About this episode

The episode discusses Olivia Rodrigo's third studio album, exploring its themes of desire and emotional depth, while referencing the influence of The Cure.

Olivia Rodrigo is back with her third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl in love. As the title might suggest, it’s a deeply personal affair, with moody soundscapes supporting hyper-detailed lyrics of soul-wrenching depth. This album is a meditation on desire, and intriguingly, the letdown that can occur when desire is fulfilled. Each track is haunted by a band that basically invented the idea of unfulfilled longing, The Cure, who receive multiple direct shout-outs and numerous subtle references. But the album isn’t a tribute, or a rip-off. It’s a continuation of the voice Rodrigo has been developing ever since she debuted “drivers license” in 2021. It’s a sound distinctly her own, with signature techniques to match. The “re-verse” in “Drop Dead,” which we discussed in a prior episode, and a spiraling structure that keeps listeners waiting and waiting for the final word. Tune in to hear how Olivia channels her gothic predilections and fastidious lyrical craft into a powerful emotional payoff.&nbsp; Songs discussed: Olivia Rodrigo - drop dead, stupid song, u + me = <3, purple, the cure, begged, what’s wrong with me, less, expectations, cigarette smoke, drivers license…

Topics covered

• Olivia Rodrigo's new album
• emotional depth in music
• influence of The Cure
• lyrical analysis
• musical structure
• desire and fulfillment

Keywords

• Olivia Rodrigo
• The Cure
• new album
• emotional music
• lyrical depth
• musical influence
• desire
• album analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Cure

Books & works: drivers license, you seem pretty sad for a girl in love, Drop Dead, stupid song, u + me = <3, purple, begged, what’s wrong with me, less, expectations

More episodes of Switched on Pop

• II. Justice for the verse (ft. Audrey Hobert) · July 21, 2026 · 34 min
• I. Let's get it started (ft. Aaron Dessner) · July 14, 2026 · 41 min
• Switched On Pop on Netflix July 14th · July 13, 2026 · 1 min
• Music only the World Cup could make · June 30, 2026 · 38 min
• Why we can't resist Swedish pop (ft. Zara Larsson) ICYMI · June 23, 2026 · 44 min
• 2hollis is the underground’s genre-hopping vampire · June 18, 2026 · 32 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Switched on Pop podcast page.