I now get the appeal of Olivia Rodrigo and her “Sour” debut.

Let’s consider the styles of her predecessors in Pop Princesshood:

???? Syrupy love songs of the Debbie’s & Tiffany’s of the 80’s ???? Sultry “hit me rub me” of the Britney‘s & Christina’s of the 90’s ???? Edge-of-rock, fist-in-the-air pop of the Avril’s & Michelle’s of the 00’s ???? Mature with a wild side of the Miley’s & Taylor’s of the 10’s

So welcome to the 2020’s: Rodrigo sings about heartache like a 60-yr-old Adele, with the vocal rasp of Lorde, and the words of a love-stuck Alanis Morissette

Her standout sour ditties?

???? “Brutal” - teen angst galore, an angst that can come at any age. Take away? THESE days have potential to be best days of our lives.

???? “Traitor”- a voice from the great beyond of break-up, of pride and trust betrayed. A punch in the gut.

???? “Driver license” - about moving on, even though the disillusion of crushed “forever” promises rides with us in the glove compartment. Always handy.

???? “Good 4 u” - a spit on the face of your ex, so their sight is blurred enough not to see the mess you still are. A true “You Oughta Know” revival. Alanis, are you there? It’s me, Man-garet.

???? “Enough for you” - about what you give up for someone, the void when they are gone, and lifting your head, choosing 2 love & be yourself, once more.

If this is what happens when she suffers, here’s to Ms Rodrigo finding the wrong one many times over.

Sour #BestNewArtist Recording Academy / GRAMMYs

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