Sour (2021) Lyrics – Olivia Rodrigo

English 594 May 21, 2021

"Sour", stylized in all caps, stands as the highly acclaimed debut studio album by the immensely talented American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. Released on May 21, 2021, under the Geffen Records label, this album represents a remarkable collaboration between Rodrigo and esteemed American producer Dan Nigro. Initially conceived as an EP, Sour swiftly transformed into a full-length masterpiece following the overwhelming viral success of its lead single, "Drivers License."

Drawing inspiration from Rodrigo's personal music preferences and her admiration for singer-songwriters, Sour predominantly embraces a pop sound that traverses a diverse range of styles, encompassing energetic pop-punk anthems and introspective bedroom pop ballads. At its core, the album delves into the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, exploring themes of failed romance, heartache, and the profound emotional experiences that shape the lives of young people. Rodrigo's intention with this body of work was to authentically capture her journey as a seventeen-year-old, with the title "Sour" serving as a metaphor for the complex and often-dismissed emotions that accompany youth, such as anger, jealousy, and unhappiness.

Ahead of the album's release, three captivating singles set the stage for Rodrigo's meteoric rise. Each of these singles soared into the top three of the prestigious US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lead single, "Drivers License," became an instant phenomenon, claiming the number one spot and propelling Rodrigo into the mainstream spotlight. Following its monumental success, "Deja Vu" reached number three on the charts, solidifying Rodrigo's undeniable talent. The album's second chart-topper, "Good 4 U," further cemented Rodrigo's groundbreaking achievements, making her the first artist in history to debut with their first three singles in the Hot 100's top ten. Notably, Sour became the first debut album ever to produce two number-one debuts on this prestigious chart. Additionally, the poignant track "Traitor" peaked at number nine on the Hot 100, marking the fourth top-10 hit from the album. Sour broke the global Spotify record for the largest opening week for a female artist's album and enjoyed chart-topping success in numerous countries, including reaching the pinnacle of the US Billboard 200. Unsurprisingly, it emerged as one of the best-selling albums of 2021.

Upon its release, Sour garnered widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers hailing it as a remarkable debut album that resonated profoundly with Gen Z and beyond. Critics universally praised Rodrigo's ability to craft raw and relatable lyrics, emphasizing her undeniable talent and authenticity. Renowned publications, such as Billboard and Rolling Stone, bestowed high honors on the album, ranking it as one of the best releases of 2021. Rolling Stone even crowned Sour as the number one album of the year in their prestigious year-end rankings. The 64th Annual Grammy Awards further recognized the brilliance of Sour and its standout single, as the album won the coveted award for Best Pop Vocal Album, while "Drivers License" secured the award for Best Pop Solo Performance. Additionally, Olivia Rodrigo clinched the title of Best New Artist, solidifying her position as an emerging force in the music industry. To complement the album's immersive experience, Rodrigo treated fans to a YouTube concert film titled Sour Prom, as well as a captivating Disney+ documentary named Driving Home 2 U. Moreover, she embarked on her inaugural headlining concert tour, the Sour Tour, captivating audiences from April 5 to July 7, 2022. Below you can find a to z all track details, with lyrics and videos.

Sour album Cover

Sour album cover

Cast & Crew

  • Artist/Band
  • Release Date
  • May 21, 2021
  • Producer(s)
  • Alexander 23, Dan Nigro, Jam City & Olivia Rodrigo
  • Writer(s)
  • Casey Smith, Dan Nigro, Hayley Williams, Jack Antonoff, Josh Farro, Olivia Rodrigo, St. Vincent & Taylor Swift