At just 20 years old, Olivia Rodrigo has already stamped her name on the music of the decade. Her emotionally charged pop-rock songs have a sharp edge that strikes a chord not only with her Gen Z peers but also with older generations leading multiple music journalists to declare hers, “a defining voice of the 2020s”.
Today marks the release of Rodrigo’s second album, “Guts,” and it’s one of the most anticipated pop records of the year. The album is consistently catchy and often filled with biting humour. It showcases her versatility by blending delicate ballads like “Lacy,” where Rodrigo eyes a rival described as a “dazzling starlet, Bardot reincarnate,” with retro-style guitar tunes. One standout track, “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl,” offers a candid take on social awkwardness, drawing from Rodrigo’s own experiences of being homeschooled as a teenager.
“Guts” has already demonstrated Rodrigo’s musical growth by producing a transatlantic number one single, “Vampire.” The song starts as a soft piano ballad and gradually transforms into a mini rock opera. Rodrigo has expressed her inspiration from 1990s female artists who were unafraid to express anger and remorse, and this influence is evident in her sharp lyrics as she takes a dig at an ex for “bleedin’ me dry like a goddamn vampire.”
Another single from the album, “Bad Idea Right?” features a catchy guitar riff with Rodrigo’s contemporary vocal delivery. As she repeatedly questions whether reconnecting with an ex is a “bad idea, right?” before nonchalantly stating “It’s fine,” it comes across as relatable and humorous. Rodrigo also showcases her knack for clever lyrics in “Get Him Back,” a catchy pop-rap track where she deadpans, “He had an ego and a temper and a wandering eye, he said he’s 6ft 2 and I’m like, ‘Dude, nice try.'”
A great storyteller
The key to Rodrigo’s songwriting is her ability to tell a great story in a way that feels like a conversation or as if you’re reading her diary. This quality resonates with her generation and captures how they speak.
Rodrigo worked closely with producer Dan Nigro on “Guts,” similar to how Billie Eilish collaborates primarily with her brother Finneas. This partnership is notable in a landscape where many pop hits are crafted by large songwriting teams. Rodrigo appreciates Nigro’s willingness to push her to do better, as he did when she first played him an early version of “Drivers License,” her breakout hit.
“Drivers License” became an instant global phenomenon, breaking Spotify’s record for the most single-day streams by a non-Christmas-themed track just four days after its release in January 2021. Although Rodrigo was relatively unknown to pop fans at the time, her earlier work in Disney Channel series like “Bizaardvark” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” had already gained her a following. Her self-penned ballad “All I Want” became a Billboard Hot 100 hit in 2020, effectively launching her recording career and securing her a favourable record deal where she retains control of her masters.
Unlike some former Disney stars, Rodrigo didn’t struggle to shake off the “Disney star” label. Her work on Disney Channel appealed to a younger demographic while keeping her relatively under the radar for older audiences. Therefore, her emergence with “Drivers License” felt like the debut of a highly talented new artist rather than a transition from a teen star.
A blend of influences
Rodrigo’s ability to mix pop-punk anthems like “Good 4 U” with heart-wrenching ballads on her debut album, “Sour,” received widespread acclaim. Her songwriting has a universal quality, even though she sings about her specific experiences. Her music often pays homage to 1990s artists like Fiona Apple and Alanis Morissette, drawing on nostalgia while still feeling fresh to her younger listeners.
During her “Sour Tour” in 2022, Rodrigo covered songs like Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” No Doubt’s “Just a Girl,” and Veruca Salt’s “Seether,” further cementing her connection to the 1990s era of pop-rock.
One of Rodrigo’s significant moments was her performance at the Glastonbury music festival in which she invited Lily Allen to the stage for a pointed rendition of Allen’s 2009 song “Fuck You.” She dedicated the performance to the Supreme Court members who had recently voted to overturn Roe v Wade, showcasing her growing status as a voice of her generation.
Rodrigo’s love for pop nostalgia has widened her appeal but also led to her first significant controversy. Some of her songs on “Sour” had writing credits added retroactively after fans noticed similarities with other tracks. Nevertheless, Rodrigo handled the situation gracefully, acknowledging that nothing in music is entirely new.
Rodrigo’s rise to stardom continues with “Guts,” an album that explores the complexities of figuring things out, experiencing failures, and making mistakes. Her song “Love Is Embarrassing” resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by their emotions, even if it’s set in high school. Rodrigo’s ability to connect with listeners across different age groups ensures that her ascent to pop superstardom is far from over. When she pours her emotions into a song, millions of fans feel understood.
