The Grand, Gory Comeback of Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated new single, “Vampire,” takes her confessional-pop style to new heights.

A photo of the singer Olivia Rodrigo
Lexie Moreland / Getty

The buzz surrounding Olivia Rodrigo’s latest single, “Vampire,” was refreshingly positive. The former Disney star’s debut album, “Sour,” showcased her ability to transcend the boundaries of commercial pop. With her eclectic mix of chart-topping hits such as “Driver’s License,” “Good 4 U,” “Deja Vu,” and “Brutal,” Rodrigo proved that she was not confined to one genre. As listeners eagerly awaited her new release, the question on everyone’s mind was: Where would she go next?

Instead of playing it safe by replicating her previous successes or following popular trends, Rodrigo decided to live up to the name of her upcoming album, “Guts.” “Vampire,” her first single in two years, takes her confessional-pop style to exhilarating new heights, igniting a sense of anticipation in even the most stoic of listeners.

The track channels the energy of piano rock, combining theatrical angst with precise, punchy piano riffs. Rodrigo and producer Dan Nigro draw inspiration from artists like Fiona Apple and Billy Joel, as well as surprising and daring influences such as Muse and Mika. Rodrigo’s signature songwriting style, characterized by stacked phrases that fit together like Lego bricks, remains intact. She also maintains her distinctive singing accent, adding an extra layer of drama to her lyrics.

However, the true brilliance of “Vampire” lies in its ability to combine seemingly simple elements to create an overwhelming sense of weightiness. The slow, deceptive intro leads into Rodrigo’s brisk vocals, which are later intensified by the escalating percussion. The brief silence before the explosive chorus—”bloodsucker / fame fucker”—followed by the thundering guitar, creates a moment of unexpected intensity. The bridge is another standout moment, as Rodrigo’s passionate delivery transitions into a Freddie Mercury-like wail, defying expectations and adding multiple layers of emotion.

Lyrically, Rodrigo delves into the familiar territory of heartbreak, with specific details about a six-month relationship with an older man who used her for her fame. Lines like “I used to think I was smart / But you made me look so naive” perfectly encapsulate the hurt and fury that many of us have experienced. The question remains: How will Rodrigo continue to captivate her audience with her next release?

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