It’s been awhile since we had a monthly immersion into music (MIIM), but this album beckoned me to bring it back from its coma. I have already listened through the album once just to get the feel of it in my bones, and these bones are feeling all sorts of emotions. Now, with my laptop in front of me, let’s dive into it again!
Track 1: Skinny – The opening is an introduction to Billie herself. It is also a reminder to herself of who she is despite the cultural noise that goes on around her. It is a great message for anyone dealing with self-esteem issues to remember to center yourself and love the person you are. The music is melodic and meditative. I closed my eyes when I first listened to it and told myself “you are a beautiful soul Sarah, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Track 2: Lunch – Fun! Fun! Fun! There is no denying that it makes perfect sense for this to be the first track released from the album. It’s catchy and will make anyone tap their foot or bop their head. There is a drop in the last 40 seconds of the song that sneaks up on you and is so satisfying! Not going to lie, I could be seduced by Billie herself if this was on in the club.
Track 3: Chihiro – After hitting it up in the club, this is like the morning after song. Smooth and jazzy and longing for more. I did a bit more research on the word Chihiro, and apparently it is a young female character from the anime movie Spirited Away. I am not familiar with the movie, but I know my niece is so I may have to send her the song and pick her brain on any connections. The music convinces me this may be true as it is very jazzy, it is jazz wrapped in electronic music. From the little anime I do know, this tracks.
Track 4: Birds of A Feather – This actually might be my least favorite song on the album. It was a little too poppy and perfectly packaged for my taste. I still love listening to her vocal range on this one. I don’t think people really understand how talented she is as a singer.
Track 5: Wildflower – Is this a haunting tale of a love triangle? It seems like she is trying to deal with loving a friend’s current love or former love. She goes back and forth with being justified and then not. I could see this being a beautiful acoustic performance, her voice bringing the tension and the drama which she does so well.
Track 6: The Greatest – By far my favorite song on the album! The lyrics and music are haunting and you can feel exactly what she is telling this person she has in her mind as she sings. I think many people have been in this same situation either from a romantic partner, friend, or even family member. It can be hard to be told how great you are or how needed you are, but then feel so empty and alone, left wondering “if I am so great, why do I feel this way, or why do your actions not show that?” At some point, that relationship will end if the actions don’t ever show themselves. When Billie sings those long notes declaring her greatness, it gives me chills because it is like her anthem, again reminding herself she was not the problem. She is comfortable with who she is and will move on. Sad it ended, but proud of herself at the same time.
Track 7: L’amour de Ma Vie – Best song to follow the previous. It’s like she is laying it out in this sarcastic, I have had enough, type of vibe. Sometimes when you are at the end of trying to explain, this is where we get. Her little laughs throughout read like “oh how typical” which I am totally here for. Some might see this as a lashing out like a wounded soul trying to save face, which is valid, because the spiteful girl I can be totally gets that. The song then moves into the wild 80s electronic vibe which makes me think of those movies/shows where the girls are like “alright girl. We are going out to the club to get over him!” And then they dance like no one is watching. Free from the worries of the world. The music is the only thing that has their mind, body and soul.
Track 8: The Diner – I love creepy circus vibes. If you do too, you will enjoy this track. Now I heard a rumor this song is written from her stalker’s point of view which makes the creepy music so much even more unnerving. I know music videos are a thing of the past, but this song would be fun to see interpreted on screen. Also there is a phone number she whispers at the end, give it a call. You’re welcome.
Track 9: Bittersuite – I always appreciate good word play. The beginning of this song starts as something you would be blasting while driving down main street at midnight with the windows down. One hand on the wheel, the other out the window riding the wind. The street lights above you reflecting off the hood. Yes I love the movie Drive and the soundtrack. Then it switches into an innocent little number straight out of Napoleon Dynamite. It presents a short slow build section, and then goes right back into the original driving theme. It’s a suite of sorts for sure, and the lyrics could be very much seen as a bit bitter. Nicely done on the song title.
Track 10: Blue – Another song that gives me goosebumps because of the beautiful composition of the music and lyrics. Her voice is absolute heaven on this track. There is a section where for a minute it sounds like another voice entirely, and then another where she perfectly blends her voice in with the string accompaniment. The range this woman has!
When it was over I was like “no Billie keep me company a little longer please!” So what did I do? I started it all over again. That’s right, I am back to listening to Skinny as we speak and can’t wait to bop along to Lunch and L’amour de Ma Vie and be absolutely covered in goosebumps during The Greatest and Blue. I would say even if you do not consider yourself a Billie Eilish fan, if you enjoy beautiful vocal renditions, are a sucker for a good emotional love song, or read way too deep into lyrics, this album is for you.
Also huge shoutout to her brother Finneas O’Connell who helps write and produce all of the music featured on her albums. He is a fabulous talent that can take the simplest beat and make it complicated and masterful layering her voice perfectly. I look forward to the next one, no matter how long it takes. Happy listening everyone!
Feet Up, Speak Up 