Olivia Set to Release New Album in June

Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer

Olivia Rodrigo shot into stardom with her debut single, “Drivers Licence,” and subsequent debut album, Sour, released in 2021, when everyone was longing for something to get them through the pandemic. Now, six years later, Rodrigo is set to release her third album, one that is highly anticipated. 

Rodrigo is known for their personal and angsty writing. Her songs are able to capture the teenage experience like no other, listeners feel her heartbreak and love across her albums. Her latest album, Guts, released in 2023, focused on Rodrigo’s transition from teenager to adulthood, highlighting romance and the expectations of young women. 

Her newly announced album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, is set to release June 12th. It is being produced by Dan Nigro, who has produced Rodrigo’s past two albums. Nigro has stated that he is “very excited” for this album to be released, it already has over 1 million pre-saves on Spotify. 

On April 2nd, a wall in Los Angeles was painted pink. This wall was previously Rodrigo’s signature purple shade with her branding logo. The change in color immediately drew national attention. Then the words, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” were written, announcing the title of the album before Rodrigo’s official announcement on her social media platforms. 

Some factors that differ from her previous releases are the title and color palette. Her past two albums were associated with shades of purple, it being the main color on the album and used in merchandise. This new album has no hint of purple, instead being replaced with pink. The lengthy title is also something new. Her past two albums set the trend of being one four-letter word. A ten-word-long album title has kept fans on their toes for what is to come. 

Olivia has stated that this album will be full of “sad love songs,” hence the title. Recently, in December, it was announced that Rodrigo and her boyfriend of two years, Louis Partridge, had broken up. Many anticipate that this album will dive into that relationship and how Rodrigo felt on the inside compared to what the world saw. 

Rodrigo shared with British Vogue that she was inspired by her favorite love songs, saying that they all “had a tinge of fear or yearning in them.” The album is planned to have 13 tracks. 

Fans speculate what the vibe of the album will be. Sour consisted of alternative pop, while Guts moved in a more rock-ish, punk style, perfectly encapsulating the tumultuous experience of growing up. With the soft pink cover and potentially sad topics, Rodrigo could be shifting her music style into something softer and more refined. 

On Instagram, Rodrigo teased her fans by posting four videos of her securing a lock on a fence in four different locations: New York City, Los Angeles, London, and Paris. Shortly before the announcement, Rodrigo wiped her Instagram symbolizing her entrance into her new era of music. 

The first single for the album “Drop Dead” will be released on April 17th. On June 12th, fans and music listeners alike will be able to hear what this new era of music will be. For now fans must wait with anticipation for what is to come with this new album and brand shift.