You'd think after listening to Billie Eilish's 2019 album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? non-stop for the past two years, we'd have decided it was time to give other artists some time in our ears. But it's hard when Billie drops tune after tune. When Billie dropped her newest album Happier than Ever on Friday, I was grateful to have two days to myself to get lost in the world she's been building for two years. Now that I've emerged, somewhat worse for wear, I have a few questions.
My biggest one is aimed at that music video. The official Happier than Ever music video dropped on Saturday and ouch! Billie has been through some...stuff. The first half of the video lulls us into a false sense of security with what looks to be a hotel room filled with warm filtered light. Billie is laying on a plush chaise lounge, phoning someone...dead air probably. Lyrics like "When I'm away from you, I'm happier than ever. Wish I could explain it better. I wish it wasn't true", cement it as a clear breakup song. Break up from whom you ask? Billie stans have weighed in since, throwing around ideas on who the possible ex could and suspect number one is Brandon 'Q' Adams.
On Instagram, Billie said in one of her classic style captions that making her sophomore album Happier Than Ever "was the most fulfilling most satisfying and profound experience i’ve ever had with my music. finneas and i were just on cloud 9 making this album i feel.. i love every song on this project so so much it literally scares me thinking about putting it out into the world for anyone to listen to. i feel like crying. i grew so much in the process of making this album and experienced so much self realization and self reflection."
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Billie reveals in the song, being isolated from family and friends in what seems to be a tumultuous relationship, "Never paid any mind to my mother or my friends. So I shut 'em out for you 'cause I was a kid". The great climax of the video, a flood, threatens to submerge Billie, but she finds a way to the roof of the building, freeing herself. An apt metaphor. When the video finishes, she is drenched in water, you are drenched in tears. A cathartic scene.
I'd like to wish everyone a very happy listening, see you in another two years.
You can watch Happier than Ever below.
Images: Billie Eilish
