Billie Eilish: Her Music and Style Evolution

Billie Eilish has always been a force to be reckoned with. From the moment her song *Ocean Eyes* was released to the drop of *NDA* a few weeks ago, she has dominated the electronic alternative scene at an incredibly young age. She began making music with her brother, Finneas O’Connell, at just 13, and by 2015, *Ocean Eyes* had gone viral on SoundCloud, marking the beginning of her rise to fame. Now 21, Eilish has continually reinvented herself with each album, both in terms of her sound and personal style. Her music, spanning from *Don’t Smile at Me* to *When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?* and *Happier Than Ever*, remains unique yet instantly recognizable, featuring her signature ASMR-like vocals, electronic production, layered background harmonies, and the use of a vocoder to create a low, trembling effect in certain tracks.

Her style has undergone a dramatic transformation over the years. Initially, she chose to dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and commentary on her body, favoring oversized clothing such as baggy pants, boots, puffer jackets, and beanies. However, she took control of her image with a striking shift in 2021, most notably appearing on the June cover of British Vogue in lingerie and heels. While she still incorporates elements of her signature baggy aesthetic, it is clear that she has embraced a new level of confidence and self-expression.

In 2017, Eilish made a powerful entrance with her debut EP, *Don’t Smile at Me*. Following the viral success of *Ocean Eyes*, the EP was released on streaming platforms, introducing listeners to her unique sound and poetic lyrics. Songs like *Hostage* featured eerie, intimate lines such as “I wanna be alone / Alone with you, does that make sense? / I wanna steal your soul / And hide you in my treasure chest.” Tracks like *Idontwannabeyouanymore* showcased a bluesy, piano-driven melody with a waltz-like rhythm, while *My Boy* blended jazz influences with electronic elements. *Watch* and *&Burn* stood out for using identical lyrics yet presenting vastly different moods, with the former being soft and delicate and the latter featuring a dark, bass-heavy beat alongside a verse from Vince Staples.

With the release of her debut album, *When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?*, in 2019, Eilish took a darker, more mature approach to both her music and image. The album’s breakout hit, *Bad Guy*, became her first number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100, introducing bolder beats and suggestive lyrics that transitioned her from a young breakout artist to a more complex and multifaceted performer. Songs like *My Strange Addiction* and *Bury a Friend* solidified her dark, moody aesthetic, while *You Should See Me in a Crown* and *All the Good Girls Go to Hell* amplified themes of female empowerment. Tracks like *Xanny*, *When the Party’s Over*, and *I Love You* tackled issues of teenage struggles, heartbreak, and substance abuse, all wrapped in deep bass lines and Eilish’s signature whispery vocals. The album also marked her first venture into directing, as she helmed the music video for *Xanny*.

By 2021, Eilish had fully embraced her evolving artistry with *Happier Than Ever*, a 16-track album reflecting a newfound sense of confidence and independence. Songs like *My Future* and *Lost Cause* celebrated self-growth and moving forward without reliance on relationships. *NDA* and *Therefore I Am* incorporated heavier electronic beats and lyrics centered around reclaiming power, while *Your Power* addressed the complexities of an abusive relationship. She continued to take creative control by directing her own music videos for *Your Power*, *Lost Cause*, and *NDA*, further emphasizing her artistic vision.

In 2022, she surprised fans with the release of *Guitar Songs*, an EP featuring *TV* and *The 30th*. *TV* touched on pressing social issues in the United States, particularly referencing the overturning of Roe v. Wade, while *The 30th* told a deeply personal story about a car accident affecting someone close to her. Throughout the year, Eilish also toured extensively in support of *Happier Than Ever*, maintaining her presence as one of the most compelling voices in music today.

Most recently, she contributed to the *Barbie* movie soundtrack with the hauntingly beautiful *What Was I Made For?*, a song that delves into themes of self-reflection and purpose. In the accompanying music video, she appeared in a retro-inspired look, donning Barbie’s signature blonde hair and a 1950s-style yellow dress, evoking a softer, nostalgic aesthetic. Though she has recently returned to her signature dark hair—now with red roots—this visual moment reminded fans of the more delicate side of her artistry, one that continues to evolve with each passing year. With her ever-changing sound and style, Billie Eilish remains an artist who defies expectations, leaving audiences eager to see what she will do next.