Billie Eilish's track “Birds of a Feather” has achieved an impressive milestone by becoming Spotify's most-streamed song of 2024. Initially, the track was in third place according to last year’s Spotify Wrapped statistics, but as the year closed, it climbed to the top. By the end of December 2024, “Birds of a Feather” had amassed approximately 1.781 billion streams, surpassing Sabrina Carpenter's “Espresso,” which trailed by a narrow margin with 1.778 billion streams. The song's ascension is a testament to Eilish's global appeal and the impact of her third studio album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.”
The rise of “Birds of a Feather” was remarkable considering it competed against significant hits from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Benson Boone. While Eilish’s track reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured similar rankings in the UK singles chart, it consistently outperformed within the year, demonstrating its staying power and broad listener appeal. Furthermore, the song's success was amplified with a visionary music video directed by Aidan Zamiri, adding a visual layer that likely contributed to its streaming numbers.
Eilish's achievement with “Birds of a Feather” could be attributed to its accessible melody and the universal themes expressed in the lyrics. Co-written with her brother and frequent collaborator, Finneas, the song explores profound emotional connections, a theme that resonates widely across her fan base. The track also enjoys further acclaim with nominations for significant awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the upcoming Grammy Awards. This recognition highlights not just the popularity of the track, but its critical reception as well.
The strategic release and promotion of “Birds of a Feather” played a crucial role in its success. Eilish released the track as part of her highly anticipated album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” which itself debuted strongly on music charts. The album's successful rollout was complemented by Eilish’s ongoing tour, which included sold-out shows in major cities like Los Angeles. Notably, performances on platforms such as “Saturday Night Live” helped maintain its momentum towards the latter part of the year. Thus, the song's rise in Spotify’s charts was not merely a stroke of luck but a well-orchestrated sequence of strategic decisions and creative outputs.
It's essential to note that the cultural impact of “Birds of a Feather” extends beyond mere streaming numbers. This track epitomizes Eilish’s growth as an artist and her ability to create music that is both commercially viable and emotionally compelling. Amidst the crowded music scene, Eilish has managed to carve out a unique niche that allows her to stand out. As the artist prepares to continue her tour with upcoming concerts in Australia and Europe, the momentum from “Birds of a Feather” undoubtedly positions her advantageously for further achievements both on stage and in streaming platforms.
Key Takeaways
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www.billboard.com | Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather' became Spotify's most-streamed song of 2024 with over 1.78 billion streams.
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www.billboard.com | 'Birds of a Feather' peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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www.nme.com | Billie Eilish's track 'Birds of a Feather' outperformed Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' in final 2024 Spotify counts.
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www.billboard.com | Billie Eilish concluded her North American tour and announced dates for future shows in Australia and Europe in 2025.
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hypebeast.com | Interscope Records reported that 'Birds of a Feather' overtook 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter as Spotify’s top song of the year in late 2024.