Lightning in a bottle: SOUR album review
I’ve been in a funk. But, thanks to the internet, my favorite influencers, and my therapist, I know that the best way to cure a funk is to get outside. Healthier people would go for a run – I went on a walk. As I strolled through the small-town neighborhoods near my apartment complex, a car drove by me, playing good 4 u by Olivia Rodrigo. The girl driving the car looked like the type of girl who listens to Taylor Swift on the daily, with her windows down, cool sunglasses, and vibrant smile. I didn’t think anything of it.
A minute later, I crossed the street in front of a bright red car full of boys blasting good 4 u. The windows were up, but that didn’t stop Rodrigo’s belts from reaching my ears. At first, I thought the song could be on by mistake, but those boys were vibing to a breakup song.
That red car was not the last car I heard playing Olivia Rodrigo on my walk that day.
It feels like the United States is finally united in something: we’re all obsessed with SOUR. The songs are relatable, not because everyone has been through a semi-public breakup, but because it’s human to feel betrayed. It’s impossible to live on this planet without getting hurt feelings, justified or not. SOUR is an album centered around angsty betrayal. If you don’t believe me, listen to traitor.
Before releasing the entirety of SOUR, Rodrigo released three singles: drivers license, deja vu, and good 4 u. Keep in mind, Rodrigo is not the first Disney star to have a breakout album, but she is one of the first to top Billboard charts.
During the week of June 5th, every single song from SOUR was in the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Most debut artists are lucky if they chart on the Hot 100. Olivia Rodrigo is breaking records.
On January 12, Rodrigo broke the Spotify record for the most streams in one day. Her first single drivers license peaked at 17 million streams. More recently, Rodrigo broke the record for the most songs by a woman in the top 10 at one time. To put that into perspective, that record was previously held by Taylor Swift.
All I’m saying is, I’m not the only one who likes SOUR.
So what is it that makes Olivia Rodrigo different from every other Disney star who has tried to have a music career? What makes SOUR different from every other break-out album?
Even though Olivia Rodrigo’s SOUR album is pop and Taylor Swift’s Evermore is indie, I can’t help but see a connection between the two. Both albums are congruent albums. Each song is thematically in line with the others. In other words, I can listen to both albums on shuffle without any problem.
Rodrigo wrote every song on the album, with Dan Nigro co-writing and producing her music. It’s hard to have a successful album if the songs aren’t personal, vulnerable, or outspoken, which is exactly why SOUR is lightning in a bottle. The album’s writing is distinct and descriptive. You can almost see Rodrigo in her bedroom, scribbling down lyrics after a phone call.
SOUR isn’t successful because Olivia Rodrigo is a new Disney icon, or because she’s going through a breakup. Her breakout album is successful because it’s vulnerable, fresh, and undiluted. SOUR is exactly what the world needs: a good dance and a good cry all in one.