SOUR

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Sour (stylized in all caps) is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. It was released on May 21, 2021, by Geffen Records. The album was written by Rodrigo and producer Dan Nigro. Originally planned as an EP, Sour was expanded into a full-length album following the viral success of her debut single, "Drivers License". Influenced by Rodrigo's favorite genres and singer-songwriters, Sour is primarily a melodramatic alternative pop, bedroom pop, pop rock, and teen pop record with elements of alternative rock, dream pop, folk-pop, pop-punk, and synth-pop, spanning from angsty guitar-driven rockers to melancholic acoustic balladry. Its subject matter centers on adolescence, failed romance, and heartache. She said the album explores her perils and discoveries as a 17-year-old, with its title referring to the "sour" emotions young people experience, but are often criticized for, including anger, jealousy, and unhappiness.