By Kristyn Johnson, Contributing Writer
Singer-songwriter and actress, Olivia Rodrigo, took over the world with her first single “Drivers License” and topped charts again after releasing her newest song “Deja Vu” earlier this month.
Rodrigo began her career as an actress and is most famously known for her roles in Disney Channel’s “Bizaardvark” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.” However, earlier this year, Rodrigo took on the term “singer-songwriter” as she released her first single.
“Drivers License” debuted on Jan. 8 and hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in a week. The song is about Rodrigo finally getting her license but the joy of it is ruined by heartbreak.
Rodrigo sings “I got my driver’s license last week, just like we always talked about” showing that the achievement was supposed to be celebrated with her ex. She continues by talking about a “blonde girl” that is older. The song was incredibly popular on social media because people assumed the song was about Rodrigo’s co-star in “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”, Joshua Bassett and singer/actress Sabrina Carpenter.
Rodrigo’s smash hit, “Deja Vu,” is about a couple doing the activities Rodrigo and her ex used to do. She asks, “Do you get déjà vu when she’s with you?” because they “did that too.”
On April 17, “Deja Vu” debuted on Billboard charts at No. 4.
The music video shows Rodrigo and another girl doing the same activities as she revisits old memories. Throughout the video, Rodrigo realizes the similarities between her old lover’s new girlfriend and herself. The video shows the heartbreak of caring for someone while they are moving on.
Rodrigo’s success with the release of only two singles is astonishing. Both hits made the Hot 100’s top 10. “Drivers License” debut to No. 1 on the charts shocked the world. As her first single, Rodrigo seemed to make charts with ease, while other artists fought for the top.
Rodrigo’s only other musical experience is from “High School Musical: The Musical: the Series.” Her original song from the series “All I Want” was her first Billboard Hot 100 when it debuted at No. 90.
Rodrigo is expected to release her debut album “Sour” on May 21.
The album includes 11 tracks, including “Drivers License” and “Deja Vu.” Rodrigo tells Zane Lowe in an episode of “At Home With” that she “drew a lot of inspiration from this period in my life, where I was feeling a lot of heartbreak and a lot of insecurity.”
The album should be able to resonate with other teens going through similar heartbreak.
johnsokr19@bonaventure.edu
