Billie Eilish has made a massive impact on the music scene with her unique style, blending elements of pop, electronic, and alternative music. However, one of the lesser-known aspects of her work is her exploration of darker, heavier sounds often associated with metal music. Over the years, Billie has released songs that incorporate distorted guitar riffs, heavy basslines, and haunting vocals that align with the energy and intensity of metal. In this article, we will dive into 15 of her tracks that have metal influences, showcasing how she blends genres to create a sound that is both innovative and captivating.
Top 15 Billie Eilish Metal Tracks You Need to Hear
1. “Bury a friend”
“Bury a friend” is one of Billie Eilish’s most popular songs, and it stands out with its menacing, industrial production. The track features eerie whispers, heavy bass, and a driving beat, creating a dark, almost gothic atmosphere. The distorted, unsettling sound that pervades the song is reminiscent of metal’s heavier, more abrasive side. The lyrics explore themes of fear, self-doubt, and internal struggle, which are commonly explored in metal music. The heavy use of dissonance, the pounding rhythm, and the haunting vocals make this song one of Billie’s strongest metal-influenced tracks.
2. “You should see me in a crown”
“You should see me in a crown” is a track that incorporates intense basslines, aggressive beats, and an overall darker tone, giving it a vibe that aligns with industrial and alternative metal. The song features a menacing instrumental backdrop, with Billie’s vocal delivery becoming more forceful and confident as the track progresses. The lyrics also reflect a more rebellious, fearless attitude, which fits well with metal’s themes of empowerment and resistance. The combination of the strong rhythm and Billie’s assertive vocals makes this one of her most metal-inspired pieces.
3. “All the good girls go to hell”
“All the good girls go to hell” has a blend of dark pop and metal influences, with a prominent heavy bassline and atmospheric production. The track’s guitar riff, while not overtly metal, carries a certain edge that gives it a grunge-like, rebellious energy. The lyrics, which touch on environmental and political themes, are delivered with a sense of urgency that is common in many metal songs. The driving rhythm, combined with Billie’s haunting vocals, creates a brooding atmosphere that is sure to resonate with metal fans.
4. “My strange addiction”
“My strange addiction” is a track that samples a speech from The Office, and while the song itself is relatively short, it’s packed with edgy, distorted soundscapes that make it stand out. The heavy, gritty production and ominous atmosphere are qualities often associated with industrial and metal subgenres. The distorted beats and Billie’s eerie vocals contribute to the track’s unsettling vibe, making it feel as though it belongs in a metal playlist. The combination of off-kilter production and intense energy makes this one of Billie’s most intriguing metal-adjacent tracks.
5. “Oxytocin”
“Oxytocin” is a track that features an infectious, pulsating beat and aggressive guitar riffs, making it a perfect example of Billie Eilish’s ability to blend electronic elements with metal influences. The song’s energy is electric, with its intense production mirroring the raw power often found in metal. Billie’s vocal delivery is at its most intense here, adding to the track’s chaotic feel. The song touches on themes of desire and control, and the intensity of the music matches the emotional weight of the lyrics, making it a standout on her Happier Than Ever album.
6. “Ilomilo”
“Ilomilo” from Billie’s debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? features a dark, distorted sound that gives the song a haunting quality. While the track leans more into electro-pop, the eerie, almost sinister atmosphere it creates is very much influenced by the dark, heavy tones of metal music. The bass-heavy production and minimalistic beat drive the song, while Billie’s vocals add an unsettling layer to the track. The lyrics explore themes of loneliness and uncertainty, common motifs in metal music, giving it a metal-adjacent feeling.
7. “Bad guy”
“Bad guy” is one of Billie Eilish’s most well-known hits, and although it is primarily a pop track, it features a driving bassline and a beat that adds a sense of heaviness. The beat and production have an industrial quality, and the distorted vocal effects Billie uses add a darker, more intense energy to the song. The lyrics play with themes of subversion and rebellion, which align with the attitudes often expressed in metal. The track’s mix of pop, electronic, and metal elements creates an engaging hybrid that helped catapult Billie Eilish to global fame.
8. “Therefore I Am”
“Therefore I Am” has an aggressive tone, with sharp, punchy beats and a confident delivery that is reminiscent of the raw power in metal music. The song’s production is minimalist, yet its intensity is undeniable. The distorted elements and rhythmic complexity of the track bring to mind industrial and alternative metal styles. Billie’s attitude in the song—bold, unapologetic, and self-assured—is also a trait often associated with metal’s rebellious ethos. The driving rhythm and dark production make this track a standout when looking for Billie’s more metal-influenced works.
9. “NDA”
“NDA” features a heavy bassline and a distorted, almost chaotic instrumental backdrop that immediately evokes a sense of unease. The track’s aggressive rhythm and eerie synths create a tension-filled atmosphere that is very much in line with the darker side of metal. Billie’s vocals, which range from haunting whispers to forceful declarations, contribute to the track’s unsettling vibe. The song’s themes of privacy, surveillance, and self-preservation resonate with metal’s exploration of personal autonomy and resistance against control, making it a compelling listen for metal fans.
10. “Listen Before I Go”
“Listen Before I Go” is a haunting ballad that incorporates a heavy, melancholic atmosphere, with subtle metal influences in the form of its darker tonalities. While the song doesn’t fully embrace the heavy, distorted guitar riffs commonly found in metal, the use of space, slow-building intensity, and Billie’s somber vocal delivery create a sense of foreboding that metal music often evokes. The song’s themes of emotional turmoil and despair add to its metal-adjacent nature, exploring darker emotional depths similar to those found in doom metal.
11. “The 30th”
“The 30th” is one of Billie’s more introspective tracks, but it carries an emotional weight that is reminiscent of the emotional intensity found in metal music. The slow-building instrumentation, combined with a melancholic melody, creates a feeling of tension that gradually rises throughout the song. The lyrics are deeply personal, reflecting themes of grief and loss, which are common in many metal songs. The track’s subdued yet haunting production, along with its heavy emotional themes, make it a powerful entry into Billie’s catalogue of metal-adjacent songs.
12. “I Love You”
While I Love You is not traditionally metal, it features dark undertones and a raw emotional depth that can resonate with metal listeners. The minimalist production and eerie piano lines add to the somber mood, while Billie’s vocal delivery conveys a sense of vulnerability and pain. The song touches on themes of love, heartbreak, and emotional conflict, similar to the themes often explored in metal music. The track’s melancholy atmosphere and raw emotion make it an intriguing piece for those who appreciate the darker side of music.
13. “When I Was Older”
“When I Was Older” showcases Billie Eilish’s ability to blend dark, atmospheric production with haunting melodies. The song’s sparse instrumental arrangement and haunting vocals create an eerie, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The track’s heavy bass and distorted soundscapes evoke the intensity often found in metal music, while its introspective lyrics add a sense of mystery. The blend of electronic, alternative, and metal influences in this song creates a unique sound that appeals to fans of both darker pop and metal genres.
14. “Everything I Wanted”
“Everything I Wanted” deals with themes of self-worth, mental health, and the pressures of fame, all of which are often explored in metal. The track’s production is atmospheric, with heavy bass and distorted effects that create a sense of unease. The song’s haunting melodies and emotionally raw lyrics add to its intensity, giving it a darker edge. While not overtly metal, the track’s brooding atmosphere and exploration of inner conflict make it a fitting choice for fans who appreciate the more somber, introspective aspects of metal music.
15. “Bored”
“Bored” features a lo-fi production style, but its dark lyrics and brooding tone create a heavy atmosphere. The slow, hypnotic rhythm and melancholic guitar lines add a sense of tension, while Billie’s vocals—subdued but full of emotional weight—enhance the song’s feeling of isolation and frustration. The minimalist approach to the production allows the intensity of the song’s themes to shine through, evoking a sense of desolation that mirrors the themes often found in doom metal.
See Also: Lamb of God’s 11 Metal Tracks You Shouldn’t Miss
Conclusion
Billie Eilish has proven herself to be one of the most innovative artists of her generation, constantly pushing the boundaries of genre and sound. While she is primarily known for her contributions to pop and electronic music, her work is often infused with metal influences, whether through heavy basslines, distorted vocals, or dark, atmospheric production. From the menacing tone of “bury a friend” to the aggressive energy of “you should see me in a crown,” Billie’s exploration of metal elements allows her to create a sound that is both unique and emotionally resonant. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining her distinctive voice has earned her a place in the musical landscape, making her an artist worth watching for metal fans and beyond.
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