Asiah Mendoza
Assistant Editor
If for some reason you haven’t listened to Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album “SOUR,” I’m here to tell you why you should.
As if her hit track “drivers license” wasn’t reason enough to keep an eye out on Rodrigo’s musical career, she released two other singles to promote the album prior to its release — “good 4 u” and “deja vu.”
These tracks attested that she’s more than a melancholic 18-year-old. They’re undeniable proof that she’s versatile and not afraid to delve into genres other than pop.
“SOUR” is unbelievably good, especially for a debut album. Rodrigo sums up every single thought, emotion and experience that the average young adult feels in under 35 minutes.
It was hard to narrow it down to my favorite tracks. Nevertheless, below are the top four tracks from “SOUR.”
brutal:
If you thought Rodrigo was limited to woeful ballads, “brutal” is here to prove you wrong. Sonically, it’s the complete opposite of “drivers license.”
“They say these are the golden years but I wish I could disappear”
With a fast tempo and Rodrigo shouting lyrics of discontent, it’s feverish, rebellious and bold.
“I’m so tired that I might,
Quit my job, start a new life”
This song is made to be on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. It also contains my favorite verse from the album, “I’m not cool and I’m not smart, and I can’t even parallel park.”
traitor:
“traitor” follows “brutal,” and it’s an emotional 180.
This track feels like listening in on a conversation between Rodrigo and her past lover. She expresses how betrayed she feels that her ex quickly got in a relationship with the girl he told her not to worry about.
“Ain’t it funny how you ran to her the second that we called it quits,
Ain’t it funny how you said you were friends now it sure as h— don’t look like it”
She harrowingly captures the feelings of being disrespected and stabbed in the back by someone she once trusted and loved.
“God, I wish you had went and thought this through before I went and fell in love with you”
happier:
Rodrigo sings what everyone’s feeling whether they want to admit it or not. Somehow, this track manages to tug at your heartstrings more than “drivers license.”
It’s a beautiful ballad where Rodrigo’s vocals sound better than ever. Each word she sings sounds like it’s straight out of our diaries.
“I hope you’re happy, but not like how you were with me,
I’m selfish, I know,
I can’t let you go”
She sincerely wishes the best to her past lover, but deep down she hopes that what they shared is something that can’t be replicated with another girl.
This tearjerker is meant for driving down the highway with your windows down.
“Say you love her, baby
Just not like you loved me”
hope ur ok:
After an emotional roller coaster of an album, “hope ur ok” feels like a much-needed hug.
“I hope that you’re happier today,
Cause I love you,
And I hope that you’re ok”
The lyrics are like a letter you received in the mail from an old friend you lost contact with. They’re gentle, intimate and promising.
“I hope you know how proud I am you were created,
With the courage to unlearn all of the hatred”
With the many inevitable feelings that come along with life like heartbreak, grief and anguish — “hope ur ok” is Rodrigo patting you on the back for having the bravery to keep trying and living.
She couldn’t have picked a better note to end her album on.
Skipping this album because Rodrigo’s a teenager is a disservice to yourself. It truly has something for everyone who’s ever experienced heartache and angst.
Add “SOUR” to your playlist and let yourself feel like a 16-year-old again.
