Researchers say that it takes 66 days on average to develop a habit and I can confidently say I’ve listened to Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, “You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love”, everyday for over 66 days. Since the album’s release, I have grown an unhealthy attachment to “what’s wrong with me”, “maggots for brains”, and “cigarette smoke”. The question I am answering is: Why? Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of the story behind the album, how it connects to modern audiences, and using music as a coping mechanism.
The ultimate soft launch came in the form of Olivia Rodrigo and Louis Partridge’s relationship. There’s a parasocial nature to how deeply invested people were in their relationship, stemming from how vulnerably she portrayed herself in the music she made about him. In her previous album, “GUTS”, she wrote “so american”; an incredibly sweet song detailing the early stages of their relationship. In anticipation of her new album, fans speculated it would’ve been released around Valentine’s day in early 2026 to commemorate the songs made about Louis, but breakup rumors about the couple spurred and the album didn’t come out until June 2026. Upon listening to the album when it was first released, I was shocked by how personal the lyrics were, but as a result felt so connected to the messages in each song.Â
The first half of the album contains love songs that represent the positive aspects of the relationship like developing an overwhelming affection for a significant other and becoming vulnerable while in love. At the seventh track, “purple”, there’s a shift in the album that pivots to the downfall of the relationship and how the aftermath impacted her internally. The songs in the latter half detail struggles of self-image caused by unreciprocated love, settling for an unsatisfactory relationship, and finally, letting go of someone who is not meant for you. The series of songs within this album creates a complete storyline of a relationship that is relatable to modern audiences and showcases the vulnerabilities of falling in love.
In the age of snapchat talking stages and situationships of doom and despair, it seems like mission impossible to find genuine connection in romantic relationships. There’s a surplus of online discourse about dating in the modern age and what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships. No matter what confident female podcasters or internet echo chambers tell you, it is still insanely difficult to decenter relationships from your life if you’ve been emotionally invested in someone for a prolonged period of time. As an overthinking, deep feeling, sensitive person, I find myself dissecting interactions I’ve had with people over and over again, never growing tired of self-critique.
To cope with my anxious and never-ending internal monologue, I turn to music. Listening to songs that perfectly capture the wide span of my emotions validates my feelings and makes me feel a little less alone. This album provides the perfect selection of songs for any romantic situation I’ve been in. “Drop dead and u + me = <3" provided me with the perfect songs to daydream to when I was down horrendously bad (embarrassingly so). "Maggots for brains", "purple", "cigarette smoke", and "what's wrong with me" became outlets for the anxieties I felt when my feelings became a little too real and I struggled with how to perceive myself based on someone else's actions. Lastly, when it came time for me to get a grip, which happened way later than I'd hoped, I listened to "expectations" to remind myself that standards do exist and I should never settle for less than I deserve.
Although it is easy to ruminate on the potential heartbreak from being in a relationship, I think there is also beauty in emotional vulnerability and feeling comfortable enough to let another person truly know you. Listening to this album while thinking about situations in my life or about relationships in general made me feel more at ease with my own fears, but also reminded me that being comfortable with yourself before getting into a relationship is necessary to navigate insecurity in a healthy way.
Regardless of if you are freshly broken up with, happily in a relationship, or getting over someone who wasn’t a significant other but also not quite just a friend, “You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love” has a song that reflects the situation you are in. If you’re a professional wallower, need a song (or 13) to scream in the car, or are looking for a new journaling soundtrack, I recommend taking a listen to this painstakingly raw album.
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