
It starts with this very choral sound, sounding like much of the contemporary choral works being written today. This song makes for another vibe and has an atmosphere to bathe and splash in. And, I’m pretty sure I hear FINNEAS in some of the backup vocals of this track. It’s cool to hear the more yell-like singing and the live-reverb-sounding vocals. On ‘ Oxytocin,’ Billie says, “We wanted to make a song that could be really fun to perform live.” Listening to this here, you can definitely see that it has the energy for a festival, stand-alone concert, anything. Another example of the excellent writing that this duo can come up with both in general and with the backup vocals that are such a huge part of Billie’s sound. Moving into the single ‘ my future,’ Billie says, “It’s nice to think about what the future holds for yourself.” This track holds a wonderful place in the album with Billie showing some of her most expressive vocals. It of course has that Bossa Nova feel, but it’s totally in Billie’s way with her type of progression writing and FINNEAS’ production. Stylistically, I believe this is an incredibly innovative song. A fantasy.” You’ll find that the sound of this has a dream-like feel to it. I’m obsessed with ‘ Billie Bossa Nova.’ Billie writes, “A secret fling. A shorter track, this feels like this is just a moment to portray to her audience. With a rhythmic and glitchy synth throughout and Billie’s classic sliding harmonies and incredible backing vocals, this one is about being honest and true to herself in a bad situation with someone. ‘ I Didn’t Change My Number’ has a cool groove, almost like a lounge type of feel. The second track acts almost like a foundation for another sound that is prevalent throughout the album. Keeping the energy pretty low, the listener is drawn in throughout this track. Billie says, “This was a tough song to write because of how honest it is.” And I believe this is true, with the chorus singing, “ Things I once enjoyed just keep me employed now.” It would seem that Billie is looking back on her career thus far and is contemplating all of that time. This, with Billie’s characteristically realistic and insightful lyrics, makes for a beautiful start to the album. I also notice an almost Beatles-like chord progression and style of writing melody. Starting with ‘ Getting Older,’ I was immediately struck by the intimacy of the sound. They help to strengthen the impact of this already strong and intimate album. Throughout this review, you’ll find that I reference these “Storyline” writings a lot. It always heightens the listening experience knowing what the writer and artist feel, and Billie is incredible when it comes to expression and explaining her art. I HIGHLY suggest listening to the album while reading these. Here, Billie gives a few words on the track that you’re listening to at that moment. There, you can find “Storyline” at the bottom of the track’s play screen. Now, I listened to this album on Spotify.

This album is an embodiment of this idea. Now, a listener could easily go from listening to Brahm’s Requiem to Abba without skipping a beat. With streaming being so pervasive in the music industry, many people don’t listen to music in categories.

From the aptly-named ‘ Billie Bossa Nova’ to the harder rock track that ‘ Happier Than Ever’ becomes to all of the electronic pop, club-like tracks throughout, this album will keep listeners engaged and emotionally invested in what feels like the perfectly curated listening experience. Part of the magic of this album is the role that genre plays. In this way, ‘ Happier Than Ever’ shows that the art of the album is alive and well, and it features some of the most vulnerable moments in Billie’s career.

With a variety of sounds, genres, and influences, this album shows Billie and brother/producer, FINNEAS’ ability to create a story filled with emotion and philosophy. Billie Eilish’s latest album, ‘ Happier Than Ever ’ was just released on July 30th.
