Billie Eilish
Everything I Wanted
Interscope/Universal
A surprise release and the first since her debut full-length success WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, the soon to be 18 year old Billie Eilish hits a new emotional chord with delicately restrained single, Everything I Wanted.
Precisely layered and structured, the house-inspired track shines a light on Eilish’s imitable vocal abilities and the uniqueness she brings to everything she touches. It’s unmistakably Eilish, of course, a sound that is created by the breakthrough musical team of the decade – she and her brother, FINNEAS – yet it pivots away from the darkness of her LP and the playfulness of its predecessor EP and peers into a new place. Instead of conceptual lyricism, Eilish details her own experiences, introspection and wounds – even if it was all just a dream. Perhaps that’s why it feels so different; it’s entirely earnest, a true slice of Eilish herself.
Finneas once again proves his productional capabilities, the track a soundscape that ebbs and flows, mimicking that of Eilish’s poetry. It makes for a visceral journey, the bridge a highlight as we drop down into Eilish’s vocal, only to be raised back up again by production that elevates and swirls. Melancholic synths, an almost apathetic yet deeply effective choice that seeps into every corner of the song. “If I knew it all then, would I do it again, would I do it again?/ If they knew what they said went straight to my head, what would they say instead?” The rhythmically satisfying, cyclical vocal seems to represent Eilish’s take on her status in the world and all that comes with. The singer revealed that the track was a reflection of her and brother’s relationship; his unwavering support and their undying connection as best friends. “As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you.”
As such, Everything I Wanted is understated perfection, and an intriguing step inside Eilish’s mind.
CAITLIN NORRIS
