20 Best Album Covers Of 2021

Album covers don’t exist in a vacuum. The best ones are conceived in relation to the rest of the artist’s discography, furthering an overlapping narrative. Coherence and storytelling are more often more important than stand-alone prettiness.

Happy Billie Eilish is as good a plot twist as they come. Cover-wise, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever seem to be the works of two different singers. It’s dark hues vs. bright light, oversized pyjamas vs. luxurious cardigan, rebel teen dyed hair vs. pretty pop singer blonde coiffure. And yet, the story told by this cover is not one of mere conversion. The subtle tear on her cheek brings an essential element of nuance: despite claiming she’s happier than ever, something of the old, f**ked up Billie that fans identified with remains.

It’s a memorable cover, and one that accompanies a memorable step in her musical evolution.