Pop sensation Billie Eilish released her single “What Was I Made For?” on July 13th, as part of Barbie: The Album, a star-studded soundtrack to accompany the Barbie movie. The feature-length film, directed by Greta Gerwig, and its soundtrack album will premiere in full on July 21st.
“What Was I Made For?” is a stark contrast in sound from the many other singles that have dropped from Barbie: The Album. The six other Barbie singles have all been very upbeat and happy, ranging from Charli XCX’s electropop “Speed Drive” to Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj’s drill beat sampling Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.”
Eilish crafted an emotive, piano-driven track that contemplates her purpose beside references to being an actual Barbie toy. “Looked so alive, turns out I’m not real / Just somethin’ you paid for,” she sings. The song is partnered with a self-directed music video that portrays Eilish attempting to unpack a small case of Barbie-sized clothing through numerous natural roadblocks, such as wind and downpouring rain.
The Barbie soundtrack album, executively produced by Mark Ronson, contained two secret tracks upon first announcement of the tracklist on May 25th. Of the two hidden features, one would be revealed to be Eilish, while the other would be Sam Smith. On July 6th, Eilish announced her involvement via an Instagram post. “What Was I Made For?” was produced by Andrew Wyatt, Mark Ronson, and her brother FINNEAS, who also co-wrote the song.
Barbie: The Album, with tracks from Tame Impala, HAIM, Dominic Fike, and more yet to be heard, will be released in full on July 21st along with its parent movie. Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” is available now to stream here.