The track has already become a fan favourite throughout Rodrigo’s latest tour, and now fans have been treated with a fresh take. Although this is Chappell Roan’s first feature, the duo – who hold a combined four Grammy Award wins - have been long-time collaborators on stages across the world. Having most recently headlined Daisy Chain Fields together, the world has been pleading to hear more from the pair - and they’ve delivered above and beyond any of our ‘expectations’.
In a testament to the song’s sentiment, neither artist has settled for mediocre on this track, with Chappell Roan bringing her own flair and charismatic lyrical approach. Beyond the bright lights of fame and successful world tours, Rodrigo and Roan are no different to their own fans, perpetually struggling to navigate the world of dating. Set against the insatiable electro-pop beat, the tongue-in-cheek downbeat reflection of how “she said she’d call me later, that was three weeks ago” rings all too true for many fans.
Alongside the remix, fans have been treated to a new music video to accompany the track – which has let Rodrigo, now three albums into her career, really spread her creative wings. Bringing in Talking Heads frontman David Byrne to play an eccentric quiz show host, he pits the punks of “The Rodrigos” against the divas of “The Roans” to find out the best “places you should take her”. Pairing the endlessly charming video with the remix, Rodrigo and Roan are showing their fans it is possible to get off the wheel of misfortune and stop being “desperate for loving”.
Olivia Rodrigo has, time and again, shown us how succinctly her songwriting can cut to the core of the human experience – across love, loss and everything in between – and this time is no different. Bringing Chappell Roan in on ‘expectations’ sees the pair cementing themselves as the powerhouses of the modern pop landscape.
Joseph Madden
Image: ‘expectations (feat. Chappell Roan)’ Official Single Cover