You Don’t Understand Billie Eilish Until You’ve Heard This Song
A defining attribute of great musicians is that the lead single is not the only highlight on the album. In a world obsessed with singles, I find myself drawn to artists who make albums. Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and twenty one pilots have risen through the ranks because they have all made amazing works that go far beyond just the radio hits. Billie Eilish is no exception.
At First Glance
If you were to listen to the radio at all over the past year you’ve heard her hit single, “bad guy.” You may have formed a quick opinion that her music is only popular because she is bizarre and shocking. But those who have taken a ride through the album have found gems such as “ilomilo, “8,” and “wish you were gay.” The real payoff, however comes near the end of the album. The last three songs are a trio that make the perfect way to end the Album of the Year. At the center of this trifecta is a diamond titled, “I love you.”
Looking Deeper
Here is a rare track where Eilish gets extremely vulnerable. Here, she’s not the “bad guy.” Instead she is a lover haunted by a relationship that isn’t playing out the way she hoped. The title wisely conceals the song’s secret: It’s a breakup song.
