Billie Eilish’s breezy pop anthem, “Birds of a Feather,” has soared to the top of Spotify’s charts as the platform’s most streamed song of 2024, amassing a staggering 1.775 billion streams. The track, featured on her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft, showcases her signature introspective lyricism and innovative production, created in collaboration with her brother and longtime creative partner, Finneas.
The song not only captured hearts worldwide but also dominated industry accolades. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has held the top position on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart for 21 weeks. At the upcoming Grammy Awards on February 2, “Birds of a Feather” is vying for three prestigious honors: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance.
A Grammy Favorite
Eilish’s album Hit Me Hard and Soft is also a Grammy heavyweight, with nominations for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Its lead single, “Lunch,” is up for Best Music Video, while “L’Amour de Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Version]” earned a nod for Best Pop Dance Recording. These nominations solidify Eilish’s position as a generational talent. To date, she’s garnered 32 Grammy nominations and won nine, including two each for Song and Record of the Year.
Finneas, Eilish’s brother and collaborator, continues to be a powerhouse in his own right. At just 27, he’s won 10 Grammys from 17 nominations and remains the youngest recipient of Producer of the Year, an honor he claimed at 22. His recent work includes composing the score for the Apple TV+ series Disclaimer, an experience he credits for influencing the orchestral elements on Eilish’s latest album.
Behind the Making of “Birds of a Feather”
In a behind-the-scenes video on Eilish’s YouTube channel, Finneas elaborated on the creative process behind “Birds of a Feather.” “There’s a lot of songs about dying for somebody and loving them until they die, and I thought it was really fun to lean in,” he explained. The track’s layered harmonies and poignant lyrics reflect the duo’s commitment to pushing boundaries while staying authentic to their artistic voice.
Inspirations and Orchestral Ambitions
Discussing the album’s inspirations, Finneas cited Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road as key references. “They have these motifs that return,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “It was something we’d wanted to do, but I credit [Disclaimer] for giving me the learned experience of how to do it.” The intricate string overtures on Hit Me Hard and Soft exemplify this ambition, adding depth and cohesion to the album’s narrative.
As 2024 winds down, “Birds of a Feather” stands as a testament to Billie Eilish’s evolution as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. With Grammy night fast approaching, all eyes are on the young star and her magnetic creations.
