The “Hit Me Hard and Soft” album is primarily made up of songs that discuss growth, self-worth and the emotional weight of fame. Songs such as “Skinny” discuss insecurities regarding body image, such as by including the quote, “People say I look happy just because I got skinny.” Both “Blue” and “The Greatest” focus on emotionally intense feelings such as distance, heartbreak and reflection. Both songs let listeners into some of Eilish’s most intimate feelings, creating a sense of closeness. “The Diner” is a song where Eilish takes on the role of an obsessive stalker which enhances the listener’s feelings of discomfort and danger.
“I loved that the album focused on more personal themes that a lot of people can relate to, like love, and it shows her growth as a person, but her signature sound and dark moody vibe that made her famous stays the same,” junior Pari Rana said.
With her brother and producer FINNEAS by her side, Eilish is expected to provide a performance that is both visually appealing and emotionally intimate at the same time. Many fans are expecting creative lighting, visual transitions and a vocal focused performance overall. Reviews from the audience have shared their love and praise for Eilish’s performance on this tour so far, claiming it showed “rawness” and “authenticity.”
“I’ve been listening to Billie since 2018 and have grown up with her music, so seeing her at Madison Square Garden was such a surreal experience,” junior Nyelle Sarreal said. “She truly was made to be a performer and I hope everyone has a chance to see such an amazing show.”
Eilish has described this album as “the most me I’ve ever felt” in a recent “Rolling Stone” interview. She explained that this project stopped her worrying about any expectations others have and helped her focus on what she wanted to truly convey. Compared to previous albums such as “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go” and “Happier Than Ever,” “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is considered much more experimental with varying genres and tempos.
“I never remember singers names or albums, but when I hear Billie Eilish on the radio I can feel the distant emotions that come from her music, especially with the new album,” English teacher Mrs. Caruso said.