Olivia Rodrigo

Following the release of singles Drop Dead and The Cure, Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated third studio album arrived today. You seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, marks a striking departure from her previous two records, and it might just be the one that turns me into a die-hard fan. Here’s my full review.

Initial thoughts

I’ll admit it: while I’ve long ridden for pop girls like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia has always sat slightly outside my radar. But, after a first listen to the 13-track record, I have a hunch I may just become a willing convert. The shift starts with the title itself, breaking from the punchy, one-word format of GUTS and SOUR. Lyrically, too, the album feels noticeably more mature and developed. Still, her roots haven’t disappeared entirely, with flashes of the cult favourites Good 4 U and Vampire lingering throughout.

The Cure’s influence looms large here too, with Robert Smith himself turning up as a feature, a fitting nod given how much the record leans into gothic, new wave textures, particularly across its second half. Where her earlier tracks like Traitor and Get Him Back thrived on the sting of the moment, here she seems more interested in sitting with a feeling and letting it stretch out.

I’ll admit it: while I’ve long ridden for pop girls like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia has always sat slightly outside my radar. But, after a first listen to the 14-track record, I have a hunch I may just become a willing convert.

Amelia, Culture & Lifestyle Writer/Creator

Album highlights

Among the album’s standout moments, Stupid Song is an early highlight for me. It comes right after Drop Dead, the opening track, and immediately made me sit up and add it straight to my heavy rotation playlist. It largely follows the same formula as some of Olivia’s most adored tracks and offers a welcome jolt of brightness amid the record’s more brooding moments. Her lyricism also shines through in this track with lines like “I’m a heart made of wax, and I’m melting in the sun” and “I’m a thread on your shirt that is coming undone” being among my favourites on the entire album.

What’s Wrong With Me? is the other clear standout, not just for its surprise Robert Smith feature but for how confidently it commits to the album’s gothic, ’80s-leaning palette. Where some tracks ease into the new sound, this one fully embraces it, and the chemistry between Rodrigo and Smith gives the record one of its most memorable pairings. Together, these two songs capture the album’s meticulous balancing act, one foot in pop euphoria, the other in something darker and more atmospheric.

One of the earlier tracks, ‘Stupid Song’, largely follows the same formula as some of Olivia’s most adored tracks and offers a welcome jolt of brightness amid the record’s more brooding moments.

The team’s favourite tracks

The Handbook team has also been listening to the new album, and the verdict is in. From What’s Wrong With Me? emerging as an early favourite to a shared appreciation for the record’s shift in sound and style, here’s what the team made of it, plus their standout tracks.

Olivia’s vocal range and singing abilities are truly impressive, and I love that she’s leaned into a more indie sound for this album. It feels like a 90s soundtrack in parts while being experimental and modern in others. It’s a great listen.

Kitty, Social Media Director

I’m loving the new wave inspo throughout Olivia’s new album. My favorite has to be ‘What’s Wrong With Me’. I love Robert Smith with my whole heart, and it’s so special seeing one of the all-time greats collaborate with an artist carving her own path into the same space. Having two incredible lyricists from different generations come together like this means so much to me as a fan of both.

Caitlin, Senior Campaign Success Manager

This is already on REPEAT. I am a huge fan of Olivia so this album was highly-anticipated and I’m so happy to say it did not dissapoint. This is a huge win for the girlies and just in time for summer too.

Maddie, Campaign Success Executive

Full tracklist

1. drop dead
2. stupid song
3. honeybee
4. maggots for brains
5. u + me + <3
6. my way
7. purple
8. the cure
9. begged
10. what’s wrong with me
11. less
12. expectations
12. cigarette smoke


    Want to receive more great articles like this every day? Join our daily email now