The New Queen of Angry Girl Music: "SOUR" by Olivia Rodrigo Album Review

Ever since the premiere of “High School Musical the Musical The Series” (HSMTMTS) on Disney+ in the fall of 2019, I’ve been a huge Olivia Rodrigo fan. While her breakout role was on the Disney Channel series “Bizaardvark” (yes the one with Jake Paul), HSMTMTS really put her in the spotlight and on my radar. I was blown away by her talent, especially at her age, and I had a feeling she was going to do big things. Here we are almost 2 years later, and Miss Rodrigo is one of the biggest names in music.

Her debut album “SOUR” is 11 tracks, running at 35 minutes. The album includes tracks such as “deja vu”, “good 4 u” and the hit song “driver's license” that if it was released when I was a sophomore in college, I would have driven my car off a bridge. While those three songs have topped the charts, I think every song off this album deserves to be on the top 10 (which might be hard since there’s 11 songs).

That saying, I absolutely adore Olivia and this album. She is becoming the next figurehead of Gen Z's angry girl music, and I love that for her. The reception of this album has mostly been positive, and those who may be hating on her for being too emotional are jealous. This album is full of heart and emotion, and her songwriting is phenomenal.

At the time of this publication, SOUR hasn’t even been out for a week and it’s already one of my favorite albums of the year, maybe even all time. It could not have been released at a more perfect time in my life, every song hits home for me. I will be going track-by-track to share my thoughts and opinions on this absolute masterpiece. So grab your Sour Patch Kids

(tryna get my hands on a box) and let’s dive into “SOUR”

Track 1- “brutal”

First off, if this song came out when I was in high school, I would have burned my entire school to the ground. This song perfectly encapsulates the frustration and anxiety of being an adolescent, and I hate to break it to you Liv, but it doesn’t get any better in your 20’s. This song is a perfect opener, and that guitar riff will pump you up enough where you feel like punching someone (I do not condone violence btw). This is probably my favorite song off the album, because it really is brutal out here.

Track 2- “traitor”

The whiplash you get from going to this song from “brutal'' is quite the shock. If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’re probably aware of the drama/love triangle between Olivia, fellow Disney Channel alum Sabrina Carpenter, and Joshua Bassett, her costar and love interest on HSMTMTS. If you’re not familiar with the drama, Google it. This song implies that Olivia’s ex was eyeing another girl while they were dating, and soon after their breakup, they start dating (most likely Joshua and Sabrina). This is a common scenario in relationships that everyone can relate to. I’ve only cried to this song 5 times, what about it?

Track 3- “drivers license”

AKA the song that even makes the most masculine of men cry. It actually makes everyone cry, but that’s beside the point. This song was the first single off the album, and the first time we got a taste of that love triangle drama. There’s nothing worse than crying and driving, and thanks to Olivia you can to this song, because that’s what it’s made for. Pure genius! To quote the SNL skit, you experience the best bridge of your entire life.

Track 4- “1 step forward, 3 steps back”

Buckle up Swifties, because this song was co-written by Olivia, the queen herself, Taylor Swift. Taylor’s writing partner and co-producer Jack Antonoff also receives a credit. If you’re a big fan of TS, you can definitely tell she had a touch in writing this song, especially since it’s in the style of “folklore”. This song makes my heart hurt, because I can definitely relate to trying to understand the signals your partner is trying to give, and you feel so lost. I hate that she’s felt that at such a young age, that forces you to grow up fast. Which sounds like a particular ex of Taylor’s *cough John Mayer cough*... I’m also framing this picture of these two.

Track 5- “deja vu”

The second single off SOUR, this song also gives off some major Taylor vibes. Also going viral on TikTok, this song confirms that Olivia and most likely Joshua watched Glee together (TW: Matthew Morrison). That’s the thing with dating, you’re able to recycle some things, but at the cost of an absolute banger being written about it.

Track 6-“good 4 u”

If you were to pick the perfect karaoke song, this is the song for you. It’s bitter, angsty, and sounds straight up like 2000’s pop punk, one of my favorite genres. For me personally, I’m the one saying good for me. After recently getting out of a toxic relationship, I am doing so much better and moving one, so good for me. I picture my ex screaming this at me and honestly, it fills me up with joy. Sorry Olivia, the roles are reversed for me at this time. Oof. Moving on..

Track 7- “enough for you”

Moral of this song-don’t be with someone who doesn’t appreciate you for you, or the things you do for them. Don’t change yourself for no man. But this one makes me sob. Pass the tissues please…

Track 8- “happier”

I NEED MORE TISSUES. Wanting someone to be happy after they’ve moved on from you...I definitely needed this song when I was 19, but I’m happy I have it at 21. I SAID BRING ME MORE TISSUES DAMMIT!

Track 9- “jealousy, jealousy”

Comparison really is so dangerous. As an adult, I still feel like I’m not doing enough compared to others my age, and that’s where that jealousy comes in, and it’s so hard to shake. Wishing and wanting to be someone different is such a human experience, especially as a teenager. This is also one of the few songs that is not about heartbreak on SOUR, and it’s a nice change of pace after two really sad tear-jerking songs before it. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong about breakup songs either! After “brutal”, this is another one of my favorites.

Track 10- “favorite crime”

Okay, this one hits different. The first time I heard the lyrics “the things I did just to call you mine” and “I defended you to all my friends”, I sobbed and sobbed. As previously mentioned, I was in a toxic relationship for about 10 months, and it absolutely killed me inside. This song is a realization that this person is doing so much damage to you and you’re aware of it, but you let them do it anyway. And once it’s over, you realize all the damage you have to fix, but you secretly miss it. I have since moved on from this relationship, and I am so much happier in life, but a teeny tiny eensie weensie part of me misses it. But one I day I won’t. And that’s called growth.

Track 11- “hope ur okay”

Growing up in a conservative Christian school and town, I knew lots of kids like this. There are so many kids from my childhood who weren’t allowed to be their true selves, and they had to hide. I too don’t know where they are, but I do wish them all the best and I truly hope they’re okay. Damn, I need my tissues again even though the album is over!

I'm not sure I've expressed it enough, but I absolutely love this album. Olivia is so talented, and I can't wait to see what she does with her career. Already getting this album out and starring in two Disney shows at 18 is extremely impressive. When she starts touring, I will be in the front row to scream all of "good 4 u" with her. One thing I know for sure, is this album will be sticking with my for years, and will definitely make it in my top tiers for Spotify in 2021. Joshua Bassett should also go into witness protection. But seriously, Olivia is the new queen of angry girl music, and as an angry girl (sometimes) she is here to stay.

bonus track-

me with the SOUR filter because I am obsessed with the album art :)