Olivia Rodrigo's music has been on the tips of almost everyone's tongues since the release of record breaking debut single ‘Driver's License’ earlier this year. She followed up with the epic ‘Déjà Vu’ and fantastic ‘Good 4 U’ before releasing her highly-anticipated debut album Sour.
Sour, is drenched in teenage heartbreak revolving around anxiety, low self esteem, and romantic rejection. With a mix of anger, jealousy, melancholy, and vulnerability present, it’s a polished collection of tracks by the swiftly rising star. Although the musical influences are seen throughout the tracks, it's memorable as she’s unafraid to sound like a broken record yet not be over respective.
Opening with ‘brutal’ it’s a 90s alt-rock anthem covered in grievances and self doubt showcasing the angrily insecurities. ‘traitor’ is emotionally heart wrenching. ‘drivers license’ is full of heartbreak and wistfulness.
‘1 step forward, 3 steps back’ is a soft ballad that feels like she’s tiptoeing around in the relationship. ‘deja vu’ has a groovy synth and percussion demonstrating range. ‘good 4 u’ is an electro pop-punk track. ‘enough for you’ has a folk sweet style present while she realises things about her self deprecation.
‘happier’ is a petty track crooning admitting the vindictive feelings. ‘jealousy, jealousy’ is based on self image being destroyed by social media by being caught up in the expectations failed to reach. ‘favourite crime’ is another soft ballad with a sinister metaphor over a delicate production. Closing out the album with ‘hope ur ok’, it speaks of hardships in other’s lives.
Sour, overall, discusses how challenging it’s to arrive at who you are documenting trials and errors on the way while still being so young with room to grow. As the album progresses, there’s a feeling of acceptance present with alternate ending while embracing oneself. And although it’s an intense listen from the first track, it’s memorable.
Rodrigo’s vocals are versatile and embrace each track warmfully with excellence complimenting the lyrics and production passionately as the melodramatic stories come to life. It’s wonderful to see such a range over the 11-tracks on emotional ballads and angst heartbreak anthems. For a debut, it showcases her impressive talents while having crafted brilliant metaphors along the way.
An incredible thing about this particular album is that there’s no filler songs. It’s a self-aware record with teen pop/rock accompanied by a variety of styles from groovy tunes to folkie sad bops. While touching on the songwriting side, the stories flourish throughout never having a dull moment saturated in first heartbreak and raw emotions. It represents a different side to her artistry welcoming her influences that formed her music all while creating a masterpiece that appears as something fresh.
Written almost entirely by Rodrigo and Dan Nigro, and produced by Nigro, Alexander 23, and Jam City the 11-track album is a phenomenal release that varies sonically, is a lyrical mastermind, and overall cohesive record.
Words by Danielle Holian