The nine-time Grammy-winning, critically acclaimed recording artist, Billie Eilish, released her album, Hit Me Hard and Soft on May 17, 2024, to mass critical acclaim. Hit Me Hard and Soft is a 10-song, 44-minute album, perfect for those who prefer shorter albums, but longer songs. The alternative pop album has hints of indie folk elements that resonate perfectly with fans of Eilish.
I have been an avid fan of Eilish for a few years. I’ve listened to most of her discography including her debut extended play Don’t Smile at Me released in 2017. Her music is reminiscent of other alternative pop artists like Lana del Ray and Lorde, all of whom I’m familiar with.
For this review, I will be judging based on the overall mood of the album, the lyrical content, and the production of the standout tracks including tracks that I felt didn’t hit the mark. The album will be given an overall rating based on the average of the ratings given for each aspect of the album I’ve previously listed.
The mood of the album is very deep and heavy, synonymous with the album cover’s depiction of Eilish underwater with a door opening inward to the surface of the water. “Wildflower,” a song from the album, has a minimal production with reminiscent guitar strings in the background. Eilish perfectly describes the mood of her album through her lyrics and the production of each song.
Another standout song from the album that sets the mood is “The Diner.” This song is reminiscent of Eilish’s earlier work from her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? The hip-hop-esque production with the thunderous beat of the track adds to the heavy and intense vibe of the album.
Based on mood and ambiance, I give Hit Me Hard and Soft a 8.5/10.
Eilish is an artist known for her lyrical prowess, and this album is no different. The lyrics of Hit Me Hard and Soft deal with themes of relationships, heartache, breakups, betrayal, and feeling misunderstood.
The song, “L’amour de ma vie” has many ties to the overarching themes of the album. The lyrics “I was the love of your life but you were not mine” and “It isn’t asking for a lot for an apology” are evidence of the song’s themes of the complexities of a breakup.
Eilish is very in tune with her emotions and I feel like she beautifully displays that through her music, which she writes along with her brother Finneas.
Based on lyrical content and storytelling, I give Hit Me Hard and Soft a 9/10.
Lastly, the production of Hit Me Hard and Soft has elements of free yet deep and rich sounds throughout the album. No two songs on this album sound alike, which is a treat for all who listen! Eilish really plays with how the instrumentals of her music affect the overall sound of her songs, a big improvement from her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go.
A production standout from the album is Eilish’s song, “Lunch.” This song has a more upbeat sound that isn’t as moody as the songs Eilish is known for. The song’s production is lively and vibrant with EDM-like elements added to the song’s sound. The song showcases Eilish’s versatility in her music’s sound and tone.
Based on production, I give Hit Me Hard and Soft a 9.5/10.
Ultimately, I give this album a 9/10 overall based on its lyrical content, production, and musical ambiance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this album! It’s moody, but sometimes freeing, themes make this an album full of songs for the highs and lows of life.
