Review
Olivia Rodrigo's debut album, "Sour," has definitely made waves since its release in May 2021. It's a brilliant blend of pop, pop-punk, alternative pop, and bedroom pop, all interwoven with Rodrigo's raw, emotional lyrics that just tug at your heartstrings. "Sour" dives deep into the tumultuous seas of teenage experiences, grappling with feelings of heartbreak, jealousy, and the quest for self-discovery—stuff we’ve all felt at some point, right? The tracks that really hit home for me are the chart-topping "Drivers License," with its hauntingly poignant lyrics about seeing your ex move on, and "Jealousy, Jealousy," which brilliantly tackles the toxic influence of social media on our self-esteem.
The kickoff track "Brutal" hooks you right from the start with its fierce, punk energy, perfectly capturing the messy, wild emotions of youth. I personally love how the whole album feels like peeking into someone's diary, with Rodrigo pouring her heart out with such maturity—it’s kind of wild she’s doing this so early in her career! The production on "Sour," steered by Dan Nigro, is just impeccable. It melds gentle ballads with bolder pop-punk moments, crafting a sound that's both resonant and incredibly dynamic, keeping you hooked from start to finish. It’s no wonder "Sour" sailed right to the top of the charts upon its release, striking a chord not just with Gen Z but millennials too, showcasing Rodrigo’s unique ability to bridge generational gaps with her music. - Sienna
