Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: • Billie Eilish - LUNCH ...
Billie continues maturing as a songwriter, slightly expending some of her breakthrough's charm.
More pop reviews: • Pop Reviews
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Team: Jeremy - Lead Edits / Anthony - Final Cuts / Austen - Proofing, Posting
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FAV TRACKS: LUNCH, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, WILDFLOWER, THE GREATEST, L'AMOUR DE MA VIE
LEAST FAV TRACK: THE DINER
BILLIE EILISH - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT / 2024 / DARKROOM / ALT-POP
7/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@CompleteProducer84]

Was anyone else disappointed this review wasn’t really done underwater?

[@franklingoodwin]

He can't swim. He'd drown. You don't want Drowntony Fantano

[@Prodbyjah464]

Last I remember melons can’t swim so that wouldn’t be very nice

[@kristina_eb]

@@franklingoodwin ngl after this review i kinda do want that

[@rockbelisa]

Thought you were gonna say 'in underwear' 😂

[@Arawn505]

The Life Aquatic with Anthony Zissou. The Royal 10/10s. The Fantano Dispatch.

[@push8103]

“I feel like the true selling point of this LP is gonna be the songs” -melon, professional music critic

[@xannypacquiao_hxc]

The John Madden of Music Reviews

[@GundamnWing]

Obvthony Duhtano

[@joedoubi6166]

lmfaooo i heard this and came straight to the conments

[@user-qn5kh2tz2r]

he's not professional

[@Owenrobot]

@@user-qn5kh2tz2rdefine professional (you’re wrong) 😮

[@wpbn5613]

it's so funny that 5 years ago Fantano gave a Billie album a yellow flannel and it annoyed his fanbase, and now Fantano DOESN'T give a Billie album a yellow flannel and it annoys his fanbase

[@NRobbi42]

I get it tho. Her last album was bloated, but I'd totally get liking the 10 best songs on Happier Than Ever over these 10 songs.

[@totlyepic]

Does it tho

[@tasenova2717]

damned if do and damned if don't so I'm glad melon stayed melon.

[@Mal_Messiah]

And it’s funny because I entirely agree with all his reviews on Billie. Imho, people wrote off her first album cause it had an edgy “cringe” aesthetic to it when in actuality it is vastly superior, unique, and more intrinsic than this and her sophomore album.

[@godofnothing428]

It’s possible those were different people. Just a thought

[@james-m-8285]

For me it’s a strong 8 to light 9, no skips for me and easily her most confident work ever.

[@Loreale000]

I was thinking the same but apparently the bald dude doesn't think so

[@Hannahtehbanana]

Huge agree. I’ve never been a diehard fan of Billie Eilish but I think this album has done it and sold me. Incredible talent coming from that woman + her brother Finneas.

[@rosserv123vigg9]

Soft disagree, it is okay but to me its boring and monotonous for the first part, and then round 2/3rds in its clear her brother took over the direction of the album, it felt like it was a fight between their different styles and the artistic directions they want to go, I didn’t like some of the writing on the earlier tracks also

[@Misterboogerbig]

No skips? Diner is asss

[@Beckzyy]

the last 4 are all skips for me tbh. didnt feel blue or bitersuite at all, the diner is good storywise but i wasnt feeling it sound wise, and l'amour de ma vie was cool but not something id listen to.

[@zolothebolo]

1:58 Yes melon, I believe every LP’s selling point will be the songs

[@thegoodone4104]

I see why bro brings guests on now I think he has genuinely lost his damn mind with this one

[@JaMorantBiggerArm]

Bro has LOST it 😭😭

[@holdennnn555]

He clearly means songwriting

[@stolenshortsword]

you guys are being facetious now. he was talking about the production before - when he says "songs" he means lyricism and songwriting. because thats what literally defines a song. notice how classical musicians don't call their music "songs"? they're "pieces". because they dont have words.

[@Nazhussain07]

​@@thegoodone4104relax

[@mochimao]

If this album was called to pimp me hard and soft you would have given it a 10/10

[@GentM2015]

Or if it was made by a man probably.

[@isaiahdockery77]

why isnt this the top comment

[@GRAITOM]

@@isaiahdockery77 because the one about someones gf will be mad at him for not giving it a 10 is unbeatable

[@isaiahdockery77]

@@GRAITOM valid

[@mochimao]

​@@GRAITOMagree

[@jbm190]

Blue and Chihiro deserved better

[@lukegarris0n]

agreed, those are my two favorite tracks

[@thomas_show]

literally my favorite tracks lol

[@dhruvildesai6911]

top 2 on the album

[@Benlovescheese]

He pretty much said he liked chihiro a lot from what I remember, just that the synth part didn't work as much for him.

[@mishaoosterhuis5260]

Yes, as many others here, Blue and Chihiro are actually two of my top favourites on this album.

[@jeanoltt]

Anthony you can't just say "I'm the bald guy" and laugh during 9 minutes only to give her a 7, that's not fair to Billie.

[@MrGrowler20]

I remember when these types of comments were funny

[@jeanoltt]

@@MrGrowler20 you're the soul of the party.

[@danyllooo]

@@MrGrowler20as someone new to the channel, I appreciate them and laughed out loud reading ir

[@Shinobro666]

He can and he did

[@Legendman865]

A 7 is a pretty good rate, it was be like us being it a 9

[@Askalott]

I respectfully disagree with you, Anthony. I don’t really listen to a lot of mainstream music because I find most of it a little lackluster, but this album has really captivated me. I think the light airy pop is a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely appreciated her darker music, but I think if she had kept releasing creepy twisted albums people would have gotten bored. I also think it’s important to keep in mind that her nightmarish music came from a place of deep despair, with lyrics like, “I wanna end me” and talking about jumping off the roof of a building. I don’t think we as fans should box her into that state of mind. I appreciate the growth and progression. It’s nice to hear her in a clearer state of mind-feels like a release. Also, she actually first rose to stardom with lighter and more melodic hits on her first EP Don’t Smile at Me, so this album kind of feels like a return to the self and recaptures a little bit of the innocence that comes with youth. I think HIT ME HARD AND SOFT does a great job balancing both the dark and the light so it feels dynamic and doesn’t get stale. Also love the cinematic experience of it all. Best production yet, especially with the incorporation of strings and live drums.

[@arthurpontocom]

YEEEES, i totally agree with u!!!

[@aka_15]

how are you gonna yap about "breath of fresh air" when you literally admitted to not really listening to a lot of mainstream music?

[@siinxx7656]

​​@@aka_15yeah, I was reading and right through the middle got me like wtf? again with the "we as fans"? Also pop has been taking "borrowed" a lot from hip hop and electronic music, this album is no exception, as a regular listener of the genres I can say compared through other albums on the same line this is good but not outstanding, I think 7 is fair

[@theeuniverse3]

not gonna read all that

[@lucyandecember2843]

👀

[@sLePpInG]

wow from the stream I thought it would be a decent 8. it's a great album, no one of her popularity is doing stuff like that

[@SOI-wl2lo]

Fr!

[@kramersilver8331]

It's not great though. Billie is someone who survives on hype. She's clearly shown herself to be incapable of writing good music

[@mondsgesandter]

​@@kramersilver8331You're delusional lmao

[@lanzaguisantesdefuego291]

​@@kramersilver8331you are right

[@pxtheticfxllxcy]

⁠@@kramersilver8331 I disagree. If you’re not a fan of hyper pop or alternative pop that’s fine but she delivered with her brother a very progressive pop album with several different genre overlaps, it’s EXTREMELY different from what others out here are doing. Only people I can think of who are doing this are Allie X , the old BANKS albums, Lana del rey. I think for her it was a very impressive album and it’s very story telling and fluent in its production. Yes she’s defo hyped up and imo that debut album did not deserve to sweep 7/8/9 however many grammys. But this album is extremely good there’s no denying and this is coming from someone who isn’t even into pop music and who’s favourite album is Blackwater Park

[@StuMckay]

The Greatest is one of Billie’s most exceptional vocal performances of her career. She doesn’t often use her full voice in a song but when she does it f**king soars. Her range in that song is remarkable! I don’t think she’s ever sounded as confident

[@ooojustn]

only time ive ever heard her do anything like that was on no time to die. wish she did it more but her not doing it much keeps it special ig

[@JenniferBrigitteOpticalVortex]

She was giving Alanis Morisette and it's one of her best songs ever

[@wertj3977]

Goosebumps when I listened to that one.

[@StuMckay]

@@ooojustn I agree that she should use it more but also agree that when she pulls out that voice it’s so impactful that it’s almost like a secret weapon!

[@StuMckay]

@@wertj3977 same 🙌🏼

[@AntColston]

Birds of a Feather is ridiculously good, easily one of her best songs

[@SOI-wl2lo]

Seriously!

[@domdom3839]

Well I don’t like it

[@meltingdoll3517]

@@domdom3839Cool! What is your favorite track? Did you have one or are you not a fan of the album?

[@sgs6991]

I agree

[@beng2163]

My favorite track of the album.

[@renereyes390]

My girlfriend hates you for not giving it a 10

[@TyBoS8]

Never expect a 10 lol

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

@@TyBoS8 He’s never given a mainstream pop record a 10, even though Renaissance deserved it

[@nkk_23]

no but it deserved a strong 8

[@Beatdoof]

Guy with a girlfriend opinion here

[@jadagregory5169]

I am girlfriend 😠

[@FiragoMusic]

Again, I've got to take issue with Fantano's opinions on production. As a producer/songwriter/etc - to my (relatively trained) ear - this has FAR more exciting production than any of her peers. Simply the mix choices alone, the dynamics, of course the rhythmic ear goodies are masterful and will expose themselves on repeated listens. I don't think any of her production-by-an-army competitors (Bey, Taylor, Charli, et al) have a producer with as singular a vision as Finneas. All of their production SO MUCH SAFER. This is far more exciting sonically, by a landslide.

[@pieroschlochauer2186]

I work in music as well and I agree in the sense of comparing to her peers, Finneas is an amazing producer. But comparing to their previous stuff together i think it’s too safe, wishy washy stuff.

[@blacklodge9794]

couldn't agree more

[@adrianquinteros9923]

I agree completely

[@tylerhackner9731]

Imo her best album so far. Takes the quirky creative weirdness of her first album, the introspective, low key style of her second and combines the two in the best way imo. And her voice is better than ever. Truly is belting and letting it all out more.

[@jeanoltt]

The first album was a masterpiece, that weirdness made it unique.

[@mrradio6223]

​@@jeanolttmasterpiece 🤣🤣

[@mrradio6223]

Best? She's lucky to release anything good. This album is a dull bore

[@Mal_Messiah]

@@jeanoltt completely agree, each song had their uniqueness as well, while this album just felt like one big song that didn't do much exploration

[@DistinctionDino]

@@Mal_Messiahyup exactly. Couldn’t tell when some ended and others started.

[@FlaggedVideoGuy]

ANTHONY how do you not call out the motif that played on SKINNY, THE GREATEST and BLUE?? THE GREATEST has probably the best climax that she belts over the same melody motif from both the other tracks. I got chills the first time i realized.

[@inidaonedance]

SAME HERE!!!!!! My fav part of the recordddd❤

[@Uneekname]

I watched a review by like 5 guys that were hip hop fans and they all became Billie fans, after not really hearing much from her before.

[@TonyKnuppel]

RIGHT?? Like, did he only listen one time through?

[@funatish]

Yeah it feels he didnt pay the necessary attention to the album, he also didn't notice the last part of BITTERSUITE is playing the initial vocal melody of BLUE

[@ArkhamJacks]

WHY TF are none of you talking about L'AMOUR DE MA VIE???

[@Alonso3.0]

I swear if it’s a Light 7 to decent 7 I’m gonna lose it

[@EuphorixBeats]

So your not gonna believe this

[@renn8916]

You're not gonna wanna hear this

[@olzz3309]

i’ve got news for you man

[@JJKALANI]

well then

[@Lvngbymsc]

Understandable, have a nice day

[@codycantfocus]

I had begun to get burnt out on listening to music after I went really hard on listening the last year, but this album pulled me right back into exploring and out of my moods. I think it's generational, an easy 8 to light 9. It feels like I ate the best slice of key lime pie I ever ate. Chihiro got me dancing in the living room again.

[@meghansullivan6812]

Dancing in the living room ❤️‍🔥

[@sleep6837]

This was a 9. Her best yet, tight and varied and full of beautiful detail. BLUE is one of the best songs of the year

[@georgeandfriendsadventures5073]

I say it’s a 10, but 9 is a fair score too

[@mocapcow2933]

I’d say this is a 3, on a scale of -1 to 7 where 5 is the highest score you can get and -1 is only reserved for artists who have personally blocked me on Twitter.

[@00pium_kingvampstan]

@@mocapcow2933wtf 😭😭

[@mocapcow2933]

@@00pium_kingvampstan different strokes

[@winterflower5383]

​@@mocapcow2933 😂

[@albert______]

Kinda disappointed you didn't focus on the conceptual/cinematic aspect a bit more. Like how the whole album is centered around "THE GREATEST" (there's a recurring melody and also Side B is more aggressive lyrically and sonically) or how all of the switch-ups and transitions blend the lines between songs and create this huge cohesive experience. For me that's the strongest element of the record. Though I agree about the overproduction and lyrics, I feel there's less Billie Eilish and more Phoebe Bridgers on this one. Nothing wrong with it, just a little less interesting.

[@NikkuManAMVs]

7? Nah this was an easy 8 or 9 for me. Her best work to date. Vocally the strongest and production was still interesting/experimental without sounding gimmicky this time. Dare I say I got slight Radiohead vibes. Every track has standout moments. Bittersuite was so varied and abstract as a track it makes me so excited for her future sound. Birds of a Feather is so addictive and may be my current favorite.

[@BACKDOORBROWNIE710]

Was like a 5 for me. Really like birds of a feather and wildflower tho

[@emdotrod]

LUNCH is as catchy as it's good.

[@noah4nelson]

I heard Radiohead influence too!

[@tylerhackner9731]

Agreed. Definitely my favorite album of hers to date. Takes the restless creative energy of her first album and the introspective nature of her second and combines them. Also vocally her strongest album yet. She belts/lets it all out more.

[@sleep6837]

The outro of BITTERSUITE is sooooo Kid A. I loved the shit outta this

[@sienarenee5494]

Am I the only one who actually thought THE DINER went HARD? I dug the quirky weird clown-like instrumentals

[@xroyalstevenx9151]

It’s good, reminded me of her debut album.

[@capkronos00]

It's one of my favorites on the album.

[@Bobbyheebee]

It would be my favorite if I could hear her a little better in it. I do agree with him that it could have been mixed better and still given the vibe she’s going for.

[@clomino3]

Yeah frfr

[@TwistyTwix]

i liked the beginning a lot, but then it changed a little, still on my playlist tho

[@JoshLeitzel]

Damn, hit her hard and soft with a 7… I did think you would mess with this more… I can see where you’re coming from with the lyrical criticisms and that some songs don’t stand so well on their own, but in every other respect when experiencing it all as a holistic piece, I say she knocked it outta the park. It’s already vying for my personal favorite Billie album. I cannot agree that this production (and the vocals??) is anything less than a complete level-up for Billie and Finneas on all fronts. The sequencing and flow feels like a cinematic suite that envelopes me with subtle connective tissue throughout various songs. I love that gorgeous string motif that appears throughout, as it feels both tender and haunted. While listening I feel as though I’m slowly submerging in an endless body of water; occasionally I’m able to surface for a moment and take in the serene beauty. That’s the emotional and sonic “hard” and “soft” for me. And by the end, it feels like I’ve completed a journey. Respect for making a super “album-ass album” that makes me want to just take it in as a whole repeatedly, rather than throwing the bops in a rotation mix and moving on. To me at least, that is a commendable achievement. She feels more confident of herself than she’s ever been and IMO it absolutely comes across in the end product. At least strong 8 for me for now. And I’ll be there for pretty much anything they make at this point.

[@RecklessIsSick]

Decent score but I think a little more props could’ve been given to the heights of the album (BLUE, Chihiro, Bittersuite). Cohesive project, consistent themes, very interesting production. That being said the floor of the album is probably around 6’s. Ironically I thought the middle of the record is the weakest & the last leg is excellent and it ends very strongly. Also just love that it’s sonically restless, may not be everyone’s cup of tea in terms of ‘song structure’ but personally not one to critique the abrupt switches and endings. Thought it was the highlight of the album.

[@-nastrohan-3953]

nah this is robbed of a yellow flannel 😭

[@grandma6759]

fax easily a 9

[@hchchc948]

it matches the cover tho

[@wpbn5613]

its so funny to me that Fantano went from giving her an 8 to the dismay of music fans to Fantano not giving her an 8 to the dismay of music fans

[@sleyer6]

Easily a 9. My favorite of the year so far.

[@PaxBisonica89]

​@@grandma6759 barely a four

[@gditscubiswag1219]

I honestly agree with the 7, her first album is still yet to be topped. Every single song on her first album had some distinct feature that made it unique and outstanding; as much as i liked this album (remember, a 7 is still a really good score), the songs feel a lot more “similar” to eachother to the point where i didnt notice when one started and another ended. Still some outstanding tracks and overall good sound tho. But as another comment said, id probably still pick the 10 best tracks off of Happier than ever than the 10 tracks this album has.

[@Mercurytomars211]

Never been happier to see a comment section be mad at a 7 because god do I agree it should’ve been higher. The disrespect for the diner is CRAZY. Easily top 3 on the album for me

[@DIRT6IRL]

fr, i’m not asking for a 10 but this album was undeniably better than her debut but he seems stuck on it for whatever reason

[@brttny]

YES! Thank you!

[@malcb5577]

If he nailed one thing in the review, it's that Diner is the weakest song here tbh

[@rafaelxinho_]

this review feels very rushed, this album is crazy good and some of the criticisms he made doesnt make much sense tbh

[@georgialilley4316]

Right?! The Diner gives me such QOTSA vibes, sounds so similar to some of the stuff on their latest album in a way. And very reminiscent of Billie and Finneas’ first album in the best way possible.

[@lukeferraro01]

8:55-9:22 I think this is exactly my problem with the project. I think the songwriting and singing all across the album are good but sound wise, I feel like she took a pretty huge step back because there’s very little quirkiness or unique production that hits on this album. It’s well enough made music but it sounds like it could’ve been made by a variety of other pop stars and that was not true of her first two albums

[@NRobbi42]

Definitely her safest album. Even if it is her most consistent, there's not exactly anything drawing me back to it.

[@FiragoMusic]

That's simply false. Not a single one of her peers is making these mix choices. You'll never get those insane synth freak outs SO LOUD in the mix from Ariana, or Taylor, or even Charlie. All of their production and mix choices are WAY safer

[@lukeferraro01]

@@FiragoMusic Lunch literally sounds like a Sabrina Carpenter song

[@FiragoMusic]

@@lukeferraro01 work on those ears. The vocal on espresso is thin, the mix is overly bright, whereas everything on lunch sounds thicker and less processed. Plus the outro of lunch is stunning from a production perspective.

[@jmitchell3431]

how is a 7 a bad score to you guys that’s an extremely solid body of work

[@scotlandmc1724]

I think a lot of people aren’t saying it’s low, they just disagree that it’s worse than her debut.

[@mrwassef]

People saying it’s a 9 are delusional. I love Billie, but like 9 is a DSOTM sort of rating. Which this is far from. It’s easily her weakest output in the catalogue, let alone an all time great album.

[@Keithjames153]

@@mrwassefBrother everyone is saying this is her best and you’re saying it’s the weakest.. it quite literally is the most critical acclaim album she’s made thus far.

[@laurii0512]

@@Keithjames153 fr, people that say it's THE WEAKEST are either deaf or weren't paying attention when they where listening to it...

[@iliketoeatchairsoliviasui]

i think its kind of sad that billie and finneas had the most fun and freedom creating this record compared to their past ones and yet the opposite vibe came across to fantano

[@JoshLeitzel]

I was thinking that too. 😔 That freedom and fun really came across to me. I am glad to see others in the comments saying they loved it. I didn’t know what the overall reception has been by fans, but seems like I’m not in a minority in thinking it may be her best. Obviously gotta let it simmer, but so far it’s growing on me with each day.

[@blackmamba5659]

I think I'm one of the people that enjoyed it the least, but I still liked it, I just don't find it as interesting and exciting as her first album which was really sonically claustrophobic, minimalistic and elegant, a pretty unique sounding record, her voice was matching perfectly the sound atmosphere and landscape she depicted. This new album feels really "normal" and basic to me, I like the songs but it misses that special factor and atmosphere that her first album had.

[@kidjunkies]

​@@JoshLeitzel I thought it was easily her best album so far

[@vp4744]

Fantano is getting old and that's limiting his sensibilities to new music.

[@loganleatherman7647]

@vp4744 Bad take. Go back and listen to his review of her first album. Fantano has always preferred the more experimental, weird, out-there projects

[@ddrussianinja]

Agree pretty much 100%. I did appreciate the album's focus, and the Baird O'Connells are as skillful as ever at making catchy, moody, beautiful music, but it does become more and more apparent to me that they're likely under a lot of pressure (either from the label or the public at large) to keep up the momentum from their debut, and I think that's having a tangibly negative impact on their passion for the work. As she told us at the beginning of the last album, "the things I once enjoyed/just keep me employed now". So, like, I can't really be mad at them for treading water a bit (OH HEY, THE ALBUM COVER MAKES SENSE NOW), but I think I'm at the point where I would rather they not release any more new music unless it's something they actually feel inspired to make. Billie seems to prefer touring anyway, and that's where the real money is, so I say let her take a break from songwriting before she burns out. I mean, seriously, she ends the album deadpanning "but when can I hear the next one?" In my opinion, I don't want to hear the next one until she actually wants to make the next one. We've got about 3 hours of overall very good Billie Eilish music. She's not even 23. Let her take a fucking break. She's earned it.

[@Caradocg]

What I really love is that, even three albums in Billie has still got those James Blake esque post dubstep tinges that make her so interesting as a pop artist: she still sounds like her, despite her success

[@Vesuviusisking]

Her best album yet

[@ilcavaliereoscusa6758]

Nope

[@JourG215]

You are a brainwashed fan if you think this. I enjoy her music but this album is a snoozefest.

[@dylankurtz8423]

Easily. It's a masterpiece and her third time is a charm

[@modernmusicmayhem769]

This is AT LEAST an 8, AND HOW IS CHIHIRO NOT IN FAVORITE TRACKS?

[@myles7453]

Nice review, though to me it's an Light to Decent 8. While I agree that When We All Fall Asleep is still her best album, I honestly think this is better than Happier than Ever. I do disagree with The Diner take. I think the "cooky" instrumentals works well, and for Chihiro, I LOVE that track. Love whenever all the synth just comes and gets loud and grand, and that "From Me" part of the song was just luscious. Fave Songs: Chihiro, Birds, Blue, Skinny The Diner Bittersuite & Lunch.

[@Magic7ball]

nah how you give this NUMBER?! you should give this bigger NUMBER! IM ANGRY!!!!

[@wheelsofmercury]

😂 This comment section in a nutshell.

[@C23_I]

You’ve pulled the biggest hate crime by putting The Diner in least fav track

[@demi172]

its actually the majority's opinion but i also disagree its tied for my fav track along with chihiro x_x

[@caciliadrachen]

No I was honestly so surprised to see that because it's one of my favorite songs! I agree that it's not her best album but I absolutely loved The Diner

[@juju-vl7oj]

I don’t hate it , I enjoy the entire album but I would rank it 10th. I thought it had potential to be a grower and like aspects of it but I don’t think it quite comes together as well as it could.

[@jakehorror799]

Its a good song & I do like it but after a few more listens I have to agree with him the mixing could have been better & still been with the vibe she wanted.

[@countyfacts6920]

I thought this album was mid (5.6/10) and even I think the track Diner is incredible (9/10).

[@CoachSet]

My first full Billie Eillish listen and it’s incredible. Their talent is solidified with me 9/10.

[@mrwassef]

You need to listen to the other albums then. This one was boring compared to the first couple of releases.

[@luigi290]

This may not be a 10, but this is a yellow flannel album.

[@Advent3546]

Easily Billie's tightest album with some of her strongest songs to boot. This deserved at least an 8

[@mrradio6223]

Huh? It's sooo overproduced you can't even understand her lmaoo and all the songs sound the same

[@ambrelnek]

​@@mrradio6223 wtf

[@vkfuzed]

Billie got DAMN.ed TWICE????

[@Nori-zw1ww]

Doesn’t help that DAMN. is in the background

[@lucidkangaroo8973]

All over again

[@countyfacts6920]

The difference is that DAMN. is a good album (light to decent 9 for me). This album is pretty mid tho. 7 is too high.

[@vkfuzed]

@@countyfacts6920 thanks for your opinion.

[@Nori-zw1ww]

@@countyfacts6920 then again, we’re comparing two albums from different genres with different themes

[@kye7423]

Her best album yet, feels like she's really trying to experiment with her sound and pushing herself vocally. Light 9

[@mrradio6223]

Lmaoo!! It's the most dullest repetitive album I've ever listened to 🤣🤣

[@hazelm3002]

Her most experimental album was her debut in my opinion. But I do like some of the songs on this album

[@place-holder5221]

as a person who has never listened to billie eillish before, i am baffled that this record hasn't received at least a decent 8, i loved this album even though i've never heard her music before

[@tyriquefrancis2035]

I'm pretty sure Anthony would've given it a 6 but rounded it up for the fact that it really did have a lot of focus because of the tight track list that was filled with songs that were sung and written with the same motivating force, with 0 weird skips or off topic random songs

[@planeguy95]

I think 7/10 is fair tbh. With the way Melon was going I thought it was gonna get a 5 or 6/10

[@JoKu2311]

Can’t hate on that score tbh. I really loved the album on the first listen because it was full of surprising fun moments. On the second listen, when there aren’t any surprises left, I had a little less fun though. Still a good album, but no comparison to her debut which ist still on heavy rotation and always fun to go back to

[@JoKu2311]

@@scotlandmc1724 interesting, really shows how tastes can differ completely. Glad you’re enjoying it 👌

[@ghostface_d3607]

What's the point of watching someone else's opinion if you're just here to disagree in the comments? You already know your own opinion, you don't need to hear someone else echo it

[@LetsDestroyTheInternet]

That's what they want though, for someone with a following to echo their feelings so that they feel that they have superior taste.. weird

[@AyoT7]

@@LetsDestroyTheInternet The whole point of bald posting his opinion is for people to talk about it, agree/disgree You're complaining that the comment section is doing the thing it's purpose is to do

[@bigchungus8287]

@@AyoT7I think he just wants to give his opinions, I don’t think Fantano cares what anyone else thinks about his reviews, this is for him

[@Mushd3s]

Because that's what the comment section is for? To give your opinion to further the discusion, whether that be agreeing or disagreeing

[@braaogs6]

that's the whole point of having a comment section. fantano is not a god and i know for fact that he whether having his audience coming up with their own opinion on herer than mirroring his review or being silent. disagreeing is natural and healthy.

[@clokwerk]

Nah. This is such a significant improvement and combination of her sounds it's delusional to think this isn't better than WWAFAWDWG

[@daikiraihatesu]

I’ve always been delusional

[@YourUnrulyServant]

as someone who gave wwafawdwg a 10/10, and this one a 7/10, genuinely interested - what do you think has improved?

[@scotlandmc1724]

@@YourUnrulyServant It’s significantly more mature and focused, the pacing is much better, and its lyrics(while having some low moments) are much less cringy. I would give the debut a strong 5 light 6 and the new record a strong 7 light 8.

[@YourUnrulyServant]

@scotlandmc1724 idk what "mature" means, it's definitely less fun and unique. yeah, lyrics are not "cringy", a lot of them i feel are just wishy-washy. there were so many times on this album where i caught myself thinking "this isn't even poetry, you are just saying stuff". on the first one lyrics to me feel like she was actually cooking with them, you might not like the meal, but you can't say that she didn't think about them imo. on this one she didn't even enter the kitchen - a lot of them sound like she's venting to a friend or whatever. like the whole of "bittersuite" or the middle part of "chihiro"

[@OxzowachiAlt]

i much prefer WWAFA over this, especially because i really did not see any significant development from Billie as a music writer here

[@tinhippi]

really happy this album is as good as it is. she showed a lot of potential with her last two records and this is by far her best imo. birds of a feather is probably my favorite track from her yet!

[@ChuckTheNorris97]

Valhalla Supermassive was working overtime on this album

[@arcanemaster8722]

Deserved a 9 tbh. I still think Happier Than Ever to be a bit more personal, but the production is throughout is amazing and the track list is really cohesive. I think it makes sense that the lyrical themes are a bit more broad considering the deep queer themes

[@mrwassef]

How is it a 9? It has one banger then nine moody brooding meandering tracks. I love Billie but this is easily her weakest output so far.

[@arcanemaster8722]

@@mrwassef nothing wrong with having a moody and brooding vibe. I personally like the more darker sound, it’s almost reminiscent of trip hop which relies on that vibe. Her debut was also full of songs like that. I think the change ups on certain songs shake things up a bit to not keep the whole thing feeling like one sound. The only song I’d say meanders a bit is the closer, who’s first part is significantly stronger

[@chandlerthomas507]

I’ve listened to the album a few times now, and I just can’t see how it’s anyone’s album of the year. It’s a decent album for her but nothing ground breaking or shattering. It’s not an instant classic, and it’s just nothing amazing as what I’ve seen some people review it as. His review was justified for once, and I agree that this is a somewhat mid, just slightly above average album that for me will have 1 or 2 songs on reply.

[@vitorbarretog]

This is her most solid album imo. Very cohesive thematically and sonically without ever getting boring and that run from Chihiro to L'Amour de Ma Vie is one of the best in her career. Would give it a strong 8 to a light 9 tbh

[@UnorthodoxIndividual]

Nah this album is at least an 8, while not as varied as her other 2 albums I think the strong topical focus and amazing production / vocal work more than makes up for it. Definitely my fav album from her so far

[@vnshngpnt]

Definitely agree with this one. Not a bad album but I just feel like production and lyrics were not polished and arranged enough. Half of songs feel like demos of actual future songs. Previous record was much better in this regard.

[@ItsJussMe]

I love how people think 7/10 isn’t a good score.

[@gerardovazquez6441]

especially since the Rolling Stone started giving any crap a 10

[@royalwarlord2342]

Its not that, i think its because he gave HTE a 7 as well and this is a big improvement for lots who thought that one was a slump

[@Whackadoo1]

It's a good score but this is a GREAT album and we largely think it deserves better

[@ItsJussMe]

@@Whackadoo1 It doesn’t particularly matter if you and many others believe it deserves better, it’s still this guys opinion. I gotta agree with him and say the album was pretty damn good, but not something I’m impressed by.

[@Whackadoo1]

@@ItsJussMe he has a right to give his opinion and we have a right to ours. Sometimes we agree with him, sometimes we don't. Are you new here?

[@PEOPLE-PHOBIC]

Melon hating the diner hurts my soul

[@Nathan-yu7cu]

It is kind of giving Halloween music, which her old stuff was able to avoid while still being spooky.

[@vegetalno]

literally same, the easiest listen of the album

[@sarahvanhorne3900]

it was mixed to shit

[@FakefulandDisgracedSlaveClass]

​@@sarahvanhorne3900alot of her music is mixed horribly. Her where do we all go album is practically unlistenable in a car or traditional speaker setup. It's like they mix her shit with earbuds or something

[@arus.2171]

i can understand his criticism but at the end of the day it’s his opinion, blue and the diner were my favorite yet he disliked those the most lol!!

[@nyancat1888]

I was honestly dissapointed in this album, I hate pop music but I love her first two albums because they were just so different than anything else. This feels like it was more aimed torwards mainstream audience

[@michaelalow3927]

Genuinely the first time where i agree with fantano on this record, it felt short but i can respect the experimenting with some new sounds & the audio lacked for some reason like it was muddled. I did enjoy l'amour de la vie for it's transition to that charli xcx sound. It's a good direction though, 7/10 is so fair

[@anabell7184]

BIRDS OF A FEATHER ...such a great track to play in the car

[@brianlovesmc]

Best on the album

[@anabell7184]

@@brianlovesmc true dat, it's got that carly rae jepsen vibes too

[@OxzowachiAlt]

​@@anabell7184its got everything vibes because it sounds like 100 other songs and is completely generic

[@anabell7184]

@@OxzowachiAlt all songs in existence revolve around the 88 keys of the piano. go figure

[@rodrigosandes8323]

yeah... I loved it but i kinda agree, even though i liked songs such as the diner and blue more than you did. The whole album really feels a little washed out, like her voice is coming from the periphery of the song, instead of being the focus, and since the instrumental is also so soft, everything becomes. a little too blurry. But, again, i liked the vibe a lot.

[@cathy4697]

I think with how much variety fantano listens to I can understand his opinion of this not being as risky whilst the rest of her fanbase feels the opposite. I agree, in the mainstream scene it is slightly out there, but in the broader scope it follows a lot of what other underground artists have been doing in the past two years. I enjoyed it though. Chihiro is on permanent loop for me right now

[@priva28]

this is gonna be one of those ones everyone disagrees with you on :(. it's her best record by far and an easy 8 or 9. sucks that it didn't click for you

[@jisforjae]

who tf is everyone lmao

[@bojjitdn]

"safer" "taking less risks" would be the last things i would say about this album. I don't think we listened to the same album lmaoooooo

[@lukegarris0n]

i get your point, but musically this does sound a lot more like other pop/alternative out there right now. nothing else sounds like her first album

[@higherquality]

nah it's pretty safe. if you wanna hear risks taken listen to Wallsocket and Let's Start Here

[@adilzhafri4198]

he’s crazy ! this album is 10/10 without a doubt

[@itskamren9075]

@@higherqualityhuge underscores fan but wallsocket isn’t even the same genre. this album is more experimental alternative, wallsocket is still very hyper pop-ish

[@itskamren9075]

@@higherqualityor even kinda cyberpop-ish

[@elilopez6445]

"Birds of a Feather" is my favorite song of the year so far.

[@Danjoker.]

I disagree

[@wutevaaaa]

Personally, the album was incredibly repetitive.. I didnt enjoy it. 5/10, if im being extremely honest.

[@tomsmith8453]

Bro what the hell are you talking about, sonically this shit is insane

[@OxzowachiAlt]

no it is washed out and the vocals are drowned in reverb and bass for 90% of the record

[@tomsmith8453]

@@OxzowachiAlt yeah but it honestly makes it really cool

[@countyfacts6920]

Wow, you had all the critiques I did, but I gave this album a strong 5 to a light 6. Weird. He must actually like the album in ways he can't express.

[@renapeppers20]

Anthony's thumbnail game has been getting crazier and crazier

[@mmumambientsounds-timers]

Like all her albums, this was a slow burn. Yes, my daughter has potentially played it to death since its release. But hold the phones, I decided to buy the vinyl, Czech Republic pressing (important, better quality.) When I played it for me, front to back, this might just be my favourite yet. Every track, actually, despite my initial uhh, reaction to lunch, is pretty fantastic. Long winded positive review, not an instant hit in my head, but man can she write a song that sticks, a song that gives me the chills, songs which take a chance, require the listener to really listen. Got to be a 9/10, an excellent, consistently catchy collection of songs.

[@idiotsandwhich5797]

Why was the production the main criticism of this album 🤦‍♂️ I personally thought Finneas killed it. He was the highlight of the album and Billie’s vocals performance was amazing

[@FiragoMusic]

Melon can't hear production is why

[@Spencer13_]

My personal ranking of every Billie Eilish record… 4 - don’t smile at me 3 - Happier Than Ever 2 - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT 1 - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

[@LetsDestroyTheInternet]

4. Hit me hard and soft 3. Don't smile at me 2. Happier than ever 1.WWFAWDWG

[@vegetalno]

same!

[@MotorikBit]

Easy 9/10

[@ashrafabdillah5369]

Him mentioning Daft Punk vibes in Chihiro is so vindicating cause i pointed it out too on first listen

[@auhsejj]

hearing Fantano say "Hit Me Hard and Soft" can be taken out of context in any way LMAOOO

[@ashrafabdillah5369]

This is a 9 bro come on

[@ilcavaliereoscusa6758]

Nope

[@eachypinky118]

7 seems very generous

[@mrwassef]

@@eachypinky118VERY

[@mrwassef]

9 should be for like all time great albums and this ain’t even Billie’s best.

[@tupcilian7645]

This is an 8/10 easily. Weirdly the things he criticize is exactly what makes it good

[@Keithjames153]

He always does that 😂… I’m starting to think he’s trolling lol.

[@joelcilli9185]

the billie glazers are burning now because he gave it a 7😂 7 by fantano is a big compliment

[@questionquestion1]

Haven't watched through fully but did you rly say that they "played it safe" and "took less risks" when it came to these songs and their production? 😭 C'mon, that is factually incorrect. This is way more experimental than both her previous records both sonically and structurally. WWFA was actually much "safer" bc while it had off kilter and unique production, it was all wrapped into and crafted into being pure pop cuts that could do well on radio (not a diss at all, that balance was an achievement). This record is the complete opposite, there's even constant unexpected switches in the second half of a lot of these songs and there's no real structure to them, esp considering they also all flow into each other, It's the entire reason there were no singles released, it's meant to be listened to from start to finish. That's anything but safe in today's landscape...but what do I know.

[@rafaelxinho_]

if this was released 3 years ago people would be crazy about it

[@FiragoMusic]

The mix of natural and unnatural elements is rarely executed this cohesively. Sometimes I wonder what he's listening on because his takes on production are consistently wrong. That or he just doesn't have a very good ear and actually know what he's talking about (I'm certain he can't hear compression but he often says things aren't punchy that very clearly are)

[@ju4sju4s]

This is really playing it safe, it could easily make it big on the radio. Its a good album tho

[@FiragoMusic]

@@ju4sju4s Just because it could "make it on the radio" (catchy?) doesn't mean the songwriting and production choices aren't vastly ahead of her peers and far more atypical and interesting, to my musicians ear at least.

[@questionquestion1]

@@ju4sju4s Really? Cus apart from 2 or 3 songs at most, none of these songs are fit for radio. They're too long, structurless, and slow. Compare that to something like her first album where at least 8-9 songs could be radio hits, and actually sorta were. Birds of a Feather should be absolutely pushed as a single though, would be a massive mistake if it isn't. It being on heartstopper certainly helps!

[@venomase5572]

"This is billies' third LP" couldnt agree with you more Anthony.

[@BrnntToast1115]

Tf are you on, watermelon. A 7?!? Chihiro and Blue not in fav tracks is wild. This and the 6.8 from pitchfork is my villain origin story.

[@brttny]

😂

[@meghansullivan6812]

YESH OMFG the 6.8 genuinely shocked me

[@yannispirou101]

A 9 for me, her best album by far

[@spencersnyder7042]

I can't tell you why, but I knew he was going to underrate this one

[@eldwitchx]

As a day 1 Billie fan this is her best album to date IMO, I can listen to the whole thing over and over without getting bored, I'm not picking out one song over another that I'd listen to more on any given day. I loved the story it told, and I felt really transported into the larger world she was painting for us, and those emotions inside them.

[@malcb5577]

the 'random' synth outro on bittersuite is all but random, Billie's vocals on blue match its melody. Kind of wild he didn't pick up on that, it's like 20 seconds apart. Hard to conceive missing that if you listen to the songs more than once

[@Ivan_against_Cuisine]

The barrage of relationship ballets is what hindered my experience. After an effortless, blissful bop "LUNCH" I expected to hear more songs like that. This album is in desperate need of bangers. And yeah, that Charli XCX rip-off song felt really out of place. It's not even her style, I don't know what she was thinking.

[@LetsDestroyTheInternet]

I thought I was the only one that caught the Charli influenced track! Finneas's electronic experimentation on this album was awful

[@hannahbun]

the album may not have won melon's heart but it's got better odds than anything else to win AOTY

[@matthewmaybee9836]

This album made me exclaim at several points

[@FiragoMusic]

Yep. Got goosebumps like 4 songs in a row. He's insane.

[@joelrodriguez6123]

I wasnt so hot on this latest album. It felt like her lyrics were kinda lazy on this one. "Gonna buy something rare Put it over there Shes coming up the stairs I'm gettin out a chair I'm letting down my hair" *whatever the exact lyric was* Feels like such basic lyricism to me. Love some of the songs, but I feel like this is my least favorite of her albums. But really, after "What Was I Made For" I wasn't expecting a perfect album. They can't all be zingers ✌🏾

[@_g0nna_131]

I feel like Anthony was expecting a revolutionary song, but what really matters is that the album is perfectly fitted, the heart almost explodes listening to it and you can't skipp none of the songs, and that what matters in the end.

[@korexann]

i feel like it could be an 8 or 9

[@flybynjght2324]

Fantano is allowed to have his opinions and to be honest with his track record his score isn't that surprising. My qualm falls with a larger issue that I have been noticing on his pop reviews recently where he often compares pop artists work with a technique or a style that another pop artists uses, and it claiming to be unoriginal or uninspired. The scenario that frustrated me is his comparison to Charli XCX in the "l'amour de ma vie" ending. Although Charli can be known for using extreme autotune on her voice, this is not common to her at all. In fact, it wasn't even popularized by her (and for reference I am not trying to hate on Charli XCX, because I am a big fan and her music has more nuance than just extreme autotune). Billie and Finneas using common pop techniques like this shouldn't be criticized to the extent that Fantano has done. How about just making good music and using that technique in a nuanced way, which I think they have done? This isn't the only scenario of him doing this in the pop realm, as I also have disagreements with his opinions of Chappell Roan. His short album review of "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" made comparisons with Caroline Polachek and Taylor Swift and was considered unoriginal?? The only reason why I think Chappell could be compared to Caroline is maybe their vocal toneand inflections maybe?? Which again, is a COMMON THING. However, they use it completely differently, and Chappell couldn't be a more different artist than Caroline. And I am probably the biggest Caroline Polachek fan too. Conclusion of my long rant, music shouldn't be considered unoriginal if an aritst uses one technique that is common amongst most artists in that genre. That's why its called a genre. What sets people apart is how they use that technique to display the emotion in their song or album. I am also excited to Fantano to potentially pull more guest reviewers that might have a better knowledge of the pop landscape, because it seems that he may agree with my points being made here until we get to pop (Take the Lemon Twigs for example). Anyway, all love and thanks for always giving us a lot of music to discuss.

[@FiragoMusic]

Fantastic point. None of her peers (I can think of anyway) can synthesize this array of styles and make it sound so cohesive. And certainly not without 60 credited composers

[@DcJay85]

The Diner... best track on the album... what is he talking about? The sustained bass just after the chorus is warm as a cushion... the vocals sound trippy and verbed... it's not washed out. I am not even a Billie fan but that song is interesting, at least.....

[@thecluckster3908]

Best track on the album is crazy, I think I’d personally rank it bottom three on the album. Still like it though but I can totally see where Anthony is coming from

[@marqybby]

Deserves an 8 at LEAST

[@vegetalno]

Hard to disagree with everything you said. Billie's fandom is weird if the review gets them mad cause all of this is true. It's not a bad album by any means, but a 7 is the right call

[@lanzaguisantesdefuego291]

Most of Billie's fandom are fangirls obsessed with her, so it's normal

[@DecimatedSoul]

Im a huge fan of hers so heres what im ranking her stuff Dont Smile At me 8 When We All Fall Asleep Where Do we Go 10 Happier then ever 8 Hit me Hard and Soft 9

[@sounddevastationrecords]

I completely agree with this review, except that I'm not sure I could even give it a 7, to be honest... More like a decent 6. Having 'matured' their sound, everything novel and exciting I found about the debut (and select parts of the sophomore) has been almost completely whittled away on this. There's some good pop tracks, but it sinks into the homogeneous field, rather than standing atop & apart from it. Totally agree that lyrically it's too literal too often, and could do with some better wordplay. That said, it's clearly a big moment for them personally, so I can appreciate being on the nose might be exactly what they wanted to do...

[@ouseiri3387]

For me is a strong 8, not skipable and we have good lyrcis and production overall. However, I would come back just for a couple of songs like Chihiro, L'amour da ma vie, The greatest and Lunch. It's the kind of album in wich you want to hear detail in lyrics and composition, and I think is well achieved in that aspect, no to mention the great work on production and mixing.

[@KOFFDROP]

I dont like the new direction billie has been going in since happier than ever. Way too slow that made me fall asleep. The lyrical content just felt so shallow, i am so tired of heartbreak songs. I miss when billie was having fun on her debut album