Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever has become one of her most defining songs since its release in 2021. The emotionally charged track captures the pain and frustration of heartbreak, transitioning from a slow, introspective ballad into a powerful rock anthem. Its impact has resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike, leading to numerous covers by musicians who admire Eilish’s artistry. Among those is the indie rock duo The Kills, who have delivered a soulful, bluesy rendition of the track. Their interpretation adds an entirely new dimension to Eilish’s original, showcasing the song’s versatility across different genres.
The Kills’ Take on “Happier Than Ever”
A Unique Approach to Eilish’s Hit
The Kills’ cover of Happier Than Ever retains the emotional depth of the original but shifts its sonic landscape significantly. Known for their raw, scuzzy rock sound, The Kills bring a stripped-back, bluesy vibe to the song. Alison Mosshart’s smoky vocals blend seamlessly with Jamie Hince’s understated guitar work, creating a haunting atmosphere that feels intimate yet powerful.
While the original version by Eilish gradually builds from soft and reflective to an explosive, electric climax, The Kills take a more consistent approach. Their rendition remains understated throughout, allowing the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine without the need for a loud crescendo. It’s a tribute that reinterprets rather than replicates, offering listeners a new way to experience Happier Than Ever.
| Aspect | Details |
| Initial Performance | Acoustic version performed during Sirius XM session in 2023. |
| Electric Recording | Encouraged by Domino Records; included electric guitar elements; released on the Happier Girls EP. |
| Producer | Paul Epworth, known for his work with The Kills since 2002. |
| EP Release Date | The electric cover featured in the Happier Girls EP, released on a 7″ vinyl and digital formats. |
From Acoustic to Electric
Initially, The Kills performed an acoustic version of Happier Than Ever during a Sirius XM session in 2023. The success of that performance led to encouragement from Domino Records founder Laurence Bell, who suggested they record an electric version. This led to the creation of their cover, which still captures the essence of their acoustic performance but adds subtle layers of electric guitar for a more polished sound.
A Bluesy, Soulful Rendition
The Kills’ version of Happier Than Ever brings a sense of melancholy to the song that contrasts with the anger and intensity of Eilish’s original. Mosshart’s vocals, which are often compared to legends like Patti Smith, lend a gritty, soulful quality to the track. The blues influence is evident in the stripped-down instrumentation and the emotive delivery, making this cover stand out as one of the most unique takes on the song.
How The Kills’ Cover Stands Out
An Emotional Connection with Eilish’s Themes
What makes The Kills’ rendition of Happier Than Ever so compelling is their ability to connect with the emotional core of the song. While Billie Eilish’s version feels like a cathartic release of built-up frustration, The Kills opt for a more restrained approach, emphasizing the sadness and introspection of the lyrics.
A Tribute to Billie’s Songwriting
Mosshart has openly expressed her admiration for Happier Than Ever, noting that she found herself singing the song around the house long before deciding to cover it. The duo’s cover feels like a genuine tribute to Eilish’s songwriting, maintaining the song’s integrity while adding their own artistic touch. It’s a respectful homage that doesn’t overshadow the original but instead complements it.
The Impact of “Happier Than Ever” on the Music Scene
Billie Eilish’s Influence on Modern Rock and Pop
Since its release, Happier Than Ever has had a significant impact on both the pop and rock music scenes. The song’s genre-blending nature, with its seamless transition from soft ballad to rock anthem, has inspired numerous artists to experiment with similar dynamics in their music. Eilish’s influence can be heard in the way contemporary artists approach songwriting, production, and vocal performance.
| Aspect | Impact |
| Influence on Pop | Inspired pop artists to experiment with blending genres and emotional depth. |
| Influence on Rock | Encouraged rock bands to explore softer, introspective elements in their music. |
| Cover Versions | Led to diverse interpretations, showcasing the song’s versatility and emotional range across genres. |
| Critical Acclaim | Praised for its innovative blend of genres and its raw, emotional honesty; recognized in numerous reviews. |
The fact that The Kills, a prominent indie rock band, chose to cover the song speaks to its crossover appeal. It’s a testament to how Happier Than Ever resonates with musicians from various genres, from pop to alternative rock, and beyond.
Why Artists Are Drawn to Covering Happier Than Ever
What makes Happier Than Ever particularly engaging is its profound emotional depth. The song taps into universal feelings of betrayal, anger, and sadness, making it an ideal choice for artists who want to explore these themes in their own style. The Kills, Rina Sawayama, and Black Country, New Road have all covered the song, each bringing something unique to their versions while staying true to its emotional core.
Comparisons to Other Covers
Rina Sawayama’s Version
Rina Sawayama’s cover of Happier Than Ever also takes the song in a different direction, leaning more into the rock elements of the original. Her powerful vocals and dynamic range create a rendition that feels more explosive than The Kills’ subdued take, yet both covers capture different aspects of the same song. While Sawayama emphasizes the intensity and catharsis, The Kills focus on the quiet pain underlying the lyrics.
| Artist | Style | Key Features |
| Billie Eilish | Original | Emotional buildup from ballad to rock anthem; dynamic vocal range; powerful climax. |
| The Kills | Bluesy Rock | Stripped-back instrumentation; soulful, bluesy vocals; restrained emotional delivery. |
| Rina Sawayama | Rock | Explosive and dynamic; powerful vocals; emphasizes the intensity of the original. |
| Black Country, New Road | Experimental/Avant-Garde | Haunting and atmospheric; blends post-rock influences; avant-garde approach to the song’s structure. |
Black Country, New Road’s Interpretation
Black Country, New Road’s version of Happier Than Ever offers a more experimental take, blending post-rock and indie influences. Their rendition is haunting and atmospheric, pushing the boundaries of the original song’s structure. Compared to both The Kills and Sawayama’s covers, Black Country, New Road’s interpretation feels more avant-garde, yet it still pays homage to the emotional core of Eilish’s songwriting.
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The Future of Happier Than Ever in Music
As more artists continue to cover Happier Than Ever, the song’s legacy as one of Billie Eilish’s most impactful works continues to grow. Each new interpretation adds to its richness, proving that great songs can transcend genres and inspire creativity across the musical spectrum.
For The Kills, their cover represents not only a tribute to Eilish’s artistry but also a continuation of their own evolution as a band. By embracing the challenge of reinterpreting a song as iconic as Happier Than Ever, they’ve proven their ability to adapt and bring something fresh to the table.
Conclusion
The Kills’ interpretation of Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever offers a distinctive and soulful take on the contemporary hit. By taking a more subdued, bluesy approach, they’ve highlighted the emotional depth of the song in a way that complements Eilish’s original while offering listeners a fresh perspective. As more artists continue to be inspired by Happier Than Ever, its influence on the music industry shows no signs of slowing down.
For The Kills, this cover is more than just a tribute—it’s a testament to the power of great songwriting and the endless possibilities that come with reinterpretation.
FAQs
- What sets The Kills’ rendition of Happier Than Ever apart from the original?
The Kills’ version is more bluesy and subdued, focusing on the emotional depth of the lyrics rather than the explosive climax found in Billie Eilish’s original. - What motivated The Kills to create a cover of Happier Than Ever?
Alison Mosshart, the lead singer, was drawn to the song and found herself singing it around the house. The band later decided to record a version for a Sirius XM session, which led to the electric cover. - How does The Kills’ cover compare to other renditions?
While artists like Rina Sawayama and Black Country, New Road offered more dynamic or experimental versions, The Kills opted for a more intimate, blues-infused interpretation. - What is the importance of Happier Than Ever in the context of Billie Eilish’s professional journey?
Happier Than Ever has become one of Billie Eilish’s most iconic tracks, showcasing her growth as an artist and her ability to blend genres like pop and rock seamlessly. - Will The Kills perform Happier Than Ever on their upcoming tour?
The Kills are expected to perform their rendition of Happier Than Ever during their fall tour, including shows in Jackson, Mississippi, and New Orleans.
