The thought of a Disney star transitioning into a universal voice for feminine rage may seem surprising to some, but for Olivia Rodrigo, it is reality. Rodrigo gained fame and grew her love of music through her hit roles on “Bizaardvark” and “High School Musical: The Musical: the Series.”
These roles set the stage for her to begin her career as a musician after performing her original songs, such as “All I Want,” which was featured in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.”
In January 2021, Rodrigo released her hit single, “Drivers License,” and quickly gained popularity as an artist. This single was the first song to reach more than 1 billion streams in 2021. “I’d been writing songs and working my whole life, but it did seem sort of instantaneous,” Rodrigo said about her rise to fame as a musician in an interview with BBC.
Released by 18-year-old Rodrigo, her debut album, “Sour,” quickly gained traction among her adoring fanbase for her shining authenticity as she delved into the sour feelings of adolescence. In this album, her music focuses on themes like teenage heartbreak, jealousy, insecurity and transitioning into adulthood.
Through her hit songs “Brutal” and “Good 4 U,” Rodrigo departs from her melancholic sound to a pop-punk sound, exploring feminine rage and the societal pressures set on young women. “Good 4 U” channels the sour feelings of a breakup into a scathing anthem that expresses betrayal. “Brutal” voices the insecurity that many face during their teenage years.
“Guts,” Rodrigo’s sophomore album, turns the young adult experience into universal anthems for those struggling through heartbreak. Discussing topics like mental health struggles, unattainable standards for women, and heartbreak, Rodrigo provides a safe space for her fans that have felt the same struggles.
“Lacy” and “Pretty Isn’t Pretty,” hit tracks off of this album, discuss a prevalent problem, the pressure that society sets on young women to reach unattainable beauty standards. In these songs, Rodrigo is open about her own personal struggles with comparing herself to others, appealing to her audience through authenticity.
Some may argue that her discography feels dramatic and intense, but this style of songwriting benefits her audience. Rodrigo attracts an audience struggling with similar emotions of heartbreak, and they find solace in her discography. Rodrigo encompasses all of the feelings of a young adult going through heartbreak, such as sadness, rage and acceptance.
Aside from her career as a musician and actress, Rodrigo advocates for mental health awareness by encouraging others to destigmatize therapy. Since her father is a therapist, she recognizes the stigma around going to therapy, and validates the emotions of her young fanbase.
“But it feels so real when you’re in it, and it’s so valid, and just because it’s not an adult problem, or you don’t have to pay taxes yet or whatever doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt,” Rodrigo said in an interview with People Magazine.
Rodrigo’s albums provide more than music. They provide a glimpse into the sour feelings provided by the young adult experience. With her honesty and authenticity, Rodrigo resonates with young women who are struggling in their own minds.
