Olivia Rodrigo: Her Melody that Embraces Us

I don't get angry when I'm pissed; I'm the eternal optimist; I scream inside to deal with it like AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! - all-american bitch 

There are moments when life seems like an endless journey into the unknown, full of unexpected turns and turns for which we are not always ready. The results of my survey indicate that not everyone has followed the same well-traveled pathways or reached the typical milestones we frequently envision. 

But, try not to worry too much, I suggest. 

Some problems are just either too personal to share or too reserved to open up. In those moments, let's turn to our ever-reliable companion, music! With just one click, I think we all agree that songs can help us shout out our emotions and find comfort. 

I have read the results of the survey carefully, comprehended the answers and noted similarities, and finally decided to come to a conclusion. If it is noticeable, my 'comes to the rescue' is the one and only, American actress, singer and songwriter, Olivia Rodrigo. I am going to bring you to my (her) universe, so be ready. I'll be sharing some of her songs that are sure to match your emotions and hopefully offer the comfort you need. 

Her Melody that Embraces Us

She is Olivia Isabel Rodrigo, who was born on February 20, 2003. Yes, she is a Gen Z. She is a talented actrees and singer-songwriter who is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. With her breakthrough song 'driver license,' Olivia shot to fame. Her sensitive lyrics and strong voice have won her both critical acclaim and a huge fan base. Her first album, 'SOUR,' which explored themes of heartbreak and self-discovery with unvarnished honesty, cemented her as a chart-topping phenomenon even more. 

Olivia has received recognition for her musical abilities and has been nominated numerous times for major award ceremonies, such as the Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She continues to dazzle on film in the Disney+ series 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series'. Listeners find resonance in Olivia's music, which provides an insight into the emotional landscape of young adulthood. Paul (2021) added that navigating her teenage years, heartbreak, and the tumultous world shaped by Gen Z's social media landscape, Olivia Rodrigo has emerged as a compelling figure in entertainment.

This year, Olivia has just released her second album titled 'GUTS'. A significant difference is visible in this album, where Olivia gives more exposure to life problems both from within and outside that people face in addition to romance, unlike her first album, which tells more about love stories. Her second album highlights more about insecurity, fear of growing up, inner doubts, inner fears, societal expectations, and social standards. 

Rodrigo's songs don't actually give answers/responses to our emotions or our problems. Instead, her songs tend to give us a hand-holding because her lyrics are very much aligned with what is going on inside and outside of us. I am positive that Gen Zs will be able to relate to what Olivia writes in her songs because we have also felt what she feels. Therefore, I will recommend some of her songs that are very hitting to the core because they are so true to the existing conditions, in my opinion. The majority of songs will come from the 'GUTS' album rather than 'SOUR' and there will be two sub-sections regarding the albums and what the recommended songs talk about. 

GUTS: Growing up, social standard, self-doubt, insecurity, inadequacy, and wrapped up with sense of relieve. 

👯 teenage dream

This song is from the 'GUTS' album. On first hearing and reading the lyrics, I was touched. The dynamic instrumentation begins with a tone that is gentler and more peaceful before intensifying into a strong chorus. It explores the expectations and challenges that today's youth must deal with. When dissapointment rises within you due to the attempt of living the social standard of youth, which leads you to act mature beyond your age. Aside from the realization of that matter, Olivia also pours down her fear of failing to meet the standard and anxiety about the future. 

Who relates to this one? This is ready to be shouted!

 👠 all-american bitch

The second song is again from the 'GUTS' album. With its aggressive drumming, pounding guitars, and defiant attitude, this song radiates a punk-rock mood. Lyrically, this is a biting critique of the conflicts and pressures young women confront in today's world, specifically American. She criticizes the unrealistic standards placed on girls, like the need to be pretty, kind, gentle, and motherly. In short, this song mostly responds to the urge to  appear ideal while concealing one's true nature. 

So, for those who have gone through the forgive and forget phase, this is the time to 'I know my age and I act like it!'

 😓 ballad of a homeschooled girl

The 'GUTS' album indeed offers exceptionally good songs for the youngblood. Folk and indie-pop elements are masterfully combined in this song. The tune, which is led by an acoustic guitar, offers a soft setting for Rodrigo's vocals. This time, Olivia portrays the feelings of a homeschooled girl who finds it difficult to socialize outside of the house despite the loneliness and disconnected feeling. The anxiety of everything she does when she finally tries to make friends in the society is also highlighted. She emphasizes the fear of saying the wrong things, the feeling of self-doubt, and insecurity. 

Introverts, do check this one out!

 🎀 lacy

Again, this is from the same album, 'GUTS'. The song's instrumentation is gentle and lyrical, with subtle guitar strums and soft background harmonies. I believe every girl has at least one lacy in their life. Who/what is lacy? Olivia uses the name 'lacy' as the portrayal of a heather in her life; a girl who she adores but also loathes, a girl who epitomizes a standard of elegance and beauty that she feels she will never be able to reach. This song explores the complex emotions that come from idolizing someone while also battling feelings of envy and inadequacy. 

An universal issue. So, who do you think you are; Olivia or lacy?

 👤 stranger

This one is specially here for the romance song lovers, coming from 'GUTS'. The dominance of the cheerful guitar playing perfectly reflects the atmosphere portrayed in this song. This song tells the story of someone who feels so much relief after successfully forgetting her love for her old lover. She manages to realize that she is more valuable to be happy than holding on to the not-s0-good memories of the past love. Olivia closes the song by deciding that her old lover is just a stranger that she knows everything about. 

Hence, do you know a familiar stranger?

 

SOUR: Demands and dissapointments, difficulty of identity acceptance.

 💥 brutal

Let us move to the 'SOUR' album this time. A strong and intense song that, with its genuine emotion and raw energy, establishes the mood for the album. With its violent guitar riffs, intense drumming, and fast tempo, the song has a rough, punk-rock vibe. This song captures the reflection of teenage life with frustration and complex things. Growing up comes with demands and dissapointments, which are forthrightly reflected in the song. Rodrigo portrays issues including self-doubt, societal expectations, and the quest for identity. An sympathetic anthem for those navigating the turbulent years of youth. 

Who agrees that 'brutal' is brutally honest in depicting the life of yours? I guess, ME!

 💙 hope ur ok

Serves as the last song on the 'SOUR' album, this song also serves as the last song in this blog. Warm and cozy tones are created by the song's consistent rhythmic beat, delicate keyboard melodies, and gentle acoustic guitars. The lyrics recount the experiences of many people who have encountered hardship, frequently as a result of their identities or familial circumstances, specifically on the difficulty of identity acceptance. In the song, she implicitly highlights the problem of same-sex relationships that is faced by her past friends and expresses her warm embrace and genuine hope for their well-being. 

Dear Gen Zs, hope ur ok. 

The seven songs above are the representation of my warm hug towards all of you in walking through the past six months and the rest six months. Hopefully those can be enjoyable and are speaking volumes to your unheard thoughts. 

I also make a shorter version of this blog on my social media, Instagram. Do check this one out: Olivia Rodrigo: Her Melody that Embraces Us

All of the pictures belong to Pinterest. Thanks to you. 

Drop a comment to interact! See you whenever the universe allows. 

Reference: 

Paul, L. (2021, May 21). Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour’: Every Song Ranked. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/olivia-rodrigo-sour-review-tracks-ranked-9576109/