Musical Musings: The Power of SOUR

God, it's brutal out here

Jun 16, 2021

*cue the “brutal” guitar riff*

Yep, you already know I’m just another Millennial woman who’s obsessed with 18-year-old Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album SOUR. Based on our June playlist, I think that’s actually true for all of us here at OTF (except, of course, Lizzy is technically Gen Z!). It’s just…so good. Everyone seems to be finding their own ways to connect to Olivia’s music, and I think that really is a testament to her abilities as a songwriter. Her lyrics are shockingly vulnerable at times, in a way that almost makes me worry for her in a motherly/big sisterly way. She says the things that have gone through all of our minds at one point or another but that we were too afraid to express.

Though I really do love the whole album, I wanted to highlight certain aspects of certain songs. This is Musical Musings after all, so let’s get technical!

Best Vocals: “enough for you”

Remember that shocking vulnerability I was talking about? It’s on full display in “enough for you,” as are, in my opinion, Olivia’s cleanest, most beautiful vocals. The bridge section is particularly exquisite: the runs she does on the words “discarded” and “nothing” give me the chills every time! In some songs on SOUR, Olivia does a bit of “cursive” singing (think Halsey, Sia, etc.), which is not always my favorite. But on “enough for you,” we’re treated to what I would guess is Olivia’s most authentic singing voice. Her falsetto is lovely and light, and her belt is strong and clear. For someone so young, her vocal control is most definitely nothing to sneeze at. And she’s only going to get better!

Best Up-Tempo Track: “good 4 u”

If you haven’t rocked out to “good 4 u” in your car at least once yet, what even are you doing with your life?! It’s the 2021 version of “Misery Business” that we didn’t ask for but so desperately needed. Like many songs on this album, it takes me right back to how I felt following my last breakup—and that was eight years ago! You feel crazy when you’re so sad and so heartbroken and that person is just…living their life. Like, good for you, I guess? But also, screw you. There are few things that bring me more joy these days than scream-singing this, as Sydney would say, Certified Bop.

Best Ballad: “happier”

This song stands out to me musically because it’s the only track on the album with a 6/8 time signature. It almost sounds like something from the 60s, or even a country ballad (sans country accent). The lyrics are somehow petty, heartbreaking, and lovely all at the same time. Again, it takes me back to that breakup eight years ago. Be happy, but don’t be happier. I need to believe I was special.

Most Relatable Song: “traitor”

So, I’ve mentioned that 2013 breakup a couple times now. Multiple songs on SOUR take me back to the headspace I was in at that time, but none quite so uncannily as “traitor.” Like, can I sue Olivia Rodrigo for turning my life story into a song?! After my ex broke up with me, he started dating one of his friends—someone I was suspicious of the whole time we were together—two weeks later. I was so angry when I found out, but kept getting told, “It’s not like I/he cheated on you or anything.” Hearing Olivia say, “Guess you didn’t cheat / But you’re still a traitor” for the first time instantly made me tear up. Actually, I cried the second time I listened to this song as well. It was genuinely so cathartic to hear that I wasn’t alone in feeling the way I once felt. Yes, it’s all ancient history now, of course. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt sometimes. Thank you, Olivia, for sharing your feelings, words, music, and beautiful voice with us.

Shit We’re Loving: LISTEN

Aimée’s Pick: SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

I guess I could’ve plugged something else, but why would I?! SOUR is damn near perfection. I highlighted four of its best songs above, but there are seven more that are definitely worth listening to. You already know “drivers license” and “deja vu” from the radio (both still go hard on the album). But then there’s “brutal,” the empowering opening track; “1 step forward, 3 steps back,” the song that gives me maternal worries about Olivia; “jealousy, jealousy,” an all-too-real call-out of social media culture; “favorite crime,” a beautiful song with a metaphor I can’t quite crack; and “hope ur ok,” a sweet but perhaps somewhat naïve open letter. The album is only about a half hour long, making it perfect for your commute, your Sunday afternoon chores, or whenever you feel like listening to some powerful, catchy music. Going forward, I’ll definitely be watching Olivia Rodrigo’s career with great interest.

Our Trust Fund Twitter

Our Trust Fund Instagram

Show Your Support: GLAAD

Happy Pride Month! Here at Our Trust Fund, our love for the LGBTQ+ community is palpable. To celebrate our queer-identifying writers and readers, plus all those working on making the world a better place, we’re spotlighting GLAAD as our Show Your Support: June organization.

GLAAD, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. It is a media force that narrows in on discrimination in the media. GLAAD takes tough issues to reshape the narrative and provoke progressive dialogue that leads to cultural change. They stand for protecting everything accomplished for the LGBTQ community and for holding those in power accountable. On their website, you can check out their Accountability Tracker for President Biden. This tracker monitors the Biden administration’s executive orders, legislative support, and speeches that affect LGBTQ people and rights.

Their current campaign is the & Together Movement. This is a pledge to declare you stand with all communities subject to discrimination. For GLAAD, the “&” represents the power of our voices together to accelerate acceptance for all. If you’re interested in learning more and signing up, check out their campaign page.

Donate to GLAAD