header image: olivia rodrigo’s you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love album cover
words: meg hilborne, @meghillbilly
the musician's new album proves she's still pop's most exciting storyteller
few artists capture the emotional chaos of young adulthood quite like olivia rodrigo. across her latest album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, she continues to sharpen the formula that made her one of pop’s most compelling voices: brutally honest lyrics, infectious hooks, and a willingness to swing between heartbreak, rage and self-deprecating humour in the space of a single verse.
while the record explores familiar themes of identity, relationships and self-worth, it also finds rodrigo experimenting with heavier sounds and more biting lyricism. some tracks hit harder than others, but together they paint the portrait of an artist who remains unafraid to expose every insecurity, which is exactly why she remains one of modern pop’s most captivating artists.
Even when every track doesn’t land equally, the record succeeds because of Rodrigo’s ability to transform messy emotions into songs that feel deeply personal and universally relatable at the same time. From the crushing vulnerability of ‘What’s Wrong With Me’ to the sharp-tongued fury of ‘Drop Dead’ and ‘Maggots for Brains’, the album is packed with moments that remind listeners why Rodrigo has become the voice of a generation navigating love, heartbreak and self-discovery.
It may not be a flawless record, but it’s yet another strong chapter in a career that continues to evolve in exciting directions.
i have taken on the very difficult task of ranking the songs on the album. quick disclaimer: this album is a no skip, and I believe that every song on it is great.
13. the cure
This may be a bit of a shock as I know it’s a fan favourite on the album, but it just didn’t strike as much of a chord with me as it did with others. As I claimed in the intro, I do not feel there is a bad song on this album – and this song certainly isn’t, either. It just was the one that didn’t land as well as the others for me.
12. my way
confident and defiant, but slightly repetitive compared to some of rodrigo’s more nuanced writing throughout the album.
11. begged
an emotionally charged break-up song that contains flashes of brilliance, but never fully reaches the intensity it seems to be aiming for.
10. purple
a dreamy, introspective track that offers some beautiful moments, though it occasionally feels overshadowed by stronger songs elsewhere on the record. the metaphors throughout represented by colour are very clever regardless.
9. cigarette smoke
atmospheric and melancholic, the song creates a vivid mood even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the album’s strongest material. despite this, it finishes the album perfectly.
8. less
a restrained and thoughtful track that quietly builds emotional weight. its understated approach makes it one of the album’s more interesting cuts. the lyrics are so beautiful and heartfelt.
7. expectations
a reflective song that examines the gap between fantasy and reality. while not as immediate as some of the album’s bigger moments, its lyrical depth rewards repeat listens. it reminds me a lot of something that chappel roan would sing.
6. honeybee
sweet without becoming saccharine, ‘honeybee’ offers a softer side of rodrigo while retaining her signature emotional honesty.
5. stupid song
ironically, there’s nothing stupid about this track. rodrigo’s self-awareness shines through as she delivers one of the album’s catchiest melodies.
4. u + me = <3
a sugary pop song with an infectious hook. beneath the playful title lies a surprisingly heartfelt exploration of young love.
3. maggots for brains
one of rodrigo’s boldest tracks. its biting sarcasm and unapologetic energy create a cathartic listen that feels destined to become a fan favourite. it’s so unbelievably catchy and fun- one to dance to.
2. drop dead
a punchy, attitude-filled highlight that perfectly balances humour and anger. the sharp lyrics and explosive chorus make it instantly memorable. this was the first single released a few months before the album and it’s been stuck in my head ever since.
1. what’s wrong with me
the album’s standout track. raw, vulnerable and devastatingly self-aware, rodrigo turns self-doubt into an anthem. it’s the emotional centrepiece of the record and showcases some of her strongest songwriting to date. and it features the cure’s robert smith who has been a strong figure in rodrigo’s career since their performance together at glastonbury. it was a no brainer that this was the best track.
