Olivia Rodrigo is an American singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame in 2021 with her debut single “drivers license.” Born in 2003 in California, Rodrigo began acting at a young age, appearing in several Disney Channel shows, including “Bizaardvark” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” She later turned her focus to music, releasing “drivers license” in January 2021, which quickly became a massive hit, topping charts around the world and breaking multiple streaming records.
With her emotive vocals and relatable lyrics, Rodrigo has become a leading figure in the pop music landscape, drawing comparisons to artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde. Her music explores themes of heartbreak, growing up, and the complexities of teenage life, striking a chord with audiences of all ages. Rodrigo’s debut album, “SOUR,” was released in May 2021 and has received critical acclaim for its honesty and authenticity.
In addition to her music, Rodrigo is an advocate for mental health and has been open about her own struggles with anxiety and depression. She has used her platform to promote mental health awareness and encourage young fans to prioritize their mental wellbeing.
With her talent, authenticity, and relatable lyrics, Olivia Rodrigo has quickly become one of the most promising artists in pop music today, and fans are eagerly anticipating what she has in store for the future.
10. 1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back
“1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back” by Olivia Rodrigo is an emotional ballad that showcases the young singer-songwriter’s raw and vulnerable lyrics. The song features a stripped-down piano arrangement that accentuates Rodrigo’s tender vocals and poignant lyrics. The song tells a heartbreaking story of a relationship that is slowly falling apart, with Rodrigo singing about the frustration and pain of trying to hold onto something that is slipping away. The chorus is a powerful hook that emphasizes the song’s theme, with Rodrigo repeating “1 step forward, 3 steps back.” Overall, “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back” is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Rodrigo’s talent as a songwriter and performer.
9. Enough for You
“Enough for You” is a poignant and emotional ballad by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. The song features Rodrigo’s tender vocals over a stripped-down acoustic guitar melody and delicate piano accompaniment. The lyrics speak of the pain and heartbreak of unrequited love, with lines like “I wore makeup when we dated ’cause I thought you’d like me more if I looked like the other prom queens I know that you loved before.” The chorus is a powerful and cathartic release, with Rodrigo singing, “And I just hope that one day, I’ll be enough, I’ll be enough for you.” Overall, “Enough for You” is a moving and relatable song that showcases Rodrigo’s impressive songwriting and vocal talents.
8. Jealousy, Jealousy
“Jealousy, Jealousy” is a single from Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, “SOUR,” released in May 2021. The song features a mid-tempo pop melody and introspective lyrics, with Rodrigo exploring the themes of social media comparison and the negative effects of jealousy on mental health. The track’s vulnerable and relatable lyrics have resonated with fans, and it showcases Rodrigo’s ability to create emotionally resonant pop music that speaks to the struggles of the human experience. With “Jealousy, Jealousy,” Rodrigo promotes a message of self-love and acceptance, encouraging listeners to prioritize their own mental wellbeing and avoid the trap of comparing themselves to others on social media.
7. Happier
“Happier” by Olivia Rodrigo is a heart-wrenching ballad that showcases the young singer-songwriter’s incredible vocal range and emotional depth. The song features a stripped-down piano and strings arrangement that creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics tell a poignant story of unrequited love, with Rodrigo singing about the pain and heartbreak of watching someone she loves move on with someone else. The chorus is a powerful hook that emphasizes the song’s message, with Rodrigo repeating “I hope you’re happy, but don’t be happier.” Overall, “Happier” is a beautiful and haunting song that showcases Rodrigo’s incredible talent as a storyteller and performer.
6. All I Want
“All I Want” is a single from the soundtrack of the Disney+ series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” performed by Olivia Rodrigo. The song features a stripped-down acoustic melody and emotive vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of longing and the desire to be seen and understood. The track’s introspective tone and vulnerable delivery have made it a fan favorite, and it showcases Rodrigo’s ability to create emotionally resonant pop music that speaks to the human experience. With “All I Want,” Rodrigo explores the challenges of growing up and the desire for connection, promoting a message of authenticity and vulnerability.
5. Favorite Crime
“Favorite Crime” is a haunting and atmospheric ballad by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. The song features Rodrigo’s emotive vocals over a brooding piano melody and sparse electronic beats. The lyrics speak of the complicated emotions that come with a tumultuous relationship, with lines like “Know that I loved you so bad, I let you treat me like that, I was your willing accomplice, honey.” The chorus is a mesmerizing and powerful refrain, with Rodrigo singing, “And I watched as you fled the scene, doe-eyed as you buried me, one heart broke for a lifetime, and one’s gonna haunt me.” Overall, “Favorite Crime” is a stunning and introspective song that showcases Rodrigo’s depth as a songwriter and performer.
4. Deja Vu
“Deja Vu” is a single from Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, “SOUR,” released in April 2021. The song features a pop-rock melody and introspective lyrics, with Rodrigo exploring the themes of nostalgia and the feeling of experiencing the same emotions and situations over and over again. The track’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics have resonated with fans, and it showcases Rodrigo’s ability to create emotionally resonant pop music that speaks to the struggles of the human experience. With “Deja Vu,” Rodrigo promotes a message of self-reflection and growth, encouraging listeners to learn from their past experiences and move forward.
3. Traitor
“Traitor” is a vulnerable and emotive ballad by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. The song features Rodrigo’s raw and powerful vocals over a moody piano melody and sparse percussion. The lyrics speak of the betrayal and heartbreak of a relationship, with lines like “You betrayed me, and I know that you’ll never feel sorry, for the way I hurt, yeah, you talked to her when we were together, loved you at your worst but that didn’t matter.” The chorus is a cathartic release, with Rodrigo singing, “And I hope you’re happy, but not like how you were with me, I’m selfish, I know, I can’t let you go.” Overall, “Traitor” is a heart-wrenching and relatable song that showcases Rodrigo’s raw and emotional songwriting and vocal talents.
2. Good 4 U
“Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo is an upbeat and catchy pop-rock song that showcases the young singer-songwriter’s versatility and range. The song features a driving guitar riff, pounding drums, and an infectious melody that will have listeners singing along in no time. The lyrics tell a story of anger and frustration, with Rodrigo singing about a failed relationship and the desire to move on and be “good for” herself. The chorus is a powerful hook that emphasizes the song’s message, with Rodrigo repeating “Well, good for you, you look happy and healthy.” Overall, “Good 4 U” is a fun and energetic song that showcases Rodrigo’s ability to craft catchy and relatable pop music.
1. Driver’s License
“Driver’s License” is a debut single from Olivia Rodrigo, released in January 2021. The song features a pop-ballad melody and emotive vocals, with lyrics that express heartbreak and the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship. The track’s catchy chorus and relatable lyrics have made it a massive hit, topping charts around the world and breaking multiple streaming records. With “Driver’s License,” Rodrigo showcases her ability to create emotionally resonant pop music that speaks to the human experience, and the song has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, solidifying her as one of the most promising young artists in pop music today.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
