All Songs Considered New Music Friday: The best albums out May 17
May 17, 2024
NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Hazel Cills discuss new releases by Billie Eilish, Rapsody, and Beth Gibbons. They delve into diverse music styles, artists' personal journeys, and the evolution of musical narratives. The podcast also explores the array of music releases on May 17th, including tribute albums and NPR Music playlists.
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Unique Album Release Strategy
- Billie Eilish's new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, was released without any pre-released singles.
- This approach allowed listeners to experience the album as a cohesive whole, rather than through isolated tracks.
Grammy Potential
- Eilish's Hit Me Hard and Soft showcases her vocal evolution and genre-bending sound.
- This positions her as a potential contender in the upcoming Grammy Awards, challenging the predicted Taylor Swift/Beyoncé competition.
Vocal Exploration in Birds of a Feather
- The song Birds of a Feather demonstrates Eilish's vocal versatility.
- It features a softer, higher register well-suited to electro-pop while maintaining her distinctive airy style.