Background about the composer and composition – what is its function?
Billie Eilish is one of the biggest names in pop music currently and this track was the first single off of her second album, “Happier Than Ever”. It served as a rather hopeful track in the midst of the pandemic and to promote her album.
Did you enjoy the composition? If yes, why? If not, why?
Very much so! I really like when songs switch, so to speak, at certain points during their runtime – my favourite example of this is Frank Ocean’s “Nights” where the track completely switches. This adds to the replay factor as the song stays fresh each listen.
How did the composition make you feel? Why?
The composition was rather uplifting for me, at release we were in the first summer of the pandemic and it wasn’t a particularly fun time, then a beautiful song about proud self-love releases and it made things a bit better. The song showcases the transition in mindset from gloom and doom to “things will be okay”, which is reflected in both the sound and the lyrics.
What is the purpose of the composition and what do you think the composer is trying to express?
Billie Eilish herself said that the track, “was exactly where [her] head was at – hopeful, excited and a craaaazy amount of self-reflection and self-growth.” in an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. As with the rest of her work, I believe she wishes to express her thoughts and feelings.
What instruments could you hear? When did they occur? What is the texture of the piece and how does it change?
The first half of the piece is much thinner texture-wise but at the exact midpoint things pick up and more instrumentation comes in. We start with some keys, a synth bass, and I think maybe a glockenspiel(?), for the second half of the song we are introduced to some muted electric guitar and some drums, as well as much more depth with the layered vocals.
What dynamics and articulation take place? How do they change throughout the composition?
The first half of the song is much slower and softer – hence quieter – than the second half, where things suddenly pick up and gain energy.
What is the structure of the piece? Is it repetitive? Does it have set sections, e.g. A and B or Verse and Chorus?
As mentioned plenty, the song is split directly down the middle with two halves of opposing sounds. However these halves are very similar in structure, both consisting of a single verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.
What is the harmony of the piece? Major or Minor key? Are there lots of chord changes (harmonic rhythm)?
“my future” is written in a G#/Ab Major key, and doesn’t contain too many chord changes, as this would potentially make the song sound too up-tempo.
What melodies occur and on what instruments? Are they simple or memorable?
The prevailing melodies come from the vocals, which are easy to sing along to and are thus quite memorable.
What is the tempo, time signature and rhythmic features of the piece?
The tempo is 105BpM with a time signature of 4/4, I didn’t spot any rhythmic features myself.
Are there any noticeable production elements? For example, reverb, delay, programmed drums, filters, EQ, etc.
Plenty of reverb is noticeable on Eilish’s vocals, and the drums are certainly programmed by her brother and producer Finneas.