Billie Eilish fans declare Hit Me Hard And Soft "ALBUM OF THE YEAR"

Nine-time Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish released her highly-anticipated third studio album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, on May 17, 2024. The album's release followed the immense success of the 22-year-old singer in the awards season, during which she won the Academy Award for What Was I Made For? from the Barbie soundtrack.

Eager Eilish fans who listened to the 10-track album have already proclaimed Hit Me Hard And Soft is the "album of the year" on social media, lauding the young singer for her vocals, lyricism, and production. One user appreciated the singer's album and vocals, claiming it as album of the year.

Many fans online shared the sentiment, with some claiming Eilish was set to take home all the awards.

"album of the year, song of the year, record of the year, billie’s taking it ALLLL we’re so back," one enthusiastic fan tweeted.

"Billie Eilish just dropped ALBUM OF THE YEAR," another chimed in.

"JUST FINISHED IT AND ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW DEFINITELY HER BEST SONGWRITING ALBUM I HAVE SO MUCH I NEED TO SAY ALBUM OF THE YEAR. IM NOT KIDDING 11/10," another tweeted.

"I think Hit Me Hard and Soft is definitely up there as a big contender for album of the year. It’s an absolute vibe and the quality of the production. Sheesh. Finneas and Billie nailed it," a fourth person added.

Other Eilish fans called the album "flawless" and commended Billie Eilish on her vocal growth.

"Hit me Hard and soft. I’ve listened to it 5 times in row. It’s flawless!!!" one fan tweeted.

"Listening to the new Billie Eilish record HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. What stands out to me the most is how much her voice has grown. She literally leveled up and is belting out some beautiful songs," a second fan said.

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Billie Eilish held a listening party for her fans before Hit Me Hard And Soft's release

Billie Eilish treated her fans to a preview of the album at an exclusive listening party in New York, LA, and London from May 15 to May 17. The New York event held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on May 15 saw the singer play her full album from cover to cover. Ahead of the preview, she addressed her fans.

“I could sh*t myself right now! Do we wanna hear something? Alright, dudes, so I’m gonna play you the entire album – front to back – and I’m not gonna pause it in the middle, and I’m not gonna talk. Well, I don’t know. Maybe I will. But I’m trying not to talk. I’m doing my best," Billie said.

According to NME, Eilish was spotted dancing throughout the part to tracks like Lunch, Blue, and Birds of a Feather. A second listening party was held at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, California, on May 16.

On May 16 and 17, an "immersive listening experience" was also held at the Lightroom in London's Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross. The audio-visual experience was touted as an insight into "the vast and mysterious world she's created with her new project."

Billie Eilish also announced that she will go on tour to promote Hit Me Hard And Soft in 2024 and 2025. She will reportedly be touring North America, Australia, Europe, and the UK from September.

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Billie Eilish on the themes in her album and why she doesn't like singles

Early on, Billie Eilish revealed that she would not release any singles before the album's release. In an interview with Rolling Stone in April 2024, the singer admitted she wanted her album to be listened to cohesively.

“I don’t like singles from albums. Every single time an artist I love puts out a single without the context of the album, I’m just already prone to hating on it. I really don’t like when things are out of context. This album is like a family: I don’t want one little kid to be in the middle of the room alone,” Billie elaborated.

In the same interview, she explored the themes of Hit Me Hard And Soft, which will reportedly see the singer revert to the younger version of herself seen in her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? She claimed that writing the new album felt like "coming back to the girl" she was in that era.

Billie Eilish also elaborated that the album will delve into her s*xuality, queer identity and struggles with depression.