Summary
Billie Eilish's new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, features anime-inspired songs and has received critical acclaim. Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama created the artwork for Eilish, highlighting her love of anime and the impact of Japanese media on American pop music. Eilish's song CHIHIRO was inspired by the main character of Spirited Away and her love of Hayao Miyazaki's works.
To celebrate Billie Eilish's Latest Anime-Inspired AlbumHajime Isayama, Attack on the Giants creator, delivering a stunning new work of art. On May 17, 2024, Billie Eilish released her long-awaited third studio album, Hit Me Hard And Soft. The tracklist features 10 original songs and 45 minutes of personal, impactful ballads that make listeners feel like they’ve stepped into another universe. Together with her co-writer and brother, Finneas, the pop star has certainly created a Grammy-worthy work of art. However, there is something that makes this album stand out from the rest.
Hit Me Hard and Soft is Eilish's first studio album since 2021's Happier Than Ever. The album received critical acclaim, with all 10 songs reaching the top 40 of the Billboard 100 upon release. Additionally, Billie Eilish announced in April that her seventh concert tour, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour. will begin in September 2024.
In addition to the tributes to her fellow artists scattered throughout the album, Billie noted to Zane Lowe in an interview with Apple Music:
“This is the most 'me' thing I've ever done.” – Billie Eilish
However, anime fans may be surprised to learn that there is one particular song that is a tribute to Studio Ghibli's best film, Spirited Away. As a result, Hajime Isayama took notice of the album and sent Eilish a personal drawing. along with his iconic characters from AOT.
Billie Eilish's Latest Album Is a Love Letter to Anime
CHIHIRO, Eilish's new song, is inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning film, Spirited Away
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Eilish discussed her song CHIHIRO. She mentioned that the song is based on the main character of the same name from Spirited Away. In addition to CHIHIRO, Eilish mentioned in 2019 that her album WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? was also recognized by Miyazaki and his works:
“This song is based partly on that movie, one of my favorite movies. It's like her perspective, combined with my perspective. The imagery in that movie is some of the most beautiful imagery ever.” – Billie Eilish
Anime's impact on American media was widespread and eventually spread to the popular music industry. However, this fact is not always widely accepted or widely known. Perhaps it is for this reason that Hajime Isayama wanted to create a beautiful new work of art, especially for Eilish, as she continues to give anime the recognition it deserves.
Hajime Isayama portrays the biggest pop star alongside AOT's most iconic protagonists
Billie Eilish Has Never Looked More Beautiful In Hajime Isayama's Recent Artwork
Alongside the three heroes of Attack on Titan, Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, a stunning portrait of Billie depicts her in a new, completely fitting way. Her iconic hooded eyes and pouty expression stare coldly up at the Colossal Titan, who is peeking over the wall. In Eilish’s hand, she holds a “flesh paring,” AOT’s term for a unique sword used by the Scouting Regiment. Finally, at the top of the drawing, Isayama left Eilish a personal message:
“Congratulations on the release of your latest album! To Billie Eilish-san.” – Hajime Isayama
Years ago, Billie Eilish was spotted at her Austin City Limits show wearing an Attack on Titan T-shirt, proving that her love for anime runs deep. What's more, her recent album is a love letter to the Miyazaki animated films that inspired a generation, proving that the impact of Japanese media on America is finally reaching pop music. Thanks to Isayama's tribute to Eilish's latest album with stunning new art, American music artists can be encouraged to take inspiration from anime's best stories, like Spirited Away and Attack on Titan.
Source: Rolling Stone and Apple Music