Happier Than Ever, the album not just the song
Billie Eilish came out with her second (apparently, dont smile at me is an EP??) album today, and I have to say I absolutely adore it. Maybe I'm bias; I've been a fan of her since 2018. She never fails to impress with her unpredictability and charisma behind the microphone. Her and her brother Finneas make an unstoppable team. The following will be a short summary and my opinion about each of the 16 songs on this body of work.
Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish.
Getting Older: A gentle piece about, well, getting older. With a career like Eilish's, it's hard to be relatable, and yet she still manages to pull that off while also offering some humor. This raw and honest lyrical work is also heartfelt, deep, smooth, and meaningful. She touches on some difficult experiences she had to go through as well, and how she feels she might be ready to finally open up about them.
Things I once enjoyed / Just keep me employed now
I'm getting older / I've got more on my shoulders /
But I'm getting better at admitting when I'm wrong
It's so weird / That we care so much, until we don't
I have had some trauma / Did things I didn't wanna /
Was too afraid to tell ya / But now I think it's time
I Didn't Change My Number: One of my favorites! The vibe, the beat, the choice of instruments, and her soulful vocals concoct a groovy, goofy, don't-really-care song that is utterly lovable. And also leaves some surprise synth rhythms towards the end as well as (what I assume to be) Finneas humming. The lyrics of the piece are definitely a highlight. Some of my favorites follow:
I didn't change my number / I only changed who I replied to
You were easy on the eyes / But looks can be deceiving
I love a "you mad at me" text
Maybe you should leave / Before I get too mean
Billie Bossa Nova: Talk about groove. With some romance, risk, and sultry laced in between, this is a number to remember. Bossa Novas are popular for their rhythmic division and distinct vibe or energy, originating in Brazil and branching out from Samba and Jazz. Masterful piece for sure. Lyrically, this strikes me as a piece of growing and gaining experience with relationships and love. Being a celebrity, that storyline must come with its own challenges for Eilish.
A lot can change in 20 seconds
Some information's not for sharing / Use different names at hotel check-ins
I'm not sentimental but there's something 'bout the way you look tonight
Nobody saw me in the lobby / Nobody saw me in your arms
my future: Picture this -- walking alone in the rain, the sky is grey and stormy. A somber expression on those around you as raindrops trickle down your umbrella-less shoulders. Tears almost spill from eyes when suddenly the Sun appears, and smiles take over the frowns. A flash mob begins to take place? Not sure about that but the instrumental transition in this number is so fulfilling. With raindrops softly in the background and the delicate vocals (that switch in rhythm at one point in the most wonderful way) and eventual drums, this is a piece for the heart. The lyrics speak on self-love and striving for bettering yourself and your future, whether that involves taking a break from romance for a bit.
I'm in love with my future / Can't wait to meet her
Know I'm supposed to be happy without someone / But aren't I someone?
But I know better than to drive you home / Cause you'd invite me in /
And I'd be yours again
Oxytocin: To be frank, I have never heard anything like this before. I'm glad that Eilish and O'Connell were the ones to create this because I am not sure how well anyone else would be able to pull it off. The catchy bass and boundary-less musicality are the stars of this tune in my opinion -- Finneas never fails to impress. There is something addictive in the unique synthesis. The lyrics take a bold take on the title hormone, that is "associated with empathy, trust, sexual activity, and relationship-building," also referred to as the "love drug." The cherry on top though is that just when you think the song is over, (spoiler) it's not! Similar to the ending of WWAFAWDWG's "bad guy," there is an entrapping hook of an ending to this piece.
What would people say if they listen through the wall?
GOLDWING: A work of art. Introducing itself with the most beautiful and harmonious choral hymn, the melody switching into silence for a beat before capturing the listener's attention with a funky beat and lyrics about an gold-winged angel who needs to hide from the cruelty and greed in this world:
Gold-winged angel / Go home / Don't tell / Anyone / What you are
You're sacred / And they're starved / And their art / Is getting dark
And there you are to tear apart
You better keep your head down.
Lost Cause: Comparatively a more organic piece in regards to the rest of the album. Simple and sophisticated. The elegant electric guitar strums and neat drums and bass allow the vocals and lyrics to shine. Touching on revenge and regret of a past relationship, the lyrics focus on giving up on someone after fooling yourself to think they were better than they are along with speculating whether that person was worth it or a waste of time.
Used to think you were shy / But maybe you just had nothing on your mind
You weren't even there that day / I was waiting on you
I wonder if you were aware that day was the last straw for me...
I sent you flowers / Did you even care?
You ain't nothing but a lost cause
Halley's Comet: Falling in love? Here's the song for you. This sweet and soft melody with tasteful vocals and runs by Eilish conveys the fears of feeling something for someone and the irony of denying those feelings. The interval at the end radiates the essence of a shooting star.
And I don't want to want you / But in my dream I seem to be more honest
And I must admit you've been in quite a few
But my sleepless nights are better / With you than nights could ever be alone
I think I might have fallen in love / What am I to do?
Not My Responsibility: Wow.
Is my value based only on your perception?
Or is your opinion of me not my responsibility?
OverHeated: Upon my first listen, I was immediately entranced. There is something hypnotizing in the melody, background vocals, and music. My interpretation on the words would relate to the media and paparazzi's treatment of Eilish. She also nudges on more serious topics like unrealistic body figure standards in the industry while also cracking jokes about her stalkers (I think). Billie Eilish is one of a kind.
You wanna hurt me? / Stop being flirty / It's kind of working
I'm overheated / Can be defeated / Can't be deleted
Can't be repeated
I was only built like everybody else now / But I didn't get a surgery to help out
Cause I'm not about to redesign myself now
Everybody Dies: A tear-jerking song about what we tell ourselves to make it through our days. Beautiful and sad.
Everybody dies / That's what they say
And maybe in a couple hundred years / they'd find another way
It's not so wrong to wonder why everybody dies
It's okay to cry
You are not alone / And you are not unknown
Your Power & NDA & Therefore I Am: These are singles along with "my future" and "Lost Cause."
Your Power is a gentle and powerful piece about a young girl being taking advantage of by someone older, and asks questions about the abuse of power.
NDA is a fulfilling, strong piece about Eilish taking control of her life.
Had a pretty boy over but he couldn't stay
On his way out made him sign an NDA
Didn't change my number / Made him shut his mouth
Therefore I Am proves the value of self-confidence, especially while also dealing with fame. Upbeat and steady.
I think therefore I am
Happier Than Ever: Truth be told, I don't have enough good things to say about this piece. Starting off with an already pretty and satisfying melody with peaceful ukulele strums, the song shifts into a compelling rock moment that mixes Taylor Swift with Avril Lavigne. The lyrics reminisce on a less-than-perfect love affair where she was not treated right.
When I'm away from you, I'm happier than ever
You clearly weren't aware that you made me miserable
You were my everything / And all that you did was make me f-- sad.
I could talk about every time that you showed up on time but I'd have an empty line cause you never did.
Please go listen to this. For your own benefit.
Male Fantasy: In the perspective of a boy, Eilish embodies longing. Paralleling Swift's "betty," this gorgeous and peaceful tune unravels a confused boy and his views on his love life and heartbreak and experiencing loneliness. In the lyrics, he compares his love in the past to the present. How do you really know you're in love? How do you truly get over someone?
But I loved you then and I love you now / And I don't know how
Guess it's hard to know when nobody else comes around
If I'm getting over you / Or just pretending to
I know I should but I could never hate you
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