If you haven't heard of 17-year-old singer Billie Eilish [1] — or at least seen any of her creepy music videos [2] — you might want to fire up Spotify or Apple Music, because it needs some updating. Things haven't really slowed down for the Los Angeles native since she garnered widespread attention with the release of her 2016 track "Ocean Eyes" and 2017 debut EP, Don't Smile at Me. She's collaborated with other major artists, including Khalid and Vince Staples, and recently confirmed that she's teaming up with 25-year-old Spanish singer Rosalía [3]. Her first studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? [4] is set for a March 29 release, just weeks before she's due to perform at Coachella [5]. She'll then kick off her international Summer tour, When We All Fall Asleep [6].
Whenever I tell people the first Billie Eilish song I ever heard was "COPYCAT," I'm met with confused looks since people typically attribute her breakthrough success to "Ocean Eyes." But I actually couldn't think of a better song to introduce me to her. It came on when I let my Spotify radio play while I was getting ready for class during Fall 2017. As soon as I heard the slow, ominous opening, I stopped and listened. I hung on to every word in the intro [7]. And when the beat dropped, it was over — I was a stan.
Evidently, that led me down the path of Eilish, and I took a deep dive into her music. "COPYCAT" is definitely distinguishable from her typical sound: slow, subdued, wispy. But I ended up falling in love with her other jams. "Idontwannabeyouanymore" and its message of struggling with insecurities [8] particularly hit me hard. It's quite the opposite of "COPYCAT," but it shows how you can have a dichotomous outlook on your own self-esteem. One day, you're loving yourself, and the next, you can barely stand the thought of being in your own skin.
Eilish is able to express all of these different emotions so vividly and visually through her music. And she manages to do so without being tied down to any specific genre. Whether you're feeling low, on top of the world, like you're over relationships, or maybe a little psychotic, there's a Billie Eilish song that probably describes what you're going through. Keep scrolling to listen to some of her best works!
"Ocean Eyes"
This haunting tune was co-written by Eilish's brother and creative partner, Finneas O'Connell (who also starred in Glee [10] and Modern Family [11]) before Eilish recorded it at the age of 14. It describes someone looking into the eyes of a love interest and falling hard for them. In addition to the official music video, Eilish — who is also a dancer — posted a performance video for "Ocean Eyes" [12] in 2016.
"My Boy"
Eilish sort of flips the script with "My Boy." She's in control over her feelings for a significant other and accuses them of lying about changing their ways. Between the hard-hitting beat and equally as hard-hitting lyrics ("My boy / He ain't a man and sure as hell ain't honest" — whew!), this is one of Eilish's finest works.
"Idontwannabeyouanymore"
Eilish opens up about about her struggles with self-confidence and self-acceptance in this slow melody. When she looks at herself in the mirror, she can't help but to wish that she wasn't herself. She doesn't know who or what she wishes she could be, but she does know that she's not comfortable with herself.
"COPYCAT"
Again, we see a different side of Eilish as she calls out all the people she's encountered who have copied her style and aura. Rather than having an uncomfortably vulnerable tone, she's sure of herself and her individuality. That strong sense of self is complimented by the gritty and pitiless beat.
"Bury a Friend"
This one takes listeners through a rather disturbing story about some sort of paranormal entity speaking to Eilish. It's wondering why she's not scared or running away from it only to find out that it's because Eilish knows know the monster is actually her.
"WHEN I WAS OLDER"
This eerie song was inspired by the award-winning film Roma [13] and details what it's like remembering a better past while living in a painful present. One of the pivotal scenes in Roma happens on a beach, prompting some fans to believe Eilish uses auto-tune on this track to sound as if she's singing underwater.
"Lovely" (feat. Khalid)
Months before this song was released, I kept saying it'd be amazing if Eilish collaborated with Khalid. Apparently, she heard me because we were given this gorgeous number. Khalid and Eilish lend their soft vocals to this tune about a duo trying to overcome depression. Its sorrowful message was so heavy and blatant, they decided to give it the ironic title, "Lovely." The track was included in the soundtrack for season two of 13 Reasons Why [14].
"You Should See Me in a Crown"
The music video might not be for people with arachnophobia [15] (like me), but the song — inspired by an episode of BBC's Sherlock [16] — is a bonafide banger. Similar to "COPYCAT," Eilish boosts her confidence with this track about being ready to take over and make everyone bow down "one by one." If the poised, self-assuring lyrics aren't enough to make you play this on full blast, then the sharp, textured beat certainly is.
"When the Party's Over"
Eilish wishes to distance herself from a loved one in "When the Party's Over." Despite the mellow, fragile resonance, Eilish has confirmed that she's expressing anger [17] rather than singing out of sadness.
"Bellyache"
We have another unsettling bop for ya! Eilish — who has previously said she and her brother enjoy writing songs about real things using fictional situations [18] — portrays a psychopath who has committed a murder. She's on the run while wondering how she's capable of doing something so terrible — showing how we sometimes make bad decisions without knowing why. And in the end, her life was the only recompense.
