Billie Eilish’s newest is a pleasant surprise

“WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” (2019), courtesy of Pitchfork

Billie’s got her shortcomings, sure. At a mere 17, she’s entitled to, I think. When the results are as eerie and as delightfully off-putting as “you should see me in a crown,” or “bad guy,” especially so. Credit the production from her brother Finneas O’Connell if you like — the layered vocals, dynamics, the whole sh’bang is crisp — but Eilish has a knack for tuneship. Even if her voice, not quite unique; and her lyrics; sometimes awkward; regress the overall product, she commands a strong thematic presence on the record, exploring the not-so-friendly sides of her personality with great self-awareness. The result is a freshman’s ambitious concept record, which makes up for itself in overall pleasantry what it lacks in consistency.

RATING: 3/5