LOS ANGELES — At just 18 years old, Olivia Rodrigo has delivered a debut album that is anything but ordinary. With SOUR, released in May 2021, she blends raw emotion, stunning vocals, and deeply personal storytelling into a project that instantly cements her as a force to be reckoned with. Clocking in at just under 35 minutes, the album takes listeners on a rollercoaster of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the growing pains of adolescence—all while proving that Rodrigo isn’t just a fleeting star but a pop powerhouse in the making.
An Explosive Opening: “brutal” Sets the Tone
From the opening guitar riffs of “brutal”, it’s clear that SOUR isn’t just another breakup album—it’s a generational anthem. Rodrigo channels pop-punk angst with a modern twist, tackling the frustrations, insecurities, and pressures of growing up in the social media age. With lines like “I'm so sick of seventeen / Where's my f**ing teenage dream?”*, she captures the existential dread of Gen Z (and millennials who never quite figured things out either).
The Emotional Depth of “traitor” and the Hit That Started It All
The second track, “traitor”, is a slow-burning, gut-wrenching ballad that explores betrayal and the emotional wreckage of a relationship ending before one person is ready to let go. Fans immediately speculated that it, like much of the album, was inspired by Rodrigo’s rumored breakup with High School Musical: The Musical: The Series co-star Joshua Bassett.
Then comes the song that made Rodrigo a household name: “drivers license.” A cultural phenomenon, the song broke streaming records and became the heartbreak anthem of 2021. Rodrigo’s hauntingly beautiful delivery and cinematic storytelling make it a rare track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable—a rare feat for any artist, let alone a debut album.
A Love Gone Wrong: “1 step forward, 3 steps back” and “deja vu”
“1 step forward, 3 steps back” takes a softer, introspective approach, detailing the emotional whiplash of a toxic relationship. The delicate piano melody (which interpolates Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day”) adds an extra layer of melancholy and vulnerability.
Then comes “deja vu,” the album’s second single and a refreshing shift in tone. Instead of wallowing in heartbreak, Rodrigo flips the narrative, questioning whether her ex’s new relationship is as special as it seems or just a rerun of what they once had. The dreamy production, layered with distorted synths and sharp, observational lyrics, makes it one of SOUR’s most sonically interesting tracks.
Unleashing the Fury: “good 4 u”
If “drivers license” is the breakup ballad and “traitor” is the slow burn, “good 4 u” is the rage-fueled pop-punk explosion. Easily one of the standout moments on SOUR, the track sees Rodrigo go full-throttle Avril Lavigne mode, delivering a biting, sarcastic take on an ex who moved on way too quickly.
With its gritty bassline, driving drums, and cathartic scream-along chorus, “good 4 u” isn’t just a song—it’s a therapy session set to music.
The Gut Punch: “enough for you” and “happier”
On “enough for you,” Rodrigo takes a heartbreaking deep dive into insecurity and self-worth, singing about how she tried to change herself to be the perfect partner—only to still end up heartbroken. The song’s stripped-down acoustic arrangement makes the emotion hit even harder.
Then comes “happier,” which explores the conflicted emotions of wishing an ex well—just not too well. It’s a track that encapsulates the bittersweet reality of moving on, capturing the messy, contradictory feelings that come with post-breakup growth.
Breaking Down Society’s Expectations: “jealousy, jealousy”
Taking a detour from romantic heartbreak, “jealousy, jealousy” tackles the pressures of social media perfection and unrealistic beauty standards. Rodrigo’s frustration is palpable as she laments the toxic cycle of comparison, dropping lines like “I kinda wanna throw my phone across the room”. It’s a sharp, self-aware track that speaks to an entire generation drowning in curated Instagram lives and unrealistic expectations.
A Painful Reflection: “favorite crime”
On “favorite crime,” Rodrigo offers one of the album’s most delicate yet devastating moments. The song softly unfolds like a confession, with Rodrigo coming to terms with her role in a toxic relationship. The stripped-back production and gentle harmonies make the heartbreak feel almost intimate—like reading through an old diary entry you can’t quite throw away.
A Hopeful Farewell: “hope ur ok”
Just when you think SOUR is ending on another heartbreaking note, Rodrigo flips the script. Instead of focusing on personal heartbreak, “hope ur ok” tells the stories of people she once knew—friends from troubled homes, outsiders who never felt accepted—and sends them a message of hope.
It’s a beautifully poignant closer, reminding listeners that even in dark times, things can get better. It’s a moment of maturity and reflection, proving that SOUR isn’t just an album about heartbreak—it’s about growth, resilience, and moving forward.
Final Thoughts: A Debut for the Ages
For a debut album, Olivia Rodrigo knocks it out of the park with SOUR. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, emotion, and genre versatility, seamlessly blending pop, punk, indie, and alternative influences into something that feels fresh, authentic, and deeply personal.
With SOUR, Rodrigo has done what many artists take years to achieve—she’s created an album that not only defines a moment in time but also cements her place in the future of pop music.
And if this is just the beginning, the world better be ready for what she does next.