Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Susanne (class of 2026) and features Billie Eilish’s 2024 studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft. Thanks, Susanne!
Billie Eilish
Hit Me Hard and Soft
Great news, music library people! Our vinyl collection is expanding and we have some exciting new(er) records to share with you all. One addition that’s been super exciting to me is Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft.
Eilish’s third studio album was released just last year on May 17, 2024 and was co-authored by her brother, Finneas O’Connell. The album features 10 tracks, most of which you’ve probably heard on the radio, on social media, or out in public. Hit Me Hard and Soft was widely praised and received two Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. It explores themes of love, heartbreak, insecurity, and queer identity and relationships.
When I first listened to the album I jumped between songs a bit, not realizing the musical and narrative elements that flowed between each track when played in order. Each song blends into the next, creating a really cool, cohesive listening experience which, in my opinion, is even better when using physical music like a record instead of a streaming platform. My favorite songs have shifted a lot since the album was released, but as of right now I would recommend “Chihiro,” “The Greatest,” and “Bittersuite.”
Hit Me Hard and Soft is at times humorous and snarky, occasionally heartbreaking, and always vocally and musically superb. Definitely check it out (literally, at the library!) and enjoy this album that has so much to offer.