songs have is extreme. Whereas the production on Taylor's latest album falls incredibly flat most of the time, FINNEAS uses sounds that stand out and give character to the songs. He is confident when picking something that sounds good and lets it speak loudly for itself. Billie trusts her brother's musical decisions. 

There are some things that I like on the album and some things I don’t. However, when I hear this album, it makes me really hopeful and happy about the current state of pop music. It might sound like a bit of a boomer take, but at least here we have a newly released mainstream album that sounds organic, forward thinking and like it was actually created by someone who cares about their artistry and music. Go listen to it yourself and see what you think!

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!