Side A - ‘Girl So in Love’
Releasing the lead single ‘drop dead’ nearly two months in advance, Olivia already had fans eagerly anticipating her new album. The track itself leans on infatuation and the ‘crushing’ stage, giving fans reason to believe the album as a whole will follow the chronological timeline of a relationship. Lines like “but I think we might go really nice together” from the bridge and “‘cause I always had a vision of us standing like this” in the chorus show the singer daydreaming about how amazing they could be together, whilst “I’m paranoid I made you up” reveals a tension beyond the romantic surface of self-doubt buried deep within. As the initial track, it gives fans the chance to both enjoy the playfulness and be aware of the oncoming emotional drop.
‘Stupid song’ follows, exploring an infatuation so deep that it becomes all-consuming. A chorus full of dramatic imagery and a slow piano line that builds with the intensity of the singer’s vocals reflects the way her feelings start quietly before becoming overwhelming. The use of sound progression effortlessly captures the turn from admiration to fixation.
A song described by Olivia herself as “a real love song” that reminds her of a song people would play at their weddings is ‘honeybee’. It leans into a more intimate sound - a mix of soft lyrics partnered with a gentle piano and violin. Without overpowering the vocals and having their own moment just over two minutes in, the two instruments create a fragile atmosphere. As a result, lines like “I love you, baby I promise” feel exposed.
‘Maggots for brains’ shifts the album into that darker emotional space. A clear contrast to the other songs is seen within the words, where romance and obsession are explored negatively instead of excitement. A minimal, consistent instrumental supports the lyrics, showing how the love turns into uncomfortable dependence.
The next track fits perfectly in this part. ‘U + me = <3’ focused on idealised romance and early commitment and proved how easily she turned small moments into long-term fantasises. Like ‘drop dead’, this merges confidence with a hint of insecurity, yet the upbeat production supports the initial optimism.
Moving into jealousy and confrontation, a possessive angle is highlighted in ‘my way’. The lyrics focus on rivalry, the use of the second person throughout being a direct address that forms a clear sense of conflict between two people. Emotional reflection turns into aggression, the repeated hook “it goes my way now” reinforces a need for control, and a sharp rhythm matches the confrontational tone.
‘Purple’ returns to the softer elements. “I had big dreams’ til I tied myself to you” is one of the deeper lyrics, highlighting how personal ambition fades once the relationship takes over and there is a loss of independence. Domestic details like “a toothbrush and a pair of shoes all come in doubles” and the line “now I see the world in purple” reflect this in a more playful way - life becomes shared, and two identities start to blend into one.
Side B - ‘You Seem Pretty Sad’
Another single released pre-album was ‘the cure’, which marks the second part of the album. It shifts the whole project into emotional exhaustion. It’s an admission that she tried to use love as something to fix her mental state, but found that it didn’t work. The repeated idea that “it’ll never be the cure” rejects the belief that another can heal personal issues, marking that narrative turning point. The production becomes restrained, darker, and repetitive, a way for Olivia to mirror the feeling of obsessive thinking.
The title of ‘begged’ instantly explains the song. The lyrics show a strong desire for reassurance due to insecurity and a fear of wandering eyes. “I’m an anchor in the ocean” reinstates the theme of self-awareness, suggesting emotional weight placed on the other person. The more restrained sound allows vocal delivery to carry vulnerability and tension, shifting away from hopeful love. Featuring Robert Smith, ‘what’s wrong with me’ continues the motif of needing to be fixed, as also seen in ‘the cure’. The merging of voices creates a layered, unstable sound that reflects her spiraling thoughts.
‘Less’ immediately mirrors the emotional conflict within the track. Exhaustion and imbalance are presented as the reason a relationship dissolves, and physical distress in “my stomach’s in knots” emphasises mental strain. The melancholic sound supports the vulnerability of the lyrics.
The upbeat production reappears yet again with ‘expectations’, a song that introduces a confidence that came from the realisation that she wasn’t the problem. The shift in mindset with “now I ask for more and more” shows self-assurance and higher standards. The energy marks a move away from emotional dependence and towards self-defined boundaries.
‘Cigarette smoke’ concludes the album, opening with the soft strum of a guitar and bringing back the intimate tone. It’s a sign of acceptance, with strong imagery of “the cigarette smoke is a smell that I know”, grounding the song in memory and routine. Regret, reflection, and clarity are all present, supporting closure and emotional release.
Moving through themes of hope, insecurity, obsession, and newfound confidence, Olivia Rodrigo has created yet another relatable album. She expertly captures the highs and lows of a relationship that has broken down, the constant shift from energetic to slow productions throughout, being an example of how she felt when overwhelmed.
Lily Howard
Image: ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’Official Album Cover
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