“Hit Me Hard and Soft” is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish. Released on May 17, the album consists of only 10 songs, a shorter album than is typical but a memorable one nonetheless. The album gained traction, especially on Tiktok, which helped garner the attention of old and new fans alike.
I would consider myself one of those new fans, as I kept hearing various songs from “HMHAS” on TikTok. Before this album, I liked and listened to a few Billie songs from time to time, but I didn’t have enough knowledge of her discography to be able to call myself a fan. I knew and respected Eilish’s music and persona, but wasn’t too acquainted with her work. When “HMHAS” was released and I heard the popularity of some of the songs, my interest was captivated and I listened initially to “BLUE,” “CHIHIRO,” “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” and “WILDFLOWER.”
I was expecting this album to be entirely melancholic, much like her previous album “Happier Than Ever.” This was based on the commonly held assumption that Eilish just produces sad, solemn music often dubbed “depressing.” I was surprised to find that some of the songs from “HMHAS” were livelier sounding, like the hits “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” and “LUNCH,” which both offer distinct sounds and vocals as opposed to her previous work and parallel to the rest of the album, which is both emotional and eerie.
The more I listened to the aforementioned songs, the more my interest was piqued, which led me to discover and enjoy more of the songs from the album, including “L’AMOUR DE MA VIE” and “THE GREATEST.”
I’m better acquainted with the album now than when it first came out, so I appreciate the variety in sound, production, vocals and lyricism. Although incredibly hard to decide, I’d have to say the high point of the album is found in the fifth track, “WILDFLOWER,” which explores Eilish’s regret for being in a relationship with the same person her friend broke up with, whom she also comforted prior to entering the relationship. This track starts as a slow ballad that later increases in tempo and raw emotion, building up around the bridge where Eilish’s talented vocals are showcased and her true feelings about the situation are shared with listeners.
Eilish has said that she puts herself “through hell and back” for her work, specifically referring to the making of “HMHAS.” As someone who’s listened to “HMHAS” multiple times, I believe the artist wants to convey a wide array of emotions ranging from regret, sadness, realization and love to her listeners. I encourage you to give “Hit Me Hard and Soft” a listen; it’s one of my favorites.
