The young artist visits dark parts of her mind
The new generation of music is filled with SoundCloud rappers of all ages and alt-pop loving teens, but seventeen-year-old Billie Eilish has completely transformed the way younger generations enjoy music. The young Los Angeles native excels at creating an extremely vivid and detailed vision of what each track on her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? means to her and what it could mean to her fans. Eilish has delicately intertwined sarcasm, dark thoughts and fun to make her lasting mark on the indie world. The title of her debut album creates an opening into her mind and takes ideas and thoughts that many hide away into the recesses of their minds while bringing them out into the wide open.
The album is impressive from start to finish, with few missteps in-between. Intro track “!!!!!!!,” a 14 second sound bite of Eilish taking her invisible braces out, introducing the album and letting out an intense cackle, reminds you that the young artist is enjoying herself every step of the way with an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. “bad guy” is a villain dream. Deep into the inner-workings of Eilish’s mind are heavy bass lines matched with more absent-minded little quirks. Eilish adds in a quick “duh” before a rubbery electronic beat takes over. The next three tracks might be the highlight of the album itself. “xanny,” a quieter note on the album, is an ode to serious anxiety issues and the ever-growing issue with prescription drug abuse. Her airy vocals go from desperation to despair as a house-shaking bass creates a monster of sound demolishing the vulnerable lyrics. Radio hit “you should see me in a crown” is another example of the young singer’s ability to create lullaby-like vocals that crash straight into a brick wall of obscene and brutish dubstep. “all the good girls go to hell” is the embodiment of Billie Eilish herself. A track with layered vocals and groovy beats creates a home for the night terrors and disturbing thoughts that make this album a winner.
Eilish’s real sense of knowing who she is can be heard throughout the album and her humor is not far behind. Aside from her gratitude for artists like Tyler, The Creator and Lorde, Eilish pays tribute to the show that many have come to know and love, The Office. On “my strange addiction” the episode Threat Level Midnight can be heard throughout the easily liked track. “when the party’s over” and “wish you were gay” can’t be overlooked either. Both dive deep into Eilish’s personal battles from sleep paralysis to dealing with her sexual preferences. No stone is left unturned in this album and there is something to be said about that. There is a mix of maturity and childlike wonder found in every beat. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? is filled to the brim with personal stories and tracks that quite literally bang. This album is a permanent reminder that the young artist is going to dominate the music world.
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