‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’: Billie Eilish Album Review
Dying to listen to Billie Eilish’s ‘When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?’ but haven’t had the time yet? Marcie Cheers has you covered with a track-by-track review of the highly anticipated debut album.
Despite being only 17 years old, Billie Eilish is a major front runner when it comes to today’s talented artists. Her quirky, unique style, combined with her catchy song lyrics, has led to her quick rise to fame. But don’t let her age fool you; her heartfelt lyrics and melodic, angel-like voice put her talent way above her years (Note to self; do NOT mention her age if I ever get the chance to interview her, she doesn’t like being reminded how young she is).
Her debut EP ‘Don’t Smile At Me’, which included bangers such as ‘Bellyache’, ‘Ocean Eyes’ and ‘
Two years later, Billie has released her debut album ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’. Why the album title you ask? In an interview with NME, Billie stated “the album is basically what happens when you fall asleep. For me, in every song in the album there’s sleep paralysis. There’s night terrors, nightmares, lucid dreams”.
No two songs sound the same and there is a different vibe going on in each one. For those who are looking for a quick break-down of each song, don’t worry- I’ve got you covered.
Track One – !!!!!!!
Ok, first of all, to have the opening sound of an album be Billie taking out her Invisalign- that is absolutely iconic.
I can definitely see this becoming a meme. (At the point of writing this, YouTube has not uploaded this song, but do yourself a favour and check it on on Spotify).
Track Two – Bad Guy
The opening beat is infectious. I have always loved the way Billie harmonises with herself – making her voice sound angelic.
This song is very quirky and plain weird.
The almost alien-like EDM beat mixed with the infectious hook makes the song quite unique… frankly, I can’t stop listening to it – and don’t get me started about the brilliant, quirky visuals in the
Favourite lyrics: “Don’t say thank you or please, I do what I want when I’m wanting to, my soul? So cynical.”
Track Three – Xanny
Xanny, a word-play on the drug Xanax (used to treat anxiety) is a beautifully melodic, soft song, contrasted by the heavy meaning of the lyrics.
Billie questions society’s obsession with heavy drug use with the line “I don’t need a
Favourite lyrics:“I can’t afford to love someone who isn’t dying by mistake in Silver Lake.”
Track Four – You Should See Me In A Crown
This song was one of the singles that came out before the rest of the album. It was a new sound for Billie, but nonetheless, it did not disappoint (I mean, a real spider crawls out her mouth in the music video!?!?).
Billie flaunts her royalty in this track, with almost a growl-like tone in her verses, before the chorus erupts into an electropop, feel-good, dancey tune
Favourite lyrics: “Cold in my kingdom size, fell for these ocean eyes.”
Track Five – All The Good Girls Go To Hell
This track reminds me of Lorde, particularly the ‘Pure Heroine’ era.
There is a more obvious pop influence in this song, with a very catchy hook and cheeky, sinister lyrics.
Again, I get some creepy alien vibes with what sounds like an electronic organ in the instrumental solo. The lyrics in this song are by far the catchiest- I keep
Favourite lyrics: “Pearly Gates look more like a picket fence, once you get inside ’em. Got friends, but can’t invite them.”
Track Six – Wish You Were Gay
Probably one of my favourite tracks on the album, lyrically brilliant.
Billie is infatuated with someone who doesn’t like her back. Instead of coming to terms with the fact that he just doesn’t like her, she wishes it was just because he was gay.
This song is very relatable, and let’s face it, it’s nice to hear that celebrities struggle with relationship problems like we do.
Favourite lyrics: “If three’s a crowd and two was us, one slipped away.”
Track Seven – When The Party’s Over
My absolute favourite track on the album- where do I even begin?
This song is pure poetry, sounding like it has come from the pages of Billie’s diary.
It almost feels like it is a bit too personal- like you are reading someone else’s private thoughts. The harmonies at the beginning of the song, are heavenly – and what I would call ‘ASMR-
And can we take a second to appreciate the harmonies with her brother, Finneas? Pure magic.
Let’s not forget the artistry that went into creating her music video-it is disturbingly beautiful.
Favourite lyrics: “Call me friend, but keep me closer.”
Track Eight – 8
The song opens with a creepy sounding Billie, as an 8-year-old, accompanied by a soft guitar soundtrack before transitioning to normal 17-year-old Billie singing.
Again, the song sounds very personal, sounding unlike any of the previous tracks.
I do have to say, out of all of the songs on the album, this is not my favourite- but I very much appreciate the beautiful lyricism.
Favourite lyrics: “I just never know how you feel. Do you even feel anything?”
Track Nine – My Strange Addiction
My favourite part of this song is the beautiful melody in the chorus- the notes are so beautiful (until I attempt to sing along).
I think this song really brings out the effortless beauty of Billie’s voice. The song contains random comedic sentences throughout, taken directly from the TV show, ‘The Office’.
I like how Billie never takes anything too seriously – take this beautiful song, and add in random The Office quotes. Brilliant.
Favourite lyrics: “I’m the powder, you’re the fuse, just add some friction.”
Track Ten – Bury A Friend
Despite the video giving off major creepy vibes that look to be inspired by every horror movie EVER, Billie’s vocals in the chorus of this track are ICONIC.
It’s the kind of song you feel like belting at the top of your lungs along with a choreographed dance routine.
Considering the lyrics, the song is not only very strange, but also extremely deep – with the repetition of the lyrics “I wanna end me”.
Talking about what only can be assumed as a nightmare, or sleep paralysis, this track is unique both in the lyrics and music video.
Favourite lyrics: “But we knew right from the start that you’d fall apart
’cause I’m too expensive.”
Track Eleven – Ilomilo
I actually really like this (who am I kidding, I will probably have this on repeat for the rest of the day).
The instrumental music in the background is almost hypnotising and in a weird way, very calming. The lyrics are also very beautiful- no surprise there!
I’m sort of getting music inside a jewellery box vibes.
Favourite lyrics: “Remember not to get too close to stars, they’re never gonna give you love like ours.”
Track Twelve – Listen Before I go
My first impression – the stripped back piano is very refreshing.
It just goes to show, (although it’s beautiful) Billie doesn’t need all the musical theatrics to sound good. Just the piano alone and her voice is stunning.
This song is also giving me ‘Ocean Eyes’ vibes, the fact that it is so raw. I am very impressed with this song.
Favourite lyrics: “Taste me, the salty tears on my cheek, that’s what a year-long headache does to you.”
Track Thirteen – I Love You.
Once again, the stripped back songs are beautiful.
Her harmonisation with her brother, Finneas is on point- I think their voices go so well together.
This is the kind of song that you should listen to in a car on a rainy day, looking out of the window, pretending you are in a music video. Also, why do I feel like this song could have been a part of the Twilight soundtrack (in the best way possible)?
Favourite lyrics: “You didn’t mean to say “I love you”. I love you and I don’t want to.”
Track Fourteen – Goodbye
That harmony though!!!
It definitely sounds inspired by Imogen Heap, particularly with those layered harmonies. I also really love the mention of some of her lyrics from the previous songs in the album – very clever.
Overall, I really enjoyed the diversity in this album, and I think there is a song in there for almost everyone. Top contenders for favourite songs are; ‘When The Party’s Over’, ‘Wish You Were Gay’ and ‘I Love You’.
The album definitely showcases Billie’s diversity and her talents in lyricism. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend giving this album a listen.
Feature Image: Billie Eilish via BillieEilish.com, no changes made.
