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A non-definitive ranking of every song on SOUR

Our fave spicy Pisces has written the soundtrack to our summer and to that, we are *so* grateful. From stylish fits in her music videos to shoutable lyrics, Olivia Rodrigo is always serving—looks, music and general inspiration.


Although a pretty much impossible task because they're all so good, here's our take on every single song on SOUR, ranked.

11. enough for you

Now don't get us wrong—this song is pretty great. To have this as the bottom of a debut album *truly* speaks to how talented Liv is. Although the lyrics and simple finger-picked guitar melody are not as hard-hitting, it's still a delicate, vulnerable ballad that reveals her inner dialogue of an unbalanced relationship.

Fave lyric: I’d say you broke my heart but you broke so much more

10. deja vu

This song is just so catchy and picturesque, streamlining the images of strawberry ice cream and silk head scarfs to the front of summer. Even if it's the (slightly) weaker one of her singles, "deja vu" has a music video that is equally stunning and dreamy, with a shoutable bridge reminiscent of "Cruel Summer." 

Fave lyric: And I bet that she knows Billy Joel / 'Cause you played her "Uptown Girl"

9. drivers license

Um, icon? This song was a cultural reset. Yes, it's a bit overplayed but certainly not overhyped. This honest and aching breakup ballad is what started it all, and it's a masterpiece from its soft beginning to its powerful chorus to its iconic bridge. Despite all the love triangle drama circulating this song, one cannot deny the *unbelievable* talent this teenage phenom holds.

Fave lyric: You said forever, now I drive alone past your street

8. jealousy, jealousy   

Social media can suck sometimes, and Liv captured that authentically in this bitter bop, perfectly encapsulating her kooky album cover. The commentary on social media and online insecurities is so real in the way only teens can attest to, and it's comforting to know that Liv goes through all of the emotions and hardships the same way we all do. Plus, the bridge? God-tier.

Fave lyric: I know their beauty’s not my lack / But it feels like that weight is on my back 

7. good 4 u 

Angry girl summer starts...now. In a 2000s pop-punk track serving Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams vibes, Liv pumps out an angsty contender for *the* song of 2021 summer. As an opposite twin to its counterpart "enough for you," "good 4 u" showcases not only Liv's versatility in musical style but also her ability to pull off elbow-length black latex gloves. 

Fave lyric: Maybe I’m too emotional / But your apathy’s like a wound in salt

6. 1 step forward, 3 steps back  

Fulfilling all of our Swiftie dreams, Liv channels Reputation era Taylor by directly sampling the piano melody of "New Year's Day" in this song about the volatile and elusive nature of toxic relationships. Plus, in true Taylor Swift form, Liv also hid the Easter egg of Taylor's lucky number "13" in the title. Like mother, like daughter.

Fave lyric: I'm the love of your life until I make you mad

[Don't miss: Loved Sour? Check out this Olivia Rodrigo-inspired playlist for alllll your summer music needs]

5. traitor

This song is objectively good—pretty much impossible to hate. With beautifully layered harmonies and gut-wrenching lyrics, "traitor" brings to light just how deep-seated the emotions Liv weaves in her album are. Every line is delivered with *such* raw emotion and poignant betrayal. Let's not forget the gasp-worthy wordplay in the chorus.

Fave lyric: Guess you didn't cheat / But you're still a traitor 

4. hope ur ok  

An oddball in the album, this more indie and narrative song is packed to the brim with hope and love. Playing like a letter to childhood friends, one who struggled through abuse and one whose family shunned them due to their sexuality, Liv lets them know her admiration for them through piercing lyrics that end the SOUR album on a sweet note.

Fave lyric: Does she know how proud I am she was created? / With the courage to unlearn all of their hatred

3. favorite crime  

Definitely the most lyrically experimental track on the album, "favorite crime" is breathtaking. Liv details the red flags of her relationship through creative metaphors and astounding vocals which especially shine in the bridge and final chorus. She manages to do all this with stripped-down acoustics, giving it major evermore energy in all the best ways.

Fave lyric: One heart broke, four hands bloody

2. brutal   

Ladies and gentlemen...her. This song is angsty, harsh and well, brutal. And we absolutely *love* it. This is a Gen Z anthem through and through, and for good reason. Between catchy distortions and pounding bass, it perfectly captures how being a teen in society today can kinda suck. Short but packing a super big punch, it's perfect for hollering at the top of your lungs in the car or at 3 AM in the morning in your bedroom.

Fave lyric: I'm not cool and I'm not smart / And I can't even parallel park

1. happier    

(Possibly) unpopular opinion: "happier" is the best track on SOUR. One of our fave things about Liv is that she's never afraid to be just like other girls—she's expressive, emotional and sometimes, bratty. Let's face it—we all can be at times. Exploring the perhaps petty wish for her ex to find someone but not be as happy as he was with her, Liv dresses her song up with a waltzing groove and utterly relatable lyrics. The unique breakup sentiment is paired wonderfully with pretty instrumentals and harmonies to which we can't help but sing along every single time the song plays.

Fave lyric: I hope you're happy, but don't be happier

What's your fave track on SOUR? Tell us on Instagram @girlslifemag!

All GIFs via GIPHY | Slider image @oliviarodrigo

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by Sophia Zhang | 6/30/2021
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