Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever Album Review

Billie Eilish’s sophomore studio album ‘Happier Than Ever’ is so much more than just a coming-of-age collection of tracks. It’s a moment of reclamation for the 19 year old singer-songwriter following a toxic relationship in her personal life, as well as her turbulent relationship with the media that has become quite damaging to her mental health. It hears her taking control and speaking her truth with her most directed lyrical approach yet that shies away from imaginative imagery and instead relishes on the raw emotion of it all. 

Opening with ‘Getting Older’, she uses this song almost as an overture of what to expect from the record. Signposting just how honest she is going to be she sings “I’ve had some trauma, did things I didn’t wanna. Was too afraid to tell ya, but now I think it’s time” over a minimalistic dreamy production, and that’s exactly what she does. Songs like ‘Lost Cause’, ‘Not My Responsibility’, ‘Your Power’ and ‘Male Fantasy’ continue that minimalistic approach with honest lyrics, while ‘I Didn’t Change My Number’ and ‘NDA’ experiment with a ‘Bad Guy’ and ‘Bury A Friend’ styled production while still holding onto that lyrical rawness. 

The album’s centre-piece is unsurprisingly the title track ‘Happier Than Ever’ which may also just be Billie’s best song yet. Beginning as a minimalistic acoustic guitar led ballad, her dreamy vocals have this breathy delivery that is so calming as she unravels a new found clarity in the wake of a toxic relationship ending. As the song hits the 3 minute mark she switches it up and gives you an Olivia Rodrigo styled pop-rock moment that will have you ready to scream the final lyrics out at the top of your lungs. It’s a cathartic and therapeutic moment for anyone that is needing to let go from someone who for so long as had such an emotional hold on them. 

From start to finish, ‘Happier Than Ever’ will captivate you with it’s brutal honest and sincere vulnerability. It’s intended to be a record that you listen to from start to finish and immerse yourself in the dreamy soundscapes that Billie Eilish and FINNEAS have dreamt together. It showcases an impressive mature growth since ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ and with her songwriting becoming a lot more direct, she’s going to continue relating to a wider audience. 

Buy Billie Eilish Albums on CD & Vinyl Here Including Happier Than Ever

Thomas Bleach wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Thomas here