Exploring Billie Eilish's Upcoming Album 'Hit Me Hard and Soft': Release Date and Details

Everything to Know About Billie Eilishs 3rd Album What Shes Said About Hit Me Hard and Soft

Billie Eilish Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

It wouldn't be a major music year without a new album from Billie Eilish, right? Well, of course not!

On April 8, Eilish, who is 22 years old, officially announced her third album titled Hit Me Hard and Soft. She joins a long list of artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Dua Lipa who are also releasing albums this year. Hit Me Hard and Soft is the much-awaited follow-up to her 2021 album, Happier Than Ever.

Eilish shared on Instagram that she found it surreal to be announcing her new album and unveiled the album artwork. She mentioned feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about the project.

The singer expressed her pride in the album, created in collaboration with her brother Finneas, and said they are both eagerly anticipating the release for fans to hear.

Eilish expressed her excitement about her new album but mentioned that she preferred listeners to hear it "all at once." This means that fans will need to be patient as they wait for the release day. This approach is similar to Ariana Grande, who also chose not to release a second single after "Yes, And?" for her Eternal Sunshine album, wanting it to be experienced as a whole.

Now, let's talk about when Eilish's new album will be released, the reason behind not having multiple different colored vinyls, and more. Keep scrolling for all the details.

When Is ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ Coming Out?

Along with sharing the title and cover art for her third album, Eilish revealed that Hit Me Hard and Soft will arrive on May 17.

Eilish's New Album Will Have Both Strong and Gentle Sounds

Eilish was featured in Variety's Power of Women edition in November 2023. During an interview with Katcy Sephan, Eilish shared a quote about her upcoming album that couldn't be included in the feature.

Everything to Know About Billie Eilishs 3rd Album What Shes Said About Hit Me Hard and Soft

Billie Eilish JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images

"It feels different from other things, but not in a strange way," shared Eilish. "It just feels fresh. It feels like a change. Change is something I really enjoy in life."

According to a press release for the album, it is described as Eilish's "most daring body of work to date." The record is a mix of various songs that flow well together when listened to from start to finish. It stays true to its title by delivering impactful lyrics and sounds that cover a range of emotions, while also blending different genres and avoiding current trends.

Hit Me Hard and Soft’s Song Titles

As of April 9, Eilish hasn’t released the tracklist, but the album will have 10 songs.

‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ Goes Green

Billboard reports that ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ will offer eight different vinyl options, all released simultaneously. Each variant will contain the same songs, eliminating the need to purchase all eight in order to access all of Eilish’s new music.

Everything to Know About Billie Eilishs 3rd Album What Shes Said About Hit Me Hard and Soft

Billie Eilish Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Eilish’s online store offered two versions of the vinyl pressing for her new album Hit Me Hard and Soft: the basic black version and the Eco-Mix version.

The Eco-Mix is made from 100 percent recycled material, including "trimmed flash and leftovers from any color which cannot otherwise be reused," as stated on the website. Each pressing of this variant is unique, as it is made from recycled materials. Additionally, the album will be packaged without plastic shrink-wrap.

In a recent interview with Billboard on March 28, Eilish criticized artists who release multiple vinyl packages just to boost sales. She called this tactic "wasteful" and pointed out that it puts a strain on fans' wallets and the environment. Eilish emphasized that artists should prioritize their impact on fans over sales numbers. (Although some fans thought Eilish was targeting Taylor Swift's multiple vinyls, she clarified that her criticism was directed at the music industry as a whole.)

Following the success of Happier Than Ever, Eilish will also be offering a special CD version of her new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. The CDs will come in a softpak case covered in red paint splatters, adding a personal touch to the album. Eilish even shared a video of herself applying the paint to the CDs, further showcasing her unique and hands-on approach to her music.

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Why You Are Not Billie Eilish’s ‘Close Friend’ Anymore

On April 4, Billie Eilish surprised everyone by adding all 110 million of her Instagram followers to her “Close Friends” list, a feature usually used for close friends and trusted confidants. This bold move led to Eilish gaining 10 million new followers in just under a week.

Unfortunately, the excitement was short-lived. Pop Crave revealed shortly after that Eilish had removed her followers from the “Close Friends” list.

Having a larger audience and platform than ever before is a big deal for me. I feel grateful for the opportunity to reach more people and see it as a huge responsibility and privilege. In an interview with Billboard, I mentioned that if I don't use this privilege to make a positive impact in the world, then what's the point?

Editor's P/S:

Billie Eilish is set to release her third studio album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," on May 17th, marking a highly-anticipated return from one of music's biggest stars. The announcement has generated immense excitement among fans and critics alike, as Eilish continues to establish herself as a force in the industry with her unique blend of introspective lyrics, haunting vocals, and experimental sound. The album is described as a departure from her previous work, promising a fresh and daring approach that showcases her growth as an artist.

Eilish's commitment to sustainability is evident in her approach to the album's release, offering a single black vinyl and a limited "Eco-Mix" vinyl made entirely from recycled materials, packaged without shrink-wrap. This decision aligns with her criticism of excessive vinyl releases, prioritizing environmental responsibility over sales numbers. Eilish's dedication to connecting with her audience is also reflected in her decision to remove followers from her Instagram "Close Friends" list after a temporary addition, demonstrating her desire for a genuine and meaningful relationship with her fanbase.