By: Bruna Cucolo
Recommended songs: “xanny” and “bury a friend”
The people have finally received the all new album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? by Billie Eilish. The album, made up of 14 tracks, was released on March 29, 2019. Fans had been waiting approximately a year for this album. The Interscope Records signed artist, although keeping her fans waiting, came out with an album which blew everyone away. People have been on the edge of their seats waiting for this release, but it is finally here and fans are listening to it over and over again enjoying every beat and every lyric.
The album, with very different messages throughout, has a very unique alternative sound to it. It definitely catches you off guard if you have not listened to any of Eilish’s previous work. There is a diverse sound in every one of her songs, making them stand out from each other. This is not your average alternative/pop album. Although it has its upbeats, it does get dark as well. “Funky” is another word you could use for the album, but absolutely in a positive way.
It starts off with a 14 second track where Eilish says she takes out her Invisalign. It is then followed by her saying, “This is the album.” In the music video for “bad guy,” this short track is featured at the beginning of the video. It is like a fun intro to the album. Yet “bad guy” in general is a song that makes you want to move around to. There is a more upbeat sound to it that makes the music more fun. Then at 2:30, the breakdown of the song happens, almost as if it is a whole different song.
A song that stands out though is “xanny.” This song starts off softer than the previous, but about 30 seconds after it begins, the main beat begins. The song is her expressing the fact that she does not understand why drugs are a thing that people use. “I don’t need a xanny to feel better,” sings Eilish, expressing again that there is no need for drugs in order to feel good. She feels as though she’s the only one who is not high on anything, something that some people do feel, making them feel alone. This particular song shows that you are not alone if you are not into the drug scene, and that can be reassuring.
The rest of the album is more mellow. While listening to the end, you may begin to sway from side to side whether you are seated or just standing around with headphones in. The album as a whole is so different and unexpected to some. The fact that the end of the album is made up of slower songs can make the album seem like it is dragging. But if you listen to it carefully – to its lyrics and different sounds – you will appreciate it.
This album in general has been getting a lot of positive feedback, as it should. It is new, unique, and very creative. Billie Eilish went above and beyond with this and her hard work shows. Give it a listen if you have not yet, especially with headphones. You will be thankful to have done so.
