music
Olivia Rodrigo: You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love review
(Geffen)Gossips have rushed to the lyrics for details about her personal life, but the rest of us can just get on with luxuriating in Rodrigo’s funny, Cure-infused craft
TL;DR
- The album marks a stylistic departure, moving away from pop-punk towards 80s new wave with influences from The Cure, B-52s, and New Order.
- The Cure's influence is pervasive, evident in lyrical references, a duet with Robert Smith, and musical homages.
- Songs like 'Purple' and 'Stupid Song' demonstrate sophisticated songwriting, with clever melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics.
- The album features mature explorations of relationships, moving beyond simple recriminations to nuanced depictions of doomed romance and post-breakup reflections.
- Rodrigo's wit and intelligence shine through, particularly in tracks like 'Expectations' and 'Maggots for Brains'.
- The album is seen as a significant step in Rodrigo's artistic growth, demonstrating an impressive ease in maturing her public persona and musical output.