Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.
BILLIE EILISH | When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Darkroom/Interscope (2019)
Selected by Andy Healy
When I first heard “Bellyache” from her 2017 debut EP Don’t Smile At Me, I was instantly hooked on Billie Eilish’s haunting vocals, expressive lyrics, and quirky compositions. So when it was time to release her fully fledged debut album When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, I was keen to see where she would take us. The result is an album that intrigues and delights with its mix of moody, glitching beats and melodies, and Billie’s trademark brash brilliance.
From the murky pop of “Bad Guy,” to the dreamy meets night terrors “Xanny,” the confident threats of “You Should See Me A Crown,” and the melancholy “When The Parties Over,” Eilish delivers beautiful harmonies that belie the sadness in the lead vocals. Like the love child of Bjork and David Lynch, Eilish crafts her own special blend of twisted pop in “My Strange Addiction” and creeps in on the edge of your nightmares with “Bury A Friend.” But it’s not all bleak and nihilistic, for the charm in Billie Eilish’s voice is the sweetness that remains as evident in the dreamy longing of “I Love You.” As the posterchild for anti-pop princesses, Eilish creates a fascinating album that grabs you from the opening and doesn’t let go. My pick (so far) for most compelling album of 2019.
LISTEN & WATCH: