Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft: A Retrospective on Her Third Album
London, 11 January 2026 – Billie Eilish’s third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, released on 17 May 2024, marked a significant milestone in the singer-songwriter’s career. Co-written and produced with her brother Finneas O’Connell, the album blended alternative pop and bedroom pop elements, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. With singles like “Birds of a Feather” and “Wildflower” dominating charts, it topped the Billboard 200 and received multiple Grammy nominations. The accompanying tour, which concluded in November 2025, showcased Eilish’s dynamic live performances, while a concert film is set for theatrical release in March 2026.
Album Background and Release
Eilish began conceptualising Hit Me Hard and Soft in late 2021, following the success of her second album, Happier Than Ever. Recording took place in her home studio in Los Angeles, with the tracklist finalised in early 2024. The album’s title reflects its lyrical and sonic duality, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability. Released through Darkroom and Interscope Records, it debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and achieved Platinum certification in several countries, including the United States and Germany. Singles such as “Lunch” and “Chihiro” were released concurrently, while “Birds of a Feather” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. To promote the album, Eilish embarked on the Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour, which spanned North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia, grossing over $190 million and breaking attendance records in multiple venues.
Tour Highlights and Reception
The tour, Eilish’s seventh headlining effort, commenced on 29 September 2024 in Quebec City and featured 83 dates across 15 countries. It included sold-out shows at arenas like The O2 in London and Manchester’s Co-op Live, where Eilish performed a mix of new tracks and hits from her discography. Critics praised the production’s intimacy and energy, with Eilish playing multiple instruments and engaging directly with fans. The tour incorporated sustainability initiatives, such as eco-villages and plant-based food options, in partnership with REVERB. A concert film, filmed at Manchester performances and co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, will be released in 3D on 20 March 2026 by Paramount Pictures. The film promises an immersive look at the tour’s multisensory experience, blending live footage with innovative visuals.
Key Facts and Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Chart Peaks | Billboard 200: No. 2 (US); UK Albums Chart: No. 1; Australian Albums: No. 2 |
| Certifications | Platinum in US, Germany, Australia; 3× Platinum in UK and Canada |
| Grammy Nominations | 7 nominations in 2025, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Wildflower” |
| Tour Gross | $190 million from 70 dates, making Eilish the 16th highest-paid musician in 2025 |
| Concert Film Release | 20 March 2026, theatrical 3D release by Paramount Pictures |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tracklist for Hit Me Hard and Soft?
The album features 10 tracks: Skinny, Lunch, Chihiro, Birds of a Feather, Wildflower, The Greatest, L’Amour de Ma Vie, The Diner, Bittersuite, and Blue.
Did Billie Eilish win any Grammys for the album?
While the album received seven nominations at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025, it did not win in the major categories. Eilish did win for Best Pop Vocal Album for Happier Than Ever in 2022.
What sustainability efforts were part of the tour?
The tour partnered with REVERB to reduce emissions, promote plant-based meals, and set up eco-villages at venues for fan education on climate action.