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The album opener, \u201cdrop dead\u201d, states that clearly, even incorporating a natural shift towards synth-pop sheen that builds the crescendo with gusto. Rodrigo sounds charmingly lovestruck with her performance, fully engaged with her affection for her lover as she\u2019s endeared with his love for The Cure, stalks him on the internet, and would \u201cdrop dead\u201d when he kisses her entirely. <\/p>\n
It might be a simple tale at first, but she paints her journey of love with layers, adding lyrical details that expose how this romantic splendour is not as blissful as she initially thought. The shimmering post-punk of \u201cmaggots for brains\u201d details Rodrigo\u2019s experience of not being herself, only becoming complete when her lover is on her side. \u201cmy way\u201d evokes her petty energy towards other girls that might onto said lover, with her calling them out with a sneer. \u201cpurple\u201d then follows through, utilising the metaphor of mixing colours as a representation of the relationship having chemistry, up until she sings \u201cMelt with you \u2018til it all turns black\u201d in the outro.<\/p>\n
Starting from \u201cThe Cure\u201d is where Rodrigo\u2019s growth as an artist truly shines. Its 5-minute length introduces ruffled acoustic strumming that lays down a tantalising realisation: falling in love isn\u2019t an instant cure to her problems. She wondrously echoes that introspection through her voice, which strengthens around a crescendo that brings the strings to the surface.<\/p>\n
This continues further with \u201cless\u201d and \u201ccigarette smoke\u201d. The former\u2019s quaint, organic piano ballad becomes a moment of processing the reality of the relationship sadly fizzling out; her attempts to revitalise it keep failing, only to wish the breakup would\u2019ve been less crushing if he loved her less. The latter ends the album with Rodrigo reflecting on her ex, feeling torn that her wishes and efforts in the relationship go unrequited. The acoustic instrumentation unfurling to the bellowing string and bass swell has her righteously shout: \u201cYou will never know my sorrow \/ Why\u2019d I try at all\u201d.<\/p>\n
For its 50-minute runtime, there\u2019s never a moment where it structurally drags or feels out of place, a huge boon that allows the transitions from fiery bangers to tender ballads to stand out. Its measured flow showcases Rodrigo\u2019s refined songcrafting spark. Marvelously swinging across the blend of new wave, post-punk, and pop-rock sonics.<\/p>\n
However, what pulls it down is Dan Nigro\u2019s production work. He turns many of the grooves and guitars distractingly underpowered, leading to the plentiful build-ups and melodies not exploding as they should, especially cuts like the glossy pop-rock of \u201cu + me = <\/p>\n
Despite that specific flaw, it doesn\u2019t slip down Olivia Rodrigo\u2019s sharpest songwriting to date. This only represents her artistic path getting more mature and exciting, especially as she takes risks down the line. After all, in joy and in despair, love leaves a person everlastingly changed. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n