Billie Eilish proved to be a force to be reckoned with when she burst onto the pop scene in 2017 with her debut EP. Don’t smile at me. The eight-track project, written and produced by Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell, features two of her career-defining hits, “Ocean Eyes” and “Bellyache,” as well as several other gems that helped set the young singer up for her career. a real superstar. Below, we rate all eight tracks from the outstanding debut.
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8. “Watch”
A common theme in Eilish and O’Connell’s writing style is the way they play tricks on the audience. That’s true for The Hours, which was written and produced solely by O’Connell. In the first verse you think it’s a sweet love story, but then the chorus comes in and you realize it’s actually a toxic relationship that she needs to leave behind. While Eilish’s production and voice are as strong as ever, “Watch” isn’t as compelling as the other songs on the EP.
7. “Party Favor”
Like “Watch,” “Party Favor” sees Eilish letting go of a toxic relationship in a humorous and lyrically smart way. O’Connell uses some production techniques on “Party Favor” as the song begins as a voicemail from Eilish, her voice barely audible over the gently plucking ukulele played by the singer herself, before it turns into a lullaby-style pop-bop . .
6. “Hostage”
“Hostage” is the most stripped-down proposal on Don’t smile at me. With acoustic guitar and a few eerie reverbs thrown in for good measure, this ballad allows Eilish’s direct vocals to take center stage. “Hostage” brings the EP to a hauntingly beautiful conclusion, two characteristics that define Eilish’s unique sound.
5. “My boy”
Plenty of production subtleties make “My Boy” an engaging track. From a melody that fuses jazz and electro-pop to Eilish’s vocal tricks that transform her into a playfully creepy narrator, “My Boy” is a prime example of what makes Eilish such an intriguing artist.
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4. “Copycat”
Eilish isn’t afraid to be devilish in her music, and she proves it with “Copycat.” Like most of Eilish’s songs, “Copycat” is irresistibly catchy with its bright sound and Eilish’s voice, which makes her sound like a slick criminal on one of the best tracks on the EP.
3. “Stomach pain”
“Bellyache” is quintessential Billie Eilish. Pop Banner considers Eilish to be a (fictional) killer who plays coy, her innocent-sounding voice contrasting with her crimes. I’m crazy / I don’t mind / Where is my mind? / Maybe it’s in the gutter / Where I left my lover, she croons over a nice electropop beat. “Bellyache” was so irresistible that it was included on Eilish’s Grammy Award-winning debut album. When we all fall asleep, where do we go?, and remains one of Eilish’s best songs to date.
2. “Eyes of the Ocean”
It’s no surprise that “Ocean Eyes” is at the top of this list. It’s hard to deny the influence of this song. Eilish’s dreamy voice really shines and she captures the song’s plaintive emotions perfectly, while the production, led by brother Finneas, is equally compelling. This song helped catapult her into superstardom and remains one of the best of her career.
1. “I don’t want to be you anymore”
The title “idontwannabeyouanymore” is as enticing as the track itself. This slow jam is a cool turn on the EP, which mostly consists of eerie yet enjoyable production. Eilish has you hanging on every word as this song relates to her battle with depression. Hand, hands are freezing / Losing feeling, getting old / Was I made from a broken mold? / It hurts, I can’t shake myself she sings with serious vocals. Her refreshing honesty and transparency make “idontwannabeyouanymore” the best deal on Don’t smile at me.
Photo by Rich Furey/Getty Images for the Recording Academy.