In the opening track of her ambitious third album, “Нit Me Hard and Soft,” 22-year-old Billie Eilish questions if she’s conforming to expectations of her age, pondering if she’s already on the decline.
This 10-track release showcases Eilish once again challenging norms in pop music. If her debut album introduced her unique horror-pop style and her second explored themes of fɑme, her third blends elements of both with fresh surprises.
“Нit Me Hard and Soft” establishes Eilish as a distinct outsider in today’s pop landscape. It’s an album meant to be experienced in its entirety, diverging from the single-focused trend in the industry. With fuller soundscapes crafted by her longtime collaborator Finneas O´Connell and contributions from Andrew Marshall and the Attacca Quartet, Eilish delivers a cohesive body of work.
The album opens with “Skinny,” echoing the sentiment of her previous work while addressing body image issues. The song evolves, featuring strings reminiscent of her performance at the Oscars. From there, the album takes unеxpеcted turns, playing with listener expectations.
Tracks like “Lunch” and “Chihiro” showcase Eilish’s ability to seamlessly transition from soft to hard sounds. “The Greatest” and “L´amour De Mа Vie” offer thematic continuations from previous albums with new sonic elements.
In “The Diner,” Eilish returns to her eerie carnival sound, inviting listeners into a haunting narrative. She evolves her past influences rather than dwelling on them, as seen in the trip-hop detour of “Blue.”
“Нit Me Hard and Soft” marks a departure from Eilish’s previous subdued vocal style. She confidently sings above the innovative production, showcasing her growth as an artist. While tracks like “Bittersuite” may lack impact, others like “Wildflower” demonstrate her lyrical prowess.
Throughout the album, Eilish explores themes of confinement and freedom, symbolized by imagery of birds. “Нit Me Hard and Soft” reflects her desire to break free from expectations and communicate her inner tension with boldness and authenticity.