Happier Than Ever represents a shift in stylistic tonality. This album describes a fresh start for the young and exponential pop star and her outlook on happiness. We find ourselves in a limbo of self reflection and actualization throughout the album as Eilish continues to debate the value and meaning of happiness.
A letter to oneself, this album acts as a time capsule that will forever reflect a time in her life where growth and change was essential. Out of darkness comes the light. Within that, we feel the maturity in her delivery as well as her musicality harking back to the crooner chord progression of a different era.
The accidental social experiment, the observation of a young person exploding into a career of extreme success with rapidly increasing momentum continues to lend lessons about personal growth. A lesson we all relate to. The past two years riddled the world with uncertainty, forcing many of us to look inward at what our own values are. In Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish sets the standard.
Change is Inevitable for Eilish in Happier Than Ever
Every artist will find that you must adapt to survive. The Beatles altered the course of popular music history by always innovating and cultivating a new sound. After that, we had stars like Elton John who adopted a new interpretation of keeping a captive audience, not only through music but also style and showmanship. This is the combination that slowly throughout time has shaped the idea of the modern “pop star” and what is required to stay relevant.
Billie Eilish does this with great ease. Growing up in the industry has its advantages, however, an incredible amount of thought and effort is necessary to stay alive within it.
This album displays a shift in both sound and style as the artist moves out of darker times and into the proverbial light. Previously, smoothness blended with minor 7ths and electronic samplings, Eilish and her Co-Producer/Writer/brother Finneas shifted to an older, familiar sound, resembling a more mature subject leading the audience to a succinct album metaphor.
Peppering in old styles comes with the territory, we all must cater to an audience. Eilish does this through Oxytocin, a song that addresses the literal bad habits of sexual toxicity while utilizing her old style to reflect what once was and still is a part of her. This is brilliant: style and evolution blending seamlessly to show growth emotionally and musically.
Honorable Song Mentions
Therefore I Am – Smart lyrically, we mix maturity with what is commonly referred to as a god complex where Eilish takes strides within ego and pride.
My Future – Empowering. Simply Empowering. A bop that eases the listener in then picks up the pace when it reaches its musical and lyrical self-actualization. Progress artistically and emotionally; this should be one of Eilish’s proudest works.
Your Power – The abuse of power that ripples outward affecting more than just within. Her softness in tone embodies the hurt that comes with abuse whether intentional or not. This is the deepest emotional cut on this album. We hear an active plea to oneself and all others, reminding us to “try not to abuse your power.”
Getting Older and Happier Than Ever – The bread and butter of this album, these two songs, that rely on similar chord progressions and tone, represent the core of what this album stands for; maturity and growth, anger and acceptance, self love and peace.
Image courtesy of Interscope Records
