SOUR

Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, arrived like a breath of fresh, defiant air in the pop landscape. Released on 21 May 2021, the album marked an unexpected yet thrilling evolution from her viral debut single, Drivers License. Initially envisioned as an EP, Sour grew into a full-length record after Rodrigo’s meteoric rise to fame, and it’s safe to say this bold expansion has more than paid off.

Tapping into the angst of adolescence, Sour navigates the emotional labyrinth of heartbreak, jealousy, and self-discovery. With a nod to the rebellious pop-punk sounds of the 90s and a vulnerability rooted in folk and bedroom pop, Rodrigo crafts a multi-faceted exploration of the teenage experience. At its core, the album’s title captures those “sour” feelings often dismissed or ignored by society—anger, envy, and sadness. In Rodrigo’s hands, these emotions are not just valid but deeply relatable.

From the explosive Good 4 U to the melancholic balladry of Traitor, Sour’s genre-defying sound draws influences from pop, punk, rock, and country, reflecting Rodrigo’s diverse musical upbringing. Artists like Alanis Morissette and Taylor Swift are clear influences, but it’s Rodrigo’s own voice that resonates most clearly throughout, bringing authenticity to the experience of growing pains.

The singles from Sour speak for themselves. Drivers License, Deja Vu, Good 4 U, and Traitor all charted in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, with Drivers License becoming one of the defining songs of 2021. Each track brings something different: Good 4 U shifts gears into a snarky, punk-inspired anthem, while Deja Vu lures you in with its introspective lyricism. Brutal, the album’s most ferocious moment, channels all the frustration of adolescence into an unstoppable burst of energy.

Rodrigo’s ability to capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of her generation is what makes Sour stand out. The album isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a snapshot of what it feels like to be young and in the thick of it, full of heartache and hope, rebellion and reflection. From the fiery anger in Brutal to the wistful sorrow in Traitor, Rodrigo paints a portrait of youth that’s both tender and explosive.

Her lyrical honesty—unafraid to explore feelings that are often labelled as “bitchy” or “moody”—is perhaps the most striking aspect of Sour. Tracks like Happier and Jealousy, Jealousy encapsulate the nuanced self-awareness of someone trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t always understand them.

Critics were quick to label Sour a triumph, and it’s easy to see why. With its heartfelt, raw songwriting and a fearless dive into the tumult of young adulthood, the album became not only a cultural touchstone but also a commercial juggernaut. Rodrigo’s appeal to Gen Z was undeniable, and with Sour topping charts globally and breaking streaming records, it cemented her as a force to be reckoned with in pop music.

As we look back on Sour’s impact, its influence only continues to grow. At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, it took home awards for Best Pop Vocal Album and Pop Solo Performance, while Rodrigo herself won Best New Artist. But beyond the accolades, Sour feels like a moment in time—a reflection of the confusion, joy, and heartbreak that come with youth. And it’s this timeless quality that makes Olivia Rodrigo a star to watch for years to come.

In a world that often expects young women to suppress their emotions, Sour is a joyous celebration of feeling everything—and feeling it loudly. This debut isn’t just a pop album; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt “sour” about the world around them.