If you’re a frequent radio listener, or are just enjoy modern pop music, you have likely heard at least one of Billie Eilish’s songs, most likely “Bad Guy,” the best performing radio single of 2019 according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The Los Angeles native’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past few years, with her debut studio album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” earning a Grammy award for Album of the Year in 2019. Since then, Billie has gone on multiple world tours selling millions of tickets, launched her own clothing line called Blohsh, released a photo book, and even produced a documentary film this year entitled “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry.” As of May 2021, Eilish has over 85 million followers on Instagram, and has had multiple Top 10 hits on the charts.
Eilish’s newest single, “Your Power,” was released on April 29th, 2021. This is the first single released from her upcoming album entitled “Happier Than Ever,” which is set to be released this July. “Your Power” is a contrast to Eilish’s radio hits, telling a story about an unhealthy power dynamic in a relationship. The song is also a piano ballad, which Eilish has absolutely nailed in the past. Her song “Lovely” featuring fellow singer-songwriter Khalid is exemplary of her ability to create a beautiful piano melody, accompanied by fantastic vocals.
“Your Power” is overall a wonderful song, and it seems like “Happier Than Ever” will be just as enjoyable. Eilish’s sultry and soft vocals tell a beautiful story with an important message to listeners about relationships and abuse associated with power dynamics. Billie has been open about wanting her music to be personal, but also to connect with her audience who may have had similar experiences to those she sings about. Many people have experienced an unhealthy relationship in which one person had more control than the other, and Eilish embodies this struggle beautifully through this song. I admire Billie’s dedication to her audience and her ability to connect with them through her songwriting and delivery. Though this track may not be as party-worthy as some of her other music, I think this style is well suited for Billie, and she should definitely include this style of music in her albums more often.
I applaud both Billie and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, for their work on this remarkable first single. This song has me excited for the rest of the album that will be released this summer, and as someone who has been fortunate enough to see Billie Eilish live on one of her first U.S. tours, I am also thrilled to see her plans for concerts post-coronavirus.
