"You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love" Album Review
Rowdy staff members share their thoughts and opinions on Olivia Rodrigo's third studio album.
By: Paige Venable
Olivia Rodrigo officially released her third studio album, “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” earlier this year and it’s safe to say it was a major success.
The album consists of 13 songs, all of which narrate the highs and lows of romantic love. Rodrigo creatively arranged the album to be structured like a musical storytelling of a relationship, from the initial crush to the heartbreaking aftermath.
Although there are no direct mentions of it, the album is evidently written about Rodrigo’s long-term romantic relationship with British actor Louis Partridge. Rumors about the pair first began circulating in October 2023. Their relationship was confirmed not long after they were spotted together in New York City later that year. Although they dated for about two years, the relationship unfortunately crumbled at the end of 2025.
As sad as fans initially were to see Rodrigo split from Partridge, her album hinted at the fact that relationships aren’t always as picture perfect as they seem to be. “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” is not only a beautiful album from a lyrical perspective, but it has helped several individuals feel seen and heard. I think that’s a major reason why it has received so much praise within the past few months. As heartbreaking as some of the songs are, the relatability of it all is what makes it so special.
Given how much love the album has gotten, I wanted to hear from the Rowdy staff themselves. Do they love the album as much as the rest of us do?
Before I asked for their opinions tied to each respective song, I was eager to get an idea of what they thought of the album overall. When asked their top three favorite songs, “Expectations” consistently ranked amongst the top. However, a handful of other songs weren’t too far behind.
As for the song respondents resonated with the most, it was a five-way tie between “Maggots For Brains,” “Begged,” “What’s Wrong With Me,” “Expectations” and “Cigarette Smoke.”
Now, what you’ve all been waiting for…the Rowdy staff’s thoughts on every song from “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.”
"Drop Dead"
“Drop Dead” was first released as a single on April 17, two months prior to the album itself. The same day, Rodrigo released the “Drop Dead” music video, filmed at the Palace of Versailles in France. This song is intentionally placed at the top of the track list to cue the true “start” of a love story. It lyrically demonstrates the feeling of having a crush on someone and is, in my opinion, very euphoric.
The music video makes it even better and is unlike any one I’ve seen in the past. Various elements such as Rodrigo’s adorable outfit, the beautiful scenery and the fact that it was filmed on vintage tape cameras — I have no notes. “Drop Dead” is the lead single for a reason!
Rowdy Rating: 2.19 out of 5.00 stars
“I love how Olivia is always acknowledging the embarrassment that comes along with these huge feelings of being in love.”
“The music video and the nostalgia that perfectly captures a love song!”
“I LOVE ‘I know that the bar closes at 11, but I hope you never finish that beer.’ First off, what bar closes at 11? But seriously, it feels so good to love someone so much that you’re hanging on to every last drop you can get with them.”
"Stupid Song"
“Stupid Song” is a continuation of the whimsical vibes introduced in “Drop Dead.” It starts off relatively slow, which makes some think it’s a sad song. However, the beat quickly picks up and reveals that this song is anything but depressing. “Stupid Song” emulates the excitement of falling in love with someone.
When asked about the story behind it, Rodrigo mentioned how she wrote it after going on an early morning walk in New York City. She was walking peacefully along the streets when a man approached her and asked to go on a date. Although Rodrigo kindly declined, this encounter ultimately inspired her to write “Stupid Song” to express the concept of being infatuated with someone.
At first, falling in love makes most people feel unstoppable. At the same time, the all-consuming nature of it can lead individuals to behave recklessly, getting ahead of themselves. That’s why I think this song also serves as a reminder that it’s critical to enjoy falling in love while still remaining self-aware.
Rowdy Rating: 3.79 out of 5.00 stars
“Until you understand how in over your head a crush can feel you won’t understand ‘Stupid Song’ the way I do.”
“The build up and the yearning!”
“Her vocals sound amazing and the metaphors in her lyrics are beautifully heartbreaking.”
"Honeybee"
Although “Honeybee” is included within the first half of the album, it’s definitely the saddest of these six songs. This song emphasizes the idea that as beautiful as forming a close bond with another person can be, it also means there’s something to lose. This concept can be applied to platonic relationships as well. Nobody wants to lose a friendship that once meant so much to them. The thought of no longer being close with someone, whether romantically or platonically, is a scary one.
While doing press for the album, Rodrigo broke down the meaning behind the lyrics as part of Amex’s “Story of My Song” series. She mentioned that it was one of her favorite songs she’s ever written and that it’s very representative of the love songs she adores. Although it’s technically a love song, it still explores the melancholy and sadness that comes along with relationships.
While it’s not one of my most played from the album, I love the deeper meaning behind it. “Honeybee” lyrically demonstrates how powerful love is; it’s such a strong emotion that can even trigger other feelings. As I’m writing this, I’m realizing that maybe I should give it a second chance…
Rowdy Rating: 2.33 out of 5.00 stars
“Hot take. I like when she says ‘baby boy, honeybee’ because it is such a great encapsulation on how cringy a relationship can feel but it just feels right when you’re in love.”
“People hated on how infantilized and embarrassing ‘Honeybee’ sounds but I think love is embarrassing and the song is perfect.”
“Not my favorite, mostly because the chorus isn’t really my vibe (as in very slow songs) but it’s not a bad song by any means. The lyrics are still pretty good and I like the overall idea of it being hard to describe but not wanting to see that person’s face ever again.”
"Maggots for Brains"
“Maggots for Brains” is easily one of the best songs on the album, let alone the best of any songs Rodrigo has ever written. It continues the album’s overarching theme that becoming obsessed with another person and loving them so deeply can make people lose touch with themselves.
When people get into romantic relationships, it’s not uncommon for them to become so infatuated with their partner that in their minds, they become one with them. As fulfilling as a relationship may seem, loving someone to this extent can lead to codependency and losing one’s individuality.
I believe that a major reason as to why this song is a fan favorite is because — not only does it sound incredible — it is arguably one of the most relatable of the 13 tracks.
When people fall in love for the first time, they tend to think of the other constantly, becoming entirely consumed with them. Hence, the lyric, “What can I do, but think of you.” Ms. Rodrigo, you have done it again.
Rowdy Rating: 3.79 out of 5.00 stars
“Vibes are high for such a complex lyrical story. Definitely encapsulates that feeling where all you do all day is think of one person.”
“Love is embarrassing and she keeps admitting it. I love that.”
“I think this one is for the people codependent in their relationships and I definitely have that issue. I think that it’s so easy to absorb your identity in your partner because it seems like a good thing to do.”
"U + Me = <3"
“U + Me = <3” has to be the most adorable song on the album. In my opinion, Rodrigo is demonstrating how eager she was to ignore the unfortunate stories of modern love and go with her gut about this relationship.
I would argue that this is a universal experience for most individuals, especially young women, who are excited to experience a serious relationship for the first time.
Another thing that many have praised about this song is how it can also be applied to platonic relationships, emphasizing how much positivity our friendships add to our lives.
This song stays on repeat for me!
Rowdy Rating: 3.50 out of 5.00 stars
“Chorus is super great, love that people can use this song for platonic and romantic purposes. Also, really like the storytelling throughout the song (talking about the restaurant, big sister, etc.).”
“It sounds like a 2000s show intro theme song.”
“...it’s just so cute and happy and fun to sing.”
"My Way"
“My Way” is definitely the most rebellious of the album and stands out amongst the rest. While it’s not entirely confirmed, it’s speculated that Rodrigo wrote this song about Partridge’s ex-girlfriend, Sydney Chandler. “My Way” is all about a third party who disrespects Rodrigo’s boundaries and refuses to leave Partridge alone.
Back in June, Rodrigo was featured in an episode of The New York Times’ Popcast, where she specifically mentioned the story behind “My Way.”
Rodrigo expressed how it was a result of built up frustration she had and how she needed to let her thoughts out on paper.
It’s definitely one of the more debated songs from the album, as some aren’t a big fan of it. Personally, I love that Rodrigo included a song that somewhat serves as a tribute to the vibe of her past albums, revealing a rebellious side of herself that isn’t afraid to express her true feelings. Also, the lyric, “You keep calling, but you never get the message,” is iconic.
Rowdy Rating: 3.67 out of 5.00 stars
“I didn’t like this one at first but it really grew on me. It feels like a nice break from the rest of the album about romantic relationships.”
“I love the beat in this, it’s kind of nasty in a way. Love this more evil, revenge type song and her vocals sound so good here.”
“I love how fun and spiteful it is. It has a great energy to it, and I think this type of music is Olivia’s strong suit.”
"Purple"
“Purple” is one of the most underrated songs on the album. I think the main reason it’s so underappreciated is because it’s right in the middle, between the “happy” and the “sad.”
I think that’s what makes it all the more special. This song coincides with the point in the relationship where Rodrigo starts to realize that as great as it might’ve been at first, it’s ultimately becoming what defines her.
This song is a great demonstration of the concept that the more you get involved with someone, the more you lose your own individuality and sense of self. Their dreams become yours and vice versa.
The lyric, “I had big dreams ‘til I tied myself to you,” is the perfect one-line summary of the song’s greater meaning. As debated as it is, “Purple” stays in my top five.
Rowdy Rating: 3.38 out of 5.00 stars
“The reference to a loss of self is spot on. Falling in love is such an amazing feeling but it is so strange to come out of a relationship and have to relearn who you are as an individual.”
“I love how it reminds us not to lose ourselves in love.”
“I think it is sooo good. I love how many lyrics start with ‘and it’s crazy’ because it really is how so many people feel sometimes when they look back to how things started vs. how they are now (how they evolved).”
"The Cure"
“The Cure” is an absolute masterpiece. It was released in May, which is also when the music video was released. Given that this song was released prior to the other tracks, I think it showed fans that this album was going to demonstrate the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to love.
The song is all about realizing that as much as some may want to believe, a relationship, no matter how strong, won’t be able to solve one’s own insecurities and personal issues.
As dark of a concept as this is, I think it’s critical for people to grasp. So many are eager to get into a romantic relationship because they believe it’ll solve all of their problems. However, a relationship can’t be the solution to one’s own internal struggles.
From what I’ve heard and seen, this song is frequently a fan favorite. It’s tragically beautiful and shows how heartbreaking this realization can be, especially for young individuals experiencing real love for the first time.
Another interesting thing to note about this song is that it happens to be the name of Partridge’s favorite band, The Cure. Each time he looks up the name of his favorite band, he will be reminded of this beautiful masterpiece. We love to see it.
Rowdy Rating: 4.00 out of 5.00 stars
“It explains that love won’t fix your problems, and the bridge is fire.”
“Such an insane song and powerful meaning in relation to so many things beyond just romantic relationships. I LOVE this song.”
“So many people get caught up in wanting to be loved to prove something to themselves. But being loved doesn’t indicate being fulfilled. I think it was a super emotionally intelligent way of referencing how people can be in a wrong spot in their life to be tying themselves to someone else’s love.”
"Begged"
“Begged” is another underrated song from the album. In an interview with Big Top 40, Rodrigo explained how her song ideas often come at random times and that she wrote “Begged” at 3 a.m. in London while jet-lagged.
This track further explores the rather heartbreaking realizations that Rodrigo had later on in her relationship. As mentioned in an Elle article, she was beginning to question Partridge’s intentions. Although she might’ve thought she was overthinking at the time, this is a valid feeling that most develop at some point during a long-term relationship.
One of the overarching ideas of the song is that romantic gestures and demonstrations of affection lose their significance when an individual has to beg for them. Despite this fact, some still choose to cling to their partner out of fear of losing the relationship. One of the lyrics states, “I’m overwhelmed, I’m underfed and yet I still cling.”
Is it worth it to keep fighting for a relationship when the other person has already removed themselves from it?
Rowdy Rating: 3.50 out of 5.00 stars
“It’s so simple but it’s exactly like how unrequited love sounds. It feels so pathetic to beg for more time or energy from someone else.”
“I don’t know how but she expressed this feeling so well within this song! Such a great way to feel seen.”
“Her SNL performance of this song changed my brain.”
"What's Wrong With Me"
“What's Wrong With Me” is Rodrigo’s first collaboration recorded alongside Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure.
This song emphasizes how when a relationship starts to struggle, some initially believe it’s their own fault. They begin looking inwards and try to identify what is wrong with them so they can try and improve the relationship. In reality, it’s not the individual but rather the relationship itself that is causing problems.
I love how this song serves as a reminder for those who start to question themselves in a relationship and wonder whether they’re the reason things are going poorly. Some are so quick to blame themselves instead of actually considering that the relationship has been the cause all along.
Rowdy Rating: 3.46 out of 5.00 stars
“First off, it’s an amazing first collab for Olivia Rodrigo. I also think it’s great because it makes the album more cohesive as it ties in ‘The Cure’ and ‘Purple.'"
“I love the lyrics, I love the sound and I love Robert Smith.”
“Love the harmony between her and Robert within the chorus, they sound so good together!”
"Less"
“Less” is one of the saddest songs on the album and could easily bring someone to tears. This is also one of the more complex songs of the 13, requiring a few listens before one can truly understand its meaning.
From my perspective, this song symbolizes Rodrigo’s final efforts to save a relationship that had been heading downhill for a while. “Less” further explains how she wanted to convince herself that the issues in their relationship were just her intrusive thoughts and that she was overthinking. However, Rodrigo hints at the fact that he clearly knew she was unhappy but was dismissive of it, not caring to address the bigger issue: their relationship wasn’t how it used to be.
To be completely transparent, I listened to this song maybe once or twice before writing this article. After giving it a few listens, I’m regretting not adding it to my rotation sooner.
As heartbreaking as it is, “Less” is a song that perfectly expresses a real issue I think many individuals face when a relationship is coming to an end.
Rowdy Rating: 3.50 out of 5.00 stars
“The song is really good. Not really my vibe but I can still appreciate it. Her voice sounds so good and the piano in the background gives such a sad, almost old-timey vibe to the song.”
“It’s SO SAD. I love it”
“Ooh this one hurts.”
"Expectations"
“Expectations” is THAT song. It’s a complete 180 from the past few songs. It’s much more upbeat, highlighting the period of time that comes right after a devastating breakup.
While the positioning of the song may seem confusing at first, I think it was completely intentional. It’s supposed to show that after a breakup, some individuals feel energized and eager to move on from this chapter of their lives that’s coming to a close. It focuses on the importance of setting relationship standards and solidifying what one wants in a future relationship.
I would argue that all of the songs in this album teach important lessons, but “Expectations” teaches one of the most critical of all: always have standards and never, ever settle for less.
Let me repeat myself. Always have standards and NEVER settle for less. Point-blank, period.
Rowdy Rating: 4.21 out of 5.00 stars
“This is one of my favorite pop songs ever. The lyrics are INSANE…Word for word relatable wow it’s like Olivia Rodrigo went to UF too.”
“I need every girl to hear this.”
“This song reminds me of her ‘on-brand’ image a lot. It’s like a mix of her past three albums and I really like…I just like the overall message of the song, every girl should have big, big, real big expectations!!”
"Cigarette Smoke"
“Cigarette Smoke” is the 13th and final track on the album. To say Rodrigo closes with a banger would be an understatement. This song goes back to the melancholy and depressing vibes that “Less” and “Begged” emulated.
Now that the relationship is officially over, Rodrigo starts to fully reflect on the relationship as a whole. As good as it may have been at times, it was far from perfect and ultimately caused her pain. It made her question who she was. She starts to have feelings of regret and wonders if it was all worth it just to be left with a wounded heart.
One of my favorite lyrics from the song, let alone the album, goes, “Give me back my time and I will give you back your heart.” This demonstrates the overwhelming feeling of regret and the fact that Rodrigo can’t turn back the clock. She’ll never get those two years of her life back.
Overall, I think it was a beautiful way to close out the album. As heartbreaking as her reflection of the relationship is, it’s raw and emotional. Rodrigo shows true vulnerability.
Rowdy Rating: 3.58 out of 5.00 stars
“She ties in so much of the entire thematic presence of the album. Referencing ‘Honeybee,’ growing resentful of how you were treated in a relationship, disillusionment of a romanticized situation, being pinned as the issue in a relationship, and regretful of the circumstances. Her delivery at the end of the song from an essential plea of sorrow into a fainter whisper is so artistically satisfying.”
“Such a great album closer. Love how she starts almost screaming near the end, the progression of her voice from beginning to end was so, so beautiful.”
“This song makes me sick to my stomach. The bridge, the imagery and the edits online to this are crazy good.”
Wow…Ms. Rodrigo outdid herself, truly.
To close out this article, I thought I’d share the Rowdy staff’s favorite lyrics from the album.
“You know all the words to ‘Just Like Heaven,’ And I know why he wrote them” – “Drop Dead”
“In the dark, I’m not scared, I just reach and you’re right there” – “Honeybee”
“And sometimes, at a low point, I even wish for a tragedy, ‘Cause I know he’d come over and take real good care of me” – “Maggots for Brains”
“It’s crazy (It’s crazy), I had big dreams ‘til I tied myself to you, now I’m all consumed” – “Purple”
“I thought I found the antidote this time” – “The Cure”
“Cling to hope like snow on mountains, careless words melt it away (melt away), I’m a penny in a fountain, just waiting on my luck to change" – “Begged”
“Took a couple months, but now I am secure, I am so evolved, Now I ask for more and more and more and more and more” – “Expectations”
“Tell me something honest so the memories turn dark” – “Cigarette Smoke”
Oh, and I thought I’d share my favorite lyrics from my top songs as well.
“But my head is full of poison and my heart is full of doubt, I got toxins in my bloodstream you tried hard to suck ‘em out” – “The Cure”
“Past mistakes are just new information, These days, I’ve got expectations” – “Expectations”
“Give me back my time and I will give you back your heart” – “Cigarette Smoke”
It’s safe to say that “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” is easily one of the top albums released this year.
One of the main reasons I love this album is the way in which Rodrigo lyrically expresses her raw emotions and feelings that we otherwise would've never known about. By this, I mean that her romantic relationship with Partridge seemed perfect from an outsider’s perspective. After this album was released, I think people quickly realized that what’s shown online isn’t always the full story.
I applaud Rodrigo for opening up and being vulnerable about the relationship as it’s something many artists would shy away from doing.
As sad as some of the tracks are, I think this helped a multitude of people feel seen. So many people get caught up in comparing their lives and relationships to others’. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what you see online and crave something that you so desperately want.
This album serves as the perfect reminder that no human or relationship is perfect, no matter how something is portrayed online or on social media.
If you take anything away from this article, I hope it’s this: as good as love can be, it’s not always the solution to problems we may face. It’s critical that we prioritize ourselves and our well-being, as this often sets the foundation for future relationships and experiences.
Oh and one more thing…always have big expectations and never ever settle for less.
XOXO,
Paige
Paige Venable is a fourth-year student studying accounting and minoring in public relations. She currently has “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love” on repeat and doesn’t plan on pausing anytime soon.
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