“HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” released on May 17, 2024, is the third album from two-time Oscar winner Billie Eilish. This ten-track album is a deeply emotional exploration of love. Although I’m not typically an Eilish fan, I wanted to share my honest impressions and delve into the reasons behind them.
**SKINNY**
“SKINNY” serves as an introspective and melancholic open letter where Eilish grapples with her insecurities and self-image. She reflects on love and identity with lyrics like “Fell in love for the first time / With a friend, it’s a good sign” and “People say I look happy / Just because I got skinny / […] / And I still cry.” The song concludes with a poignant instrumental piece. I was genuinely moved by the vulnerability and depth she conveyed right from the start of the album. The smooth transition to the next track is also impressive. A solid 9/10—a strong opening to the album.
**LUNCH**
“LUNCH” shifts the mood entirely, introducing a bold and confident vibe. In this track, Eilish addresses long-standing rumors about her sexuality with lines like “Tastes like she might be the one,” “It’s a craving, not a crush, huh,” and “Tell her, ‘Bring that over here’ / You need a seat? I’ll volunteer.” The final 37 seconds feature a beat switch, with the repeated line, “Eat that girl for lunch / yeah, she / yeah, she / Tastes like she might be the one.” I appreciate the energy of this song and the chaotic tone it introduces early on in the album. 8/10.
**CHIHIRO**
For me, this song seems to be a direct message to someone she cares about. Lyrics like “Did you take / my love away / from me?” and “Do you feel it too? / When you told me it was serious / Were you serious?” express a longing for love and connection. The mellow instrumental and relatable lyrics stand out. The song’s title, “CHIHIRO,” references Chihiro Ogino from *Spirited Away*, which Eilish noted in a Rolling Stone interview as an inspiration. Unsurprisingly, I’m a fan of this track as well—its calming instrumental is a highlight. Even my boyfriend, who doesn’t typically like Eilish, enjoys this one. 8/10.
**BIRDS OF A FEATHER**
“BIRDS OF A FEATHER” is a track I had already come across on TikTok. As the title suggests, it’s about loyalty and enduring love. The song had a snippet featured in the third season of Netflix’s “Heartstopper” before its official release. I enjoy the upbeat nature of this song, which feels like a refreshing change of pace. 8/10.
**WILDFLOWER**
“WILDFLOWER” is an intriguing track about entering a relationship with someone who may have hurt a friend. Lyrics like “But I see her in the back of my mind / all the time” and “Did I cross the line?” capture Eilish’s anxiety and regret about this relationship. The song’s reference to Valentine’s Day and a crying session in a hotel adds depth to the story. Online theories suggest this song might be about Devon Lee Carlson, the ex of Jesse Rutherford, Eilish’s recent ex. I appreciate the song’s pace and the emotional complexity of the lyrics, even if I can’t personally relate. The closing vocals are particularly striking. 9.5/10.
**THE GREATEST**
Despite its title, “THE GREATEST” is a slow, melancholic song dealing with insecurities and feelings of inadequacy in love. While it’s not the album’s standout track, it has its moments, especially when Eilish unexpectedly belts out “I made it all look painless / Man, am I the greatest / The greatest.” The song is mostly mellow and, for me, a bit forgettable, but that powerful moment earns it a 7/10.
**L’AMOUR DE MA VIE**
This track is delivered in a deeper tone, blending elements of whispering and full voice. “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE” is a love song directed at an ex, with lines like “I need to confess / I told you a lie / I said you, you / were the love of my life.” It discusses mutual heartbreak and the toxic nature of the relationship, with lyrics like “Did I waste your time?” and “You said you’d never fall in love again because of me / Then you moved on immediately.” The song is more energetic and free-spirited rather than sad, marking a shift from breakup sorrow to a sense of liberation. The first half of the song is solid, earning a 9/10. The second half, which features a highly auto-tuned, disco-influenced beat, is less impactful but still enjoyable. The lyrics hint at a relationship with her ex’s ex, tying back to “WILDFLOWER,” with lines like “Your girl’s a fan of- / Miss me, say you miss me / It’s such a pity / We’re both so pretty.” The second half scores a 7.5/10.
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