Male Fantasy
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Male Fantasy
| type = single
| cover = Billie Eilish - Male Fantasy (Official Live Performance).jpg
| alt = Cover art for the official live performance of "Male Fantasy": Billie Eilish on a hotel room bed, with a microphone stand next to her. Above her is the song title, written in blue and in a cursive font.
| caption = "Official Live Performance" cover
| artist = Billie Eilish
| album = Happier Than Ever
| released = December 6, 2021
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Folk
| length = 3:14
| label =
- Darkroom
- Interscope
| writer =
- Billie Eilish
- Finneas O'Connell
| producer = Finneas
| prev_title = Happier Than Ever
| prev_year = 2021
| next_title = TV
| next_title2 = The 30th
| next_year = 2022
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|G_BhUxx-cwk|"Male Fantasy"}}}}
}}
"Male Fantasy" is a song by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, included as the closing track on her second studio album Happier Than Ever (2021). A country-tinged, folk ballad about a break-up, it was written by Eilish and its producer, her brother Finneas O'Connell. In the verses, the narrator attempts to watch pornography to distract herself from her problems, and she criticizes how its standards around beauty and sexuality negatively affect people. She fantasizes about her past lover in the chorus, admitting that she can never hate them no matter how hard she forces herself to do so.
"Male Fantasy" was one of the last songs written for Happier Than Ever, and Eilish selected it as the album's concluding track since she considered the song reminiscent of closing credits. It was released as the seventh and last single from the album on December 6, 2021. The song received praise from music critics, who complimented it for the simplistic arrangement and inventive lyrics, and became a fan favorite. "Male Fantasy" was Happier Than Ever{{'}}s least commercially successful single, with low peaks on national charts in Australia (59), Canada (62), and Portugal (80). In the United States, the song failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, only entering the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at second place.
Eilish directed and edited the music video for "Male Fantasy", which premiered the same day as its release. The video features several jump cuts and a predominantly light blue color scheme; in it, Eilish wanders around a claustrophobic house alone. She performed the song as part of a Vevo Live video series on YouTube, singing it while on a golden bed in an Old Hollywood-esque hotel, and a mashup for Saturday Night Live alongside Happier Than Ever{{'}}s title track. Eilish included the song in the set lists of a 2021 concert film and a 2022–2023 world tour in support of the album.
Background and release
File:Wurlitzer Electronic Piano 200A, Museum of Making Music.jpg used Wurlitzer electronic piano (pictured) in the song's instrumentation.]]
"Male Fantasy" was written by Eilish and Finneas O'Connell,{{Cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-monsta-x-tierra-whack-and-more-best-new-music|title=Billie Eilish, MONSTA X, Tierra Whack, and More Best New Music|work=Teen Vogue|first=Jazmine|last=Denise|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211024008/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-monsta-x-tierra-whack-and-more-best-new-music|url-status=live}} with the latter serving as the track's producer.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-12-12/billie-eilish-snl-monologue-sketch-host|title=Billie Eilish lives out her acting dreams as host and musical guest of 'SNL'|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Christi|last=Carras|date=December 12, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2021|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213032444/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-12-12/billie-eilish-snl-monologue-sketch-host|url-status=live}} O'Connell also instrumented the track with an acoustic guitar, synthesizer, and Wurlitzer electronic piano.{{cite AV media notes|title=Happier Than Ever|others=Billie Eilish|year=2021|publisher=Interscope Records}} The idea for the song was formed by the singer after she had a conversation about how "stupid and unrealistic" pornography is. She saw this topic as a "good idea" for a song, hence it is "uncomfortable" to discuss and can "make you feel violated and good at the same time". In an interview with i-D, Eilish opened up that she usually writes about her past, since it is easier for her than setting lyrics of current events. However, Eilish admitted that the process was "hard and satisfying and revealing and exposing and also incredibly cathartic too",{{cite web|url=https://i-d.co/article/billie-eilish-stormzy-interview/|title=Billie Eilish interviewed by Stormzy|work=i-D|date=September 7, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907161651/https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/qj85y3/billie-eilish-stormzy-interview|archive-date=September 7, 2021}} whereas the song "pretty much wrote itself".{{Cite magazine|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=June 9, 2021|title=Billie Eilish Describes the 'Crazy Process' of Recording 'Happier Than Ever' Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-talks-recording-happier-than-ever-album-9598782/|access-date=December 7, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731203053/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9598782/billie-eilish-talks-recording-happier-than-ever-album/|url-status=live}}
In early February 2021, the song was not considered to be included on Happier Than Ever, with the title track concluding the track listing.{{Cite web|date=August 10, 2021|title=Stories: @billieeilish (Anonymous profile view)|trans-title=Q&A session for Happier Than Ever|url=https://insta-stories.online/billieeilish|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210810171327/https://insta-stories.online/billieeilish|archive-date=August 10, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|via=Instagram Stories}} However, after "Male Fantasy" was written, the singer said that it "felt better to close it with that", since the track "felt like credits".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_18xpepmbcE|title=Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever (Track By Track)|via=YouTube|publisher=Disney+|date=October 18, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=October 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029100319/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_18xpepmbcE&feature=youtu.be}} Additionally, Eilish did not want to end the album on an "angry note", expressing that "nothing should end on a bad note".{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-ranked-9608324/|title=Every Song Ranked on Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever': Critic's List|magazine=Billboard|first=Hannah|last=Dailey|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731231306/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/list/9608324/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-ranked|url-status=live}} The singer also enclosed that the song is one of her favorite album tracks, and as a result of her synesthesia, she finds it to be represented by a light blue color. The song was picked as the seventh single promoting the album on December 6, 2021.{{refn|Sources stating that "Male Fantasy" is a single: Teen Vogue, Rolling Stone UK,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/billie-eilish-share-new-video-male-fantasy-7535/|title=Billie Eilish shares melancholic video for 'Male Fantasy{{'}}|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Grace|last=Almond|date=December 7, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2022|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207110513/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/billie-eilish-share-new-video-male-fantasy-7535/|url-status=live}} Dazed,{{Cite web|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/55029/1/billie-eilish-is-already-working-on-her-third-album-says-finneas|title=No rest for the wicked: Billie Eilish is already working on her third album|work=Dazed|first=Brit|last=Dawson|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211024008/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/55029/1/billie-eilish-is-already-working-on-her-third-album-says-finneas|url-status=live}} NME,{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/billie-eilish-has-already-started-writing-her-third-album-with-brother-finneas-3115539|title=Billie Eilish has already started writing her third album with brother Finneas|work=NME|first=Matt|last=Doria|date=December 10, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211024008/https://www.nme.com/news/music/billie-eilish-has-already-started-writing-her-third-album-with-brother-finneas-3115539|url-status=live}} and Billboard.{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-billie-bossa-nova-acoustic-watch-1235013154/|title=Billie Eilish Delivers Sultry Acoustic Performance of 'Billie Bossa Nova': Watch|magazine=Billboard|first=Glenn|last=Rowley|date=December 20, 2021|access-date=December 25, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=December 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224071410/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-billie-bossa-nova-acoustic-watch-1235013154/}}}}
Music and lyrics
Musically, "Male Fantasy" is an acoustic, country-flavored, guitar-driven folk break-up ballad.{{refn|
- Sources labeling "Male Fantasy" as an acoustic song: MTV,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3179474/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-mood-music/|title=Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever Has A Song For Every Mood|work=MTV|first=Athena|last=Serrano|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730233512/http://www.mtv.com/news/3179474/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-mood-music/|url-status=dead}} The New York Times{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/arts/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review.html|title=Billie Eilish's Uneasy View From the Top|website=The New York Times|first=Lindsay|last=Zoladz|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805074508/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/arts/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}} and Vulture{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/12/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-music-video.html|title=Billie Eilish's 'Male Fantasy' Involves a Drab House and a Lot of Jump Cuts|work=Vulture|first=Justin|last=Curto|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206200732/https://www.vulture.com/2021/12/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-music-video.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited}}
- Sources stating that "Male Fantasy" contains elements of country: Contactmusic.com,{{Cite web|date=July 30, 2021|title=Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever Album Review|url=https://www.contactmusic.com/billie-eilish/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-album-review|url-status=live|access-date=December 7, 2021|website=Contactmusic.com|archive-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910170125/https://www.contactmusic.com/billie-eilish/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-album-review}} The Independent,{{Cite web|last=Pollard|first=Alexandra|date=July 30, 2021|title=Despite the perky title, the darkness still remains on Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever – review|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-album-b1893683.html|url-status=live|access-date=December 7, 2021|website=The Independent|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730102953/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-album-b1893683.html}} and Rolling Stone{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-billie-eilish-songs-1289703/male-fantasy-1289819/|title=The 20 Best Billie Eilish Songs|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Rob|last=Sheffield|author-link=Rob Sheffield|date=January 31, 2022|access-date=February 4, 2022}}
- Sources stating that "Male Fantasy" is backed-up by guitar chords: Billboard,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video-preview-1235005979/|title=Billie Eilish Shares Somber Teaser for Self-Directed 'Male Fantasy' Video: Watch|magazine=Billboard|first=Mitchell|last=Peters|date=December 5, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206164709/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video-preview-1235005979/|url-status=live}} Rolling Stone, and Pure Charts{{Cite web|url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Billie-Eilish/news-119645.html|title=Clip 'Male Fantasy': Billie Eilish en pleine crise de solitude|work=Pure Charts in France|language=fr|first=Yohann|last=Ruelle|date=December 8, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211024009/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Billie-Eilish/news-119645.html|url-status=live}}
- Sources labeling "Male Fantasy" as a folk song: Pitchfork{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/5-takeaways-from-billie-eilishs-new-album-happier-than-ever/|title=5 Takeaways From Billie Eilish's New Album, Happier Than Ever|website=Pitchfork|first=Cat|last=Zhang|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731021232/https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/5-takeaways-from-billie-eilishs-new-album-happier-than-ever/|url-status=live}} and Rolling Stone{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-music-video-1267444/|title=Billie Eilish Wanders Through 'Male Fantasy' Music Video|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Larisha|first=Paul|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206225109/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-music-video-1267444/|url-status=live}}
- Source labeling "Male Fantasy" as a break-up song: Vulture
- Sources labeling "Male Fantasy" as a ballad: MTV, The New York Times, Vulture, Billboard, Pure Charts, The A.V. Club,{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/happier-than-ever-is-mostly-a-great-billie-eilish-album-1847417387|title=Happier Than Ever is mostly a great Billie Eilish album|website=The A.V. Club|first=Alex|last=McLevy|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=August 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804184920/https://www.avclub.com/happier-than-ever-is-mostly-a-great-billie-eilish-album-1847417387|url-status=live}} The News International,{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/914608-billie-eilish-teases-first-ever-somber-direction-to-upcoming-male-fantasy-video|title=Billie Eilish teases first-ever somber direction to upcoming 'Male Fantasy' video|website=The News International|date=December 7, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206221153/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/914608-billie-eilish-teases-first-ever-somber-direction-to-upcoming-male-fantasy-video|url-status=live}} Static Media,{{cite web|url=https://www.thelist.com/475672/heres-what-billie-eilishs-male-fantasy-really-means/|title=Here's What Billie Eilish's Male Fantasy Really Means|website=The List|first=Preston|last=Smith|date=August 1, 2021|access-date=December 20, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220111533/https://www.thelist.com/475672/heres-what-billie-eilishs-male-fantasy-really-means/}} Entertainment Weekly,{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/recaps/saturday-night-live-season-47-episode-8/|title=Saturday Night Live recap: Billie Eilish is the latest guest to pull double duty|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Andy|last=Hoglund|date=December 12, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-date=December 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220223809/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/saturday-night-live-season-47-episode-8/}} and Uproxx{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/billie-eilish-best-songs-ranked-list/|title=Every Billie Eilish Song, Ranked|website=Uproxx|first=Rachel|last=Brodsky|date=September 29, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2022}}}} According to the sheet music published by Universal Music Publishing Group, the track has been composed in D major key. It is set in the time signature of {{Time signature|4|4}} with a tempo of 108 to 112 beats per minute.{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0238802|title=Billie Eilish 'Male Fantasy' Sheet Music in D Major|date=August 2, 2021|website=Musicnotes.com|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205235322/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0238802|url-status=live}} Eilish is heard singing in her higher register,{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2021/07/billie-eilish-s-happier-ever-details-darker-side-fame|title=Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever details the darker side of fame|work=New Statesman|first=Ellen|last=Peirson-Hagger|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730114053/https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2021/07/billie-eilish-s-happier-ever-details-darker-side-fame|archive-date=July 30, 2021}} with her vocals spanning from B3 to D5. The singer is depicted as heartbroken on the track, trying to distract herself with pornography.{{Cite web|url=https://thefortyfive.com/opinion/the-10-darkest-lyrics-in-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever/|title=The 10 darkest lyrics in Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever'|work=The Forty-Five|first=Emma|last=Holbrook|date=August 8, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809012832/https://thefortyfive.com/opinion/the-10-darkest-lyrics-in-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever/|archive-date=August 9, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-lyrics-easter-eggs-details-2021-8#male-fantasy-explores-themes-of-voyeurism-performance-and-delusion-16|title=Every detail and Easter egg you may have missed on Billie Eilish's new album 'Happier Than Ever'|website=Insider|first=Callie|last=Ahlgrim|date=August 5, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814213126/https://www.insider.com/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-lyrics-easter-eggs-details-2021-8#nda-contains-several-references-to-other-songs-on-the-album-13|url-status=live}} Afterwards, she uses the song's first verse to criticize how pornography affects youth and beauty standards,{{Cite web|last=Nguyen|first=Giselle Au-Nhien|date=July 30, 2021|title=Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever a harrowing but revealing experience|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/billie-eilish-s-happier-than-ever-a-harrowing-but-revealing-experience-20210728-p58dt0.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730074526/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/billie-eilish-s-happier-than-ever-a-harrowing-but-revealing-experience-20210728-p58dt0.html|archive-date=July 30, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}{{Cite web|url=https://ourculturemag.com/2021/08/02/album-review-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever/|title=Album Review: Billie Eilish, 'Happier Than Ever'|website=Our Culture Mag|first=Konstantinos|last=Pappis|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803014616/https://ourculturemag.com/2021/08/02/album-review-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2021/07/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review.html|title=Billie Eilish's Second Album Has Strong Words for Her Critics|work=Slate|first=Carl|last=Wilson|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730155626/https://slate.com/culture/2021/07/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review.html|url-status=live}} and additionally utilizes the concept present honesty and facade in relationships.{{Cite magazine|author-link=Rob Sheffield|first=Rob|last=Sheffield|date=August 2, 2021|title=Billie Eilish Refuses to Stand Still Musically on the Heroically Honest 'Happier Than Ever'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-1206060/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806083445/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-1206060/|archive-date=August 6, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone}} After singing: "I know I should, but I could never hate you"; Eilish asks "Want me to sing in here?", which according to Slant Magazine{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani, symbolizes "perhaps unintentionally, [the singer's] struggle to assert her own agency."{{Cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-album-review/|title=Review: Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever Is a Thoughtful, Confident Statement of Intent|work=Slant Magazine|first=Sal|last=Cinquemani|date=July 29, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729225215/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-album-review/|url-status=live}} She begins the second verse by singing about how she has nothing in common with an old friend.{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-b948393.html|title=Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever review: a unique and transfixing star|work=Evening Standard|first=David|last=Smyth|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730080526/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-b948393.html|url-status=live}} Later, she self-reflects and "further explore[s] her own role in a male dominated entertainment world".{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever|title=Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever|work=Clash|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730121959/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever|url-status=live}}
{{Listen
| filename = Billie Eilish "Male Fantasy".ogg
| pos = left
| title = "Male Fantasy"
| description = A 19-second snippet of "Male Fantasy" where Eilish sings over a simple guitar in the background. The sample presents the second half of the second verse, where the singer seems to nod to one of the previous album tracks, "Everybody Dies".
| format = Ogg
}}
According to Carl Wilson of Slate, even though the song begins on "pondering how the male gaze shapes unrealistic portrayals of women's satisfaction with sex", it is actually about an "equally distracting fantasy about a male, and how he might have been better to her". Pitchfork{{'}}s Cat Zhang made a remark that "Male Fantasy" resembles the style of Phoebe Bridgers's Stranger in the Alps (2017); whilst Konstantinos Pappis from Our Culture Mag said it is "the kind of plaintive acoustic song you could now imagine Clairo singing backing vocals on". In an article published on MTV, Athena Serrano wrote that the track tries to distinguish what is the true love. Writing for MTV Australia, Jackson Langford commented the song is "melancholy and ethereal", describing its production as "muted", similar to the rest of the album.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com.au/news/0kaoup/billie-eilish-song-ranking-bad-guy-happier-than-ever-finneas-oconnell|title=Every Billie Eilish Song Ever, Ranked|publisher=MTV Australia|first=Jackson|last=Langford|date=July 28, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911181816/https://www.mtv.com.au/news/0kaoup/billie-eilish-song-ranking-bad-guy-happier-than-ever-finneas-oconnell|archive-date=September 11, 2021}} Rolling Stone{{'}}s Rob Sheffield added that the singer wonders "how much of her own life is just fantasy" in the song. Rachel Brodsky from Uproxx wrote that the track is about "being kinder to yourself, about letting yourself take the necessary time to heal after a broken heart".
Critical reception
"Male Fantasy" was met with widespread praise from music critics and also became a fan favorite.{{Cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/8/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-live-performance|title=Billie Eilish Delivers an Inviting Live Performance for 'Male Fantasy'|website=Hypebeast|first=Brycen|last=Saunders|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205234709/https://hypebeast.com/2021/8/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-live-performance|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.contactmusic.com/billie-eilish/video/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video|title=Billie Eilish - Male Fantasy Video|website=Contactmusic.com|date=December 8, 2021|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115062727/https://www.contactmusic.com/billie-eilish/video/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video|url-status=live}} Derrick Rossignol of Uproxx said that "Male Fantasy" is one of the more "personal" moments on Happier Than Ever;{{Cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video/|title=Billie Eilish Drops A Gloomy Video For The Vulnerable 'Male Fantasy'|website=Uproxx|first=Derrick|last=Rossingol|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208025556/https://uproxx.com/pop/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video/|url-status=live}} while Robin Murray from Clash described the song as a "subdued finale" with a "bravura lyrical performance (...) sharpened by the minimalist arrangement". According to Pappis, the song is one of the album's "quieter moments", but unlike "Everybody Dies" and "Halley's Commet", he did not call it "half-baked". To the contrary, he dubbed the song as a "notable exception". Neil McCormick from The Daily Telegraph picked the same set of the songs, and opined that they are "drowsy ballads (...) counterbalanced with a fuck-you spikiness that ensures Eilish never comes across as a victim".{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/billie-eilish-happier-ever-review-sad-delicate-defiant-follow/|title=Billie Eilish, Happier Than Ever, review: a sad, delicate, defiant follow-up from the teenage superstar|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Neil|last=McCormick|author-link=Neil McCormick|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729231537/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/billie-eilish-happier-ever-review-sad-delicate-defiant-follow/|url-status=live}} Writing for Beats Per Minute, Tim Sentz commented that "Male Fantasy" is a "perfect example of how Eilish can be both naïve and wise beyond her years at once; something that is displayed repeatedly over the course of the album".{{cite web|url=https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever/|title=Album Review: Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever|work=Beats Per Minute|first=Tim|last=Sentz|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825221902/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever/|url-status=live}} Mary Siroky from Consequence opined that the song is "fearless" and a "despondent meditation on heartbreak and modern womanhood".{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2021/07/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review/|title=Billie Eilish Is Happier Than Ever: How the Brutally Honest, Introspective Album Proves She's Here to Stay|work=Consequence|first=Mary|last=Siroky|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730173557/https://consequence.net/2021/07/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review/|url-status=live}}
Charles Holmes of The Ringer called "Male Fantasy" his favorite album cut, and mentioned his wish that "all of Happier Than Ever was this stripped down".{{Cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2021/7/30/22602236/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-exit-survey-instant-reactions|title=The Billie Eilish 'Happier Than Ever' Exit Survey|website=The Ringer|first1=Kate|last1=Halliwell|first2=Justin|last2=Sayles|first3=Alyssa|last3=Bereznak|first4=Lani|last4=Renaldo|first5=Lani|last5=Renaldo|first6=Katie|last6=Baker|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=January 30, 2022|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730192650/https://www.theringer.com/music/2021/7/30/22602236/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-exit-survey-instant-reactions|url-status=live}} Brenton Blanchet of Complex labeled the song as an "album standout".{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video|title=Billie Eilish Shares Emotional Self-Directed 'Male Fantasy' Video|work=Complex|first=Brenton|last=Blanchet|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206220831/https://www.complex.com/music/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video|url-status=live}} The placement of the song within the album has been discussed by critics, with The A.V. Club{{'}}s Alex McLevy and Young Hollywood's Rebecca Breitfeller being fond of it; the former noted a "masterful closer", while the latter described it as a "beautiful song".{{cite web|url=https://younghollywood.com/scene/track-by-track-billie-eilish-s-happier-than-ever.html|title=Track by track: Billie Eilish 'Happier Than Ever'|agency=Young Hollywood|first=Rebecca|last=Breitfeller|date=August 5, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805204357/https://younghollywood.com/scene/track-by-track-billie-eilish-s-happier-than-ever.html|archive-date=August 5, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021}} The staff of Chorus.fm was divided on the placement of "Male Fantasy", with Garrett Lemons keen of it, whereas Aaron Mook and Adam Grundy felt like it was an "odd" choice to conclude the project.{{cite web|url=https://chorus.fm/features/the-metamorphosis-of-billie-eilish-from-bedroom-pop-to-global-phenomenon/|title=The Metamorphosis Of Billie Eilish: From Bedroom Pop To Global Phenomenon|publisher=Chorus.fm|first=Adam|last=Grundy|date=August 5, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121212030/https://chorus.fm/features/the-metamorphosis-of-billie-eilish-from-bedroom-pop-to-global-phenomenon/|url-status=live}} Callie Ahlgrim and Courteney Larocca of Insider understood and liked the singer's intentions with the track, but stated that "Happier Than Ever" would be a better way to end the album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.insider.com/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-tracklist-breakdown-2021-7|title=Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever' doesn't live up to the brilliance of its title track|website=Insider|first1=Callie|last1=Ahlgrim|first2=Courteney|last2=Larocca|date=August 1, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021}} In NME{{'}}s review of Happier Than Ever, El Hunt singled out "Male Fantasy" as a track that "wittily picks apart the stilted dialogue and near-instant orgasms of a certain type of pornography".{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-3006594|title=Billie Eilish – 'Happier Than Ever' review: an artist secures her status as a generational great|work=NME|first=El|last=Hunt|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814221947/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-review-3006594|url-status=live}}
=Lists=
On a Rolling Stone-published list of Eilish's best songs, "Male Fantasy" claimed 20th place, with Sheffield commenting that the song "sneaks up and destroys you emotionally". Sophie Walker of the Forty-Five placed the song at the 21st position on her list of the singer's best-worst cuts, writing: "Picking apart the way she's both defiant against and yet entrapped by men and what they want, 'Male Fantasy' is the only moment Billie waves the white flag and learns to let go on Happier Than Ever."{{cite web|url=https://thefortyfive.com/opinion/billie-eilish-songs-ranked-best-to-worst/|title=Every Billie Eilish song ranked from best to worst|work=The Forty-Five|first=Sophie|last=Walker|date=October 6, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2022}} On a ranking of the artist's cuts composed by Langford, the track was placed at number 23, with him commenting that it is "heartbreaking, but not exactly groundbreaking". "Male Fantasy" appeared at number 26 of the list of Eilish's worst to best tracks published by Brodsky, where she praised the song, hence it proves that the artist can sing.
Hannah Dailey made her ranking of Happier Than Ever tracks for Billboard, where she put the single at number four, concluding that even though it is "slightly alarming" to hear someone as young as Eilish touch on subject of pornography in the lyrics, the track "delivers a poignant snapshot of Eilish's mindset once you get past that first mild jolt of shock factor". Writing for USA Today, Charles Trepany called "Male Fantasy" the third best song of the album, saying that the song's instrumentation is "simple", whilst its "inventive" lyrics made him place the track on the ranking.{{Cite web|url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/07/30/billie-eilish-drops-happier-than-ever-here-5-best-songs/5425227001/|title=Billie Eilish's new studio album 'Happier Than Ever' has arrived: Here are the top 5 songs|work=USA Today|first=Charles|last=Trepany|date=July 30, 2021|access-date=February 4, 2022}}
Commercial performance
"Male Fantasy" failed to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number two on Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. Additionally, the track managed to debut on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart at number 20, making it Eilish's 15th top 20 entry on the chart. In Canada, the song logged number 62, whereas on Billboard-published global surveys, the single managed to peak at number 81 on the Global 200, while peaking at 125 position on the list excluding the United States.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/billie-eilish/chart-history/glx/|title=Billie Eilish Chart History (Global 200 Excl. US)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 4, 2022}} Elsewhere, the track charted on Australian and Portuguese national charts, at numbers 59 and 80, respectively. Additionally, "Male Fantasy" was placed at number 91 on the UK Streaming Chart and number 9 on the Sweden Heatseeker chart.
Music video
=Background and synopsis=
File:Billie Eilish Male Fantasy music video.gif features many jump cuts. Consequence writer Wren Graves suggested that they "might be an illustration of the effects of depression on memory".{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2021/12/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video-watch/|title=Billie Eilish Unveils New Video for 'Male Fantasy': Watch|work=Consequence|first=Wren|last=Graves|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207022424/https://consequence.net/2021/12/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-video-watch/|url-status=live}}]]
A music video of "Male Fantasy" was announced by Eilish on December 5, 2021, with a 16-second preview, creating excitement amongst the artist's fans.{{Cite web|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billie-eilish-reveals-self-directed-music-video-for-male-fantasy/|title=Billie Eilish reveals self-directed music video for 'Male Fantasy'|work=Far Out Magazine|first=Tom|last=Taylor|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208025555/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billie-eilish-reveals-self-directed-music-video-for-male-fantasy/|url-status=live}} It premiered on YouTube the following day at 9 AM Pacific Time.{{cite web|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billie-eilish-video-for-male-fantasy/|title=Billie Eilish launches video for 'Male Fantasy'|work=Far Out Magazine|first=Tom|last=Taylor|date=December 7, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207102426/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billie-eilish-video-for-male-fantasy/|url-status=live}} The video was directed and edited by Eilish.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-billie-eilish-new-video-for-male-fantasy/|title=Watch Billie Eilish's New Video for 'Male Fantasy'|work=Pitchfork|first=Madison|last=Bloom|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206174751/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-billie-eilish-new-video-for-male-fantasy/}} On her Instagram account, she wrote that the visual was "one of [her] first videos to edit all alone" and described this experience as a "fun task" and "such a joy".{{Cite web|url=https://www.americantop40.com/content/2021-12-06-billie-eilish-takes-exciting-step-in-her-career-with-male-fantasy-video/|title=Billie Eilish Takes Exciting Step In Her Career With 'Male Fantasy' Video|work=American Top 40|first=Emily|last=Lee|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207015428/https://www.americantop40.com/content/2021-12-06-billie-eilish-takes-exciting-step-in-her-career-with-male-fantasy-video/|url-status=live}} It is the sixth visual from the Happier Than Ever era that she directed.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/billie-eilish-teases-self-directed-music-video-for-male-fantasy-3111569|title=Billie Eilish shares heartbreaking music video for 'Male Fantasy'|work=NME|first=Jakson|last=Langford|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207023317/https://www.nme.com/news/music/billie-eilish-teases-self-directed-music-video-for-male-fantasy-3111569|url-status=live}}
The video is based around many jump cuts, and it is set in a light blue filter,{{Cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/844859/billie-eilish-gets-contemplative-in-male-fantasy-music-video/|title=Billie Eilish Gets Contemplative In 'Male Fantasy' Music Video|work=Entertainment Tonight Canada|first=Anita|last=Tai|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206223628/https://etcanada.com/news/844859/billie-eilish-gets-contemplative-in-male-fantasy-music-video/|url-status=dead}} which is the color that "Male Fantasy" represents for the singer. The visual features Eilish wandering alone in dimly lit house, nodding to the song's opening verse. In the clip, the singer is depicted as depressed and trying to cope with a broken heart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2021/12/billie-eilish-male-fantasy/|title=Billie Eilish Copes With Heartbreak In New 'Male Fantasy' Video|work=Spin|first=Marisa|last=Whitaker|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206214539/https://www.spin.com/2021/12/billie-eilish-male-fantasy/|url-status=live}} The clip starts with Eilish looking at her reflection in the mirror, and later she is seen staring at the TV screen. In the following scene, the artist "uncomfortably" rolls around in bed. Next, the singer eats alone, lying in the kitchen, and sitting on the bathroom floor. After that, Eilish checks up on the fridge. She is also contemplating, and wandering around the house. The music video ends with the singer looking again in the bathroom mirror, but this time with curtains drawn. Many of the scenes are repeated during the visual, only differing in the positions made by Eilish.
=Reception=
The video was called "emotional" by Brenton Blanchet from Complex; whilst in articles published on Entertainment Weekly, The Fader, and Uproxx, it was described as "gloomy".{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/12/06/billie-eilish-shares-male-fantasy-video|title=Billie Eilish shares 'Male Fantasy' video|work=The Fader|first=Raphael|last=Helfand|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206213845/https://www.thefader.com/2021/12/06/billie-eilish-shares-male-fantasy-video|url-status=live}} BroadwayWorld's Michael Major labelled the visual as "powerful";{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/VIDEO-Billie-Eilish-Releases-Self-Directed-Male-Fantasy-Music-Video-20211206|title=Video:Billie Eilish Releases Self Directed 'Male Fantasy' Music Video|work=Broadway World|first=Michael|last=Major|date=December 6, 2021|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207015426/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/VIDEO-Billie-Eilish-Releases-Self-Directed-Male-Fantasy-Music-Video-20211206|url-status=live}} whereas it was named "somber" by Mitchell Peters of Billboard and Web Desk from The News International. In a separate article, Peters also called the video "heartbreaking".{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-snl-performances-video-1235008427/|title=Billie Eilish Performs 'Happier Than Ever' & 'Male Fantasy' on 'Saturday Night Live': Watch|magazine=Billboard|first=Mitchell|last=Peters|date=December 12, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102004210/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-snl-performances-video-1235008427/|url-status=live}} For Rolling Stone, Paul Larisha wrote "[Eilish's] wandering moves in tandem with the song's melodic progression, filling out a whole day inside with nothingness and melancholic lingering." The house in the clip was described as "claustrophobic" by The Fader{{'}}s Raphael Helfand. Tom Taylor from Far Out Magazine said that the video is a "relatable display of dealing with depression, trauma or a breakup". The visual received 2.1 million views on YouTube in the first day of publication.
Live performances
File:Los Angeles, California (September 8, 2022) - 002.jpg, chosen to evoke a subtle Old Hollywood aesthetic.]]
On August 4, 2021, Eilish published a Vevo Live performance of "Male Fantasy" on her YouTube channel.{{Cite web|url=https://ourculturemag.com/2021/08/04/watch-billie-eilishs-new-live-performance-video-for-male-fantasy/|title=Watch Billie Eilish's New Live Performance Video for 'Male Fantasy'|work=Our Culture Mag|first=Konstantinos|last=Pappis|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205211313/https://ourculturemag.com/2021/08/04/watch-billie-eilishs-new-live-performance-video-for-male-fantasy/|url-status=live}} The video was directed by Kyle Goldberg and shot on 35 mm movie film.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-vevo-1207131/|title=Watch Billie Eilish's Intimate Live Performance of 'Male Fantasy'|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Emily|last=Zemler|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live|url-access=registration|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027110541/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-vevo-1207131/}} Wearing a white cutout sweater,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-vevo-live-performance-9609844/|title=Billie Eilish Brings 'Male Fantasy' to the Bedroom for Vevo Live Performance: Watch|magazine=Billboard|first=Heran|last=Mamo|date=August 3, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205235357/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/billie-eilish-male-fantasy-vevo-live-performance-9609844/|url-status=live}} the singer is sitting on a golden satin bed in an "amber-colored" mahogany hotel bedroom,{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-billie-eilishs-live-performance-clip-for-male-fantasy-3010566|title=Watch Billie Eilish's live performance clip for 'Male Fantasy{{'}}|work=NME|first=Daniel|last=Peters|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102004217/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-billie-eilishs-live-performance-clip-for-male-fantasy-3010566|url-status=live}} while Finneas is featured on the other side of the room, playing white acoustic guitar in a cabinet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/53732/1/billie-eilish-performs-a-tender-live-rendition-of-male-fantasy-happier-than-ever|title=Billie Eilish performs a tender rendition of 'Male Fantasy' on a golden bed|work=Dazed|first=Brit|last=Dawson|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206000205/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/53732/1/billie-eilish-performs-a-tender-live-rendition-of-male-fantasy-happier-than-ever|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/watch-billie-eilish-releases-intimate-live-performance-of-male-fantasy-22864734|title=Watch: Billie Eilish releases intimate live performance of 'Male Fantasy'|work=Hot Press|first=Meryl|last=Prendergast|date=August 4, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102004209/https://www.hotpress.com/music/watch-billie-eilish-releases-intimate-live-performance-of-male-fantasy-22864734|url-status=live}} The venue in which the performance took place was the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, selected to reinforce the subtle Old Hollywood aesthetic that Eilish envisioned for Happier Than Ever.{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Inside the Visual World of Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever, a Testament to Her 'Brilliant' Creative Vision |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-videos-love-letter-los-angeles-film-vevo-performance-series-2022-grammys |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220729135824/https://www.grammy.com/news/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-videos-love-letter-los-angeles-film-vevo-performance-series-2022-grammys |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=The Recording Academy}} The arrangement was described as "haunting" and "acoustic" by NME{{'}}s Daniel Peters; whereas Rolling Stone{{'}}s Emily Zemler and Hot Press{{'}} dubbed it as "intimate". Writing for Hypebeast, Brycen Saunders called the performance "inviting", further adding that Eilish's outfit is "casual" and that her voice is a "whisper cadence". Dazed{{'}}s Brit Dawson dubbed the room where the singer was performing as "Hollywood-esque", while summarizing the rendition as "tender". Next month, the singer released her concert film entitled Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, which features a performance of the song.{{cite web|url=https://stylecaster.com/watch-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-disney-plus-online-free/|title=Billie Eilish Is Hosting a Virtual Concert For Her New Album—Here's How to Watch It For Free|publisher=StyleCaster|first=Jason|last=Pham|date=September 2, 2021|access-date=December 5, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905154511/https://stylecaster.com/watch-billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-disney-plus-online-free/|archive-date=September 5, 2021}}
On December 11, 2021, Eilish served a double duty of a host and a musical guest at Saturday Night Live, and she performed "Happier Than Ever" and "Male Fantasy" there, with both gigs featuring scenery nodding to the tracks' music videos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/55044/1/watch-billie-eilish-finneas-perform-male-fantasy-and-happier-than-ever-on-snl|title=Watch Billie Eilish perform 'Happier Than Ever' and 'Male Fantasy' on SNL|work=Dazed|first=Thom|last=Waite|date=December 12, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213233630/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/55044/1/watch-billie-eilish-finneas-perform-male-fantasy-and-happier-than-ever-on-snl|url-status=live}} In the latter performance, Eilish was accompanied by Finneas, and the two of them were sitting on a floor wearing sweatshirts, shorts, and socks.{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-snl-hosting-debut|title=Billie Eilish Made Her 'SNL' Hosting Debut|work=Teen Vogue|first=Kara|last=Nesvig|date=December 12, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102004214/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-snl-hosting-debut|url-status=live}} The rendition was described as "stripped-back" by Far Out Magazine{{'}}s Sam Kemp.{{cite web|url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-snl/|title=Billie Eilish performs cuts from 'Happier Than Ever' on SNL|work=Far Out Magazine|first=Sam|last=Kemp|date=December 13, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102004211/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billie-eilish-happier-than-ever-snl/|url-status=live}} NME{{'}}s Ali Shutler called the performance "acoustic";{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-billie-eilish-perform-happier-than-ever-and-male-fantasy-on-snl-3116599|title=Watch Billie Eilish perform 'Happier Than Ever' and 'Male Fantasy' on 'SNL'|work=NME|first=Ali|last=Shutler|date=December 12, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=January 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102004213/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-billie-eilish-perform-happier-than-ever-and-male-fantasy-on-snl-3116599|url-status=live}} whereas Michael Peters dubbed it as "thoughtful". Writing for Consequence, Jesse Hassenger opinied that "[t]his performance literalized the bedroom pop side of Eilish's work".{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2021/12/billie-eilish-snl-recap/|title=Billie Eilish Hosts SNL: The Six Best Sketches|work=Consequence|first=Jesse|last=Hassenger|date=December 12, 2021|access-date=January 2, 2022|archive-date=December 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222222154/https://consequence.net/2021/12/billie-eilish-snl-recap/|url-status=live}} In 2022, the singer embarked on a 2022–2023 world tour in support of Happier Than Ever, where "Male Fantasy" was performed between "Your Power" and the Not My Responsibility interlude.{{cite web|url=https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/keith_spera/article_9b2e1190-8599-11ec-a88f-5f6291795bfb.html|title=Billie Eilish launched her Happier Than Ever tour in New Orleans. Here's how it went.|website=Nola.com|first=Keith|last=Spera|date=February 4, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}} Eilish played the song on a guitar sitting alone on the stage.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/billie-eilish-concert-review-happier-than-ever-tour-1294492/|title=Opening Night of the First Billie Eilish Tour in Two Years Was Everything Fans Hoped For (Plus Rain)|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Brittany|last=Spanos |date=February 4, 2022|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204141718/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/billie-eilish-concert-review-happier-than-ever-tour-1294492/|archive-date=February 4, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}}
Credits and personnel
- Billie Eilish{{spaced en dash}} vocals, songwriting, vocal engineering
- Finneas O'Connell{{spaced en dash}} songwriting, production, acoustic guitar, engineering, synthesizer, vocal arrangement, Wurlitzer electronic piano
- Dave Kutch{{spaced en dash}} mastering
- Rob Kinelski{{spaced en dash}} mixing
- Casey Cuayo{{spaced en dash}} mixing assistant
- Eli Heisler{{spaced en dash}} mixing assistant
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Chart performance for "Male Fantasy" ! scope="col"| Chart (2021) ! scope="col"| Peak |
| scope="row"| Australia (ARIA){{cite magazine|title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 9 August 2021|magazine=The ARIA Report|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|issue=1640|page=4|date=August 9, 2021}}
| 59 |
|---|
| {{single chart|Canada|62|artist=Billie Eilish|rowheader=true|access-date=December 7, 2021|refname="CAN"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardglobal200|81|artist=Billie Eilish|rowheader=true|access-date=December 7, 2021|refname="GLO"}} |
| {{single chart|Portugal|80|artist=Billie Eilish|song=Male Fantasy|rowheader=true|access-date=December 7, 2021|refname="POR"}} |
| scope="row"| Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/215?dspy=2021&dspp=31|title=Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 31|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125021020/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/215?dspy=2021&dspp=31|url-status=live}}
| 9 |
| {{single chart|UKstreaming|91|date=20210806|rowheader=true|access-date=February 2, 2022|refname="UKS"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardbubbling100|2|artist=Billie Eilish|rowheader=true|access-date=December 7, 2021|refname="US"}} |
| {{single chart|Billboardrocksongs|20|artist=Billie Eilish|rowheader=true|access-date=December 7, 2021|refname="USR"}} |
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Male Fantasy"}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Australia|certyear=2025|award=Platinum|access-date=March 13, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Billie Eilish|title=Male Fantasy|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2024|access-date=June 5, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Billie Eilish|title=Male Fantasy|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2025|access-date=February 26, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Billie Eilish|title=Male Fantasy|award=Gold|relyear=2021|certyear=2023|source=radioscope|access-date=January 9, 2025}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Billie Eilish|title=Male Fantasy|award=Silver|type=single|relyear=2021|certyear=2025|id=21027-4807-1|access-date=May 2, 2025|refname="BPI"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|pxxYO7fcFrM|title=Lyric video}}
{{Billie Eilish songs}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Song recordings produced by Finneas O'Connell
Category:Songs with feminist themes
Category:Songs written by Billie Eilish
Category:Songs written by Finneas O'Connell