Don’t be SOUR; the album of the year has just been released

Jordyn Buhagiar ranks the songs from Olivia Rodrigo’s new album.

Olivia Rodrigo has transformed herself overnight. From Disney star to international record-breaker, she has shown the world how to turn pain into power through her music at the mere age of 18. On May 21, Rodrigo released her debut album ‘SOUR’, which, I am confident, will only be the start of her rapid rise to the top of the music industry. Rodrigo explores the anger, hurt and betrayal borne out of teenage heartbreak, with many of the songs focusing on the ‘other girl’ (aka her ‘replacement’) living in her head - an unfortunate and toxic reality for many. 

As a fan since the very first episode of High School Musical, The Musical, The Series and a ‘basic’ pop music enthusiast, I couldn’t help but rank each song by how much they resonated with me in the 24 hours immediately following their release. 

11. one step forward, three steps back

Vocally pretty, but unfortunately the least interesting or relatable for me. Maybe because it samples one of my least favourite Taylor Swift songs, ‘New Year’s Day’ which never fails to put me to sleep (sorry Swifties!).

10. enough for you

A more hopeful and reflective track that captures one of the final stages of moving on from a relationship and attempting to detach. Rodrigo seems to realise that the breakup and pain experienced was never her fault and was bound to occur regardless of how she acted or what she did.

9. brutal

‘Brutal’ is a stellar opening track that exudes teenage angst. It begins with an orchestral build-up, then is directly juxtaposed to a guitarist’s unapologetic rage – a theme that continues throughout the album both musically and lyrically. Placing ‘brutal’ at number nine is likely controversial, as it has been widely praised on social media for reintroducing 2000s pop rock to a modern audience. Maybe the next time I am really pissed off I’ll blast it, and I might change my mind. 

P.S. Babe you only just got your drivers licence do you really blame yourself for not being able to parallel park? (It took me over a year).

8. good 4 u

If you google ‘petty breakup anthem’ in the dictionary, you will find this song. Rodrigo has successfully made publicly hating on your ex-boyfriend trendy in ‘good 4 u’ and exploits high school drama vibes (in a fun, quirky way). The aggressive tone makes it fun to belt in the car, either with friends or alone. Also, please watch the music video for this song, solely for the symbolic allusions to Megan Fox’s cannibalistic character in Jennifer’s Body. That is all.

7. favourite crime

‘Favourite crime’ is beautifully sung with sweet self-harmonising toward the end. Although the metaphor of being betrayed by your partner in crime is common (the alternate perception explored in Miss Swift’s ‘Getaway Car’), Rodrigo provides a youthful perspective on the ‘crimes’ you’d commit to keep the one you love in your life. There is also a poignant nostalgic tone in her repetition of the chorus, affirming the hope that you were also their ‘favourite crime’ too.

6. déjà vu

The primary reasons that ‘déjà vu’ ranks so high in my list is because of the first few chords. It sounds so peaceful and calm; like Summer in audio form. The lyrics are very creative and cheeky, inferring that this ‘other girl’ is merely a copy of herself, living experiences Rodrigo has already lived.

5. drivers licence

This track broke records as well as my heart. Despite gaining notoriety as the overplayed TikTok sound, it continues to capture the raw, heart-wrenching emotions intrinsic to lost love. In comparison to her other songs, ‘drivers licence’ flaunts Rodrigo’s stunning vocal range and lyrical abilities the most, especially during the bridge. I, among, many others will no doubt be revisiting the track at the top of my Spotify Wrapped, but as it’s three months old it ranks midway.

4. traitor

‘There are seldom songs which reflect the unique pain and subsequent anger of identifying red flags but being so blinded by love that you let them slide. ‘Traitor’ perfectly captures this feeling of being in a relationship with three people and the aftermath of considering what you did wrong, even though you innately know it was never really in your control. The ‘her’ frequently referred to in the song is a distinct character throughout the album, almost like a recurring personification of Rodrigo’s insecurities.

3. hope ur ok

For the concluding track on an album entitled SOUR, ‘hope ur ok’ is incredibly sweet. After ballads of anger and aggression, love and compassion seeps through to remind listeners of those we know who suffer daily, yet overcome tough, uncontrollable situations. On my first listen, I cried. Actually, on my second, third and fourth listen, I cried too. The track encourages listeners to reach out to people they used to call friends and ask if they’re doing okay now – a call to action which is particularly meaningful during/following a pandemic.

2. jealousy, jealousy

Oh Olivia, com-comparison is also killing me slowly.
Almost as if she is reading directly from her diary, these lyrics felt painfully realistic and self-aware. Rodrigo sings of the toxic and damaging nature of jealousy, yet still allows herself to be engulfed by it. As she acknowledges in her lyrics, the modern world is largely characterised by self-assessment and careful observation of others. Whether consciously or not, young people (women especially) are trained to compare themselves to the success, beauty and charisma of others. It’s a daily battle whereby escape is easier said than done, and this song makes those seemingly internal thoughts feel heard.

1. happier

This is my favourite track, probably because the Leo in me knows that I too cannot imagine anyone who has had me in their life being happier without me. For lyrics reflecting a nasty sentiment, Rodrigo manages to make selfishness sound pretty, sweet and soft. She captures the bittersweet moments following a breakup where you wish them the best, but not entirely. By balancing spite with hope, ‘happier’ is intimate and vulnerable, exploring a perspective which many people are too afraid to voice in fear of judgement. We can’t all be well-wishing angels; so, Olivia, thank you for normalising these feelings.