Sour
by Olivia Rodrigo
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: May 21, 2021
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1336 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,075 out of 1336
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 1336
  3. Negative: 198 out of 1336
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  1. jackhaj
    Jul 17, 2022
    7
    7/10 - Sour is a bit overhyped, but full of bops nonetheless. It is full of strong songs but, like Ariana Grande’s Sweetener, also had a couple of unmemorable songs that ruined the flow (hope ur okay has never stuck after listening to it multiple times). Thankfully, the album’s worst track is at the end, so it doesn’t kill the momentum built up. Still though, this means its conclusion7/10 - Sour is a bit overhyped, but full of bops nonetheless. It is full of strong songs but, like Ariana Grande’s Sweetener, also had a couple of unmemorable songs that ruined the flow (hope ur okay has never stuck after listening to it multiple times). Thankfully, the album’s worst track is at the end, so it doesn’t kill the momentum built up. Still though, this means its conclusion failed to properly end the album on a memorable note. The album was poorly organized with the rock songs being hidden amongst the sad songs. I also think there were too many sad songs, as I struggle to find one happy song either. All of the songs take on a negative outlook, which is her storytelling, but it would have been interesting to see another side of the story that she narrates. Sour still has very catchy songs that deserve hype, but I personally feel like the hype the album got was overbearing and set it up for failure when I decided I needed more. While I can compliment the album and how it produced so many hits, half of the songs got old quickly (the radio overplaying them, TikTok impact, etc.). When it all comes down to it, Sour is a hard-hitting, big body of work with even bigger shoes that it failed to fill.… Expand
  2. Crutionix
    Aug 23, 2022
    7
    While Olivia's vocal performance leaves you knowing she's got a long and successful career ahead of her that's well deserved, for me, SOUR just doesn't hit the mark. The entire project feels short, created specifically for virality (which it did achieve) but in a way that cheapens the album listening experience.

    While many people watched as Driver's License was taking off, it was hard    While Olivia's vocal performance leaves you knowing she's got a long and successful career ahead of her that's well deserved, for me, SOUR just doesn't hit the mark. The entire project feels short, created specifically for virality (which it did achieve) but in a way that cheapens the album listening experience.

    While many people watched as Driver's License was taking off, it was hard to move past the smell of "industry plant" that I was getting.

    Nonetheless, "Driver's License" and "Hope You're Okay" manage to showcase Olivia's vulnerability and vocals well. Other tracks like "Good For You" and "Deja vu" fail to hit the mark, feeling rushed and targeted specifically and only for career trajectory.

    I look forward to seeing what Olivia does with her future projects.    … Expand
  3. rafacritique
    Sep 18, 2022
    7
    Olivia Rodrigo trouxe músicas muito boas se você for uma adolescente com problemas emocionais não muito profundos, como brutal e jealousy e jealousy, mas trouxe umas enjoativas e batidas como hope ur ok e good 4 u, os vocais são bonitos e a produção até que esperada vindo dela, mas é um bom debut para uma artista com bom potencial de melhora
  4. Punfisito
    Oct 26, 2022
    7
    Un disco muy sincero a nivel lírico. Si bien no es nada del otro mundo ya que las canciones suenan muy parecido unas con las otras, tiene detalles que lo hacen destacar.
  5. pedroassugeni
    May 21, 2021
    6
    Achei um pouco decepcionante, achei que ia ser melhor por conta de Drivers Lincense mas é meio fraquinho
  6. littleglue
    May 21, 2021
    6
    gostei muito do album, porem achei as musicas um pouco parecidas umas com as outros, mas é um ótimo álbum debut ;)
  7. malutribia
    Jul 21, 2021
    6
    it's not a bad album but the theme of the girl who got dumped is kinda boring and repetitive. the production is ok and the lyrics are very cringe. for a debut album, I expected to see the type of artist olivia is but the only thing i can see is she sounding as her favourite artists, like taylor, lorde.
  8. brunka32
    Jun 14, 2021
    6
    Not bad but not crazy about it. Lots of bangers plus great lyricism, album is kind of blend of teenage angst and sorrow. I can see that she got inspired by several artists (Tay), but I think she should built her own persona (if she wants to succeed later with her second album).
  9. GabirobaLadeira
    May 23, 2021
    6
    It's a good album. But there is so much repetitive. There is some good tracks.
  10. camcam47b
    May 21, 2021
    6
    In Olivia Rodrigo's debut album, she presents some promising songs and good vocals. When separated from the artist the album is great. With that being said where the album falls flat for me is the failure to establish her own sound. Olivia Rodrigo's sound seems to be a combination of Conan Gray, Taylor Swift, and even Lorde. She takes too much inspiration from other artists and it dragsIn Olivia Rodrigo's debut album, she presents some promising songs and good vocals. When separated from the artist the album is great. With that being said where the album falls flat for me is the failure to establish her own sound. Olivia Rodrigo's sound seems to be a combination of Conan Gray, Taylor Swift, and even Lorde. She takes too much inspiration from other artists and it drags down the quality and value of her album for me. The bottom line being her debut album fails to do what a debut album is meant to do.… Expand
  11. Meterologist
    Jun 2, 2021
    6
    Almost all of the songs on this album are about a boy or is about a breakup. Though they are extremely catchy like Deja Vu, Brutal, and Traitor, I just like songs that are not about the same thing.
  12. caueplsk
    Jun 18, 2021
    6
    Álbum ok, um pouco superestimado por fãs e a mídia. Letras um pouco ralas, mas que pra um álbum de estreia são decentes. O hype exagerado encima das músicas e do álbum estragam um pouco o que era pra ser um dos álbuns do ano. É digno de ser escutado, por ter músicas muito boas e com instrumentação divertida.
  13. spongki
    Dec 15, 2021
    6
    Overall, it's an adequate album, but Olivia Rodrigo remains one of the most promising musicians in mainstream music today. I adored the hits "Deja vu" and "good 4 u" when they first came out, and I think they hold up particularly well now that I'm revisiting the album near the end of 2021. "drivers license," the album's huge smash, was never one of my favorites, but I still like it.Overall, it's an adequate album, but Olivia Rodrigo remains one of the most promising musicians in mainstream music today. I adored the hits "Deja vu" and "good 4 u" when they first came out, and I think they hold up particularly well now that I'm revisiting the album near the end of 2021. "drivers license," the album's huge smash, was never one of my favorites, but I still like it.

    This album was planned to be an EP at first, but following the huge success of "drivers license," Rodrigo decided to add a few more tracks and call it an album (makes sense because a good amount of this LP feels like filler ballads). I also agree with the usual critique that all of these songs are about the same relationship, which is unquestionably one of Sour's major weaknesses.    … Expand
  14. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    5
    The first note of the Disney starlets breakthrough album barrels onto the scene with an angelic violin cut with Olivia saying"i want to be *inaudible sound * messy" and her wish is granted as an energy so **** visceral u might have to pause to breathe descends. It's instantly obvious that despite her chart toping success and multiple top ten singles:she is not going to conform into urThe first note of the Disney starlets breakthrough album barrels onto the scene with an angelic violin cut with Olivia saying"i want to be *inaudible sound * messy" and her wish is granted as an energy so **** visceral u might have to pause to breathe descends. It's instantly obvious that despite her chart toping success and multiple top ten singles:she is not going to conform into ur little pop star. The guitar rifts in the vein of her most recent single "good4u" marches on taking no prisoners as she casually (&callously) contemplates death,drinking,freedom,insecurity and claustrophobia at break neck pace. Providing a promising opener and a great **** omen to wats to come. At 2:19 it attempts to return to the serene (but now creepy)sweet low notes accompanied with violin. Track02:traitor
    This seems greatly underwhelming after the angst of the opener as it returns to form&her usual topics. Scolding an ex who did her wrong and supposedly cheated due to how fast they moved. The track stagnants at the d minor drawing from the muses that gave Duncan Lawrence "arcade" and Taylor swift "happiness"
    None of these mean the song is bad. Especially considering it precedes the career making and melancholic "drivers license "(which hilariously she makes a nod tp when she say "i barely know how to parallel park.")
    Based on the first two i think i can safely assume these will be the only themes explored here:love lost and bitterness
    Which never gets boring thanks to her writing prowess. 6/10(I'll do the singles last.i skipped no.3 drivers license)
    Track04:1 step forward,3 steos back
    this should come with a warning. it's so emotional. she describes an abusive relationship so precisely it's nearly traumatic. It vaguely swiftian beginning with "new years days" cords but nvr does it sound derivative. She has masterd the art of writing a song. Painting pictures with paintbrushes dipped in the blood of ur heart.she sounds so mature
    "I hope ur ok "is very bland tho.    … Expand
  15. Yikes137
    May 24, 2021
    5
    Olivia Rodrigo has massive potential, but imagine if she didn't sing about the exact same thing in every song!
  16. indirapravianti
    Aug 31, 2021
    5
    overhyped album. the songs are good but not that great. poor lyric writing. she just combined (and sampled) billie eilish, taylor swift, lorde, paramore, etc. her voice is great but the album is not.
  17. esthergrant
    May 21, 2021
    5
    I could say that it is nothing to write home about, but that Miss Rodrigo is not just a fad
  18. Haljulio
    May 21, 2021
    5
    sour is average, some songs make it look like a new copy of Taylor Swift, but as well as innovative, driver's license and deja vu are incredible, moreover it sounds raw
  19. shadesofghostin
    May 23, 2021
    5
    good 4 u and deja vu were great and had me excited for the release but the only track i would find myself listening to after this (besides the two aforementioned tracks) is brutal and that’s it
  20. Ot6minnie
    May 24, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I actually have a picky taste when it comes to music, but this album blew my mind. First, let's talk about the vocals. It's such a breath of fresh air hearing a new singer being able to control her voice (esp. live). Second, the songs in the album made me feel a lot of emotions. From angst to being an emotional wreck, everything in thr album is perfect. I'm looking foreard to more of your music Olivia! Keep writing and producing, I will be waiting!… Expand
  21. rllllstr
    Jun 1, 2021
    5
    I think that the album was very hyped before the release and listening to all the tracks was very … delusional. “driver license” was good only for a tiktok trend and so “deja vu”. “good 4 u” instead is a very cute song maybe the only one that’s very good from the album.
  22. Buddysoysa
    Nov 15, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's good. Not much inventive. Vocals are are good with little to zero auto tuning. Album has variety and punch throughout… Expand
  23. JimenaC
    Aug 5, 2021
    5
    Olivia Rodrigo is a good songwriter and singer and although this album is good I just wish she would have changed things up a little. I think the only thing memorable about this album is the records it broke, its unoriginal and in a couple months it will be forgotten.
  24. Wanesta
    Jan 6, 2022
    5
    What happens if you blend an edgeless version of Billie Eilish and a hardcore Swiftie? Here's Sour, a debut that seems to be a bit too overhyped for what it really is. Sure, Olivia Rodrigo is a new talent to be recognized with her likability and soft angelic voice, but most, if not all of the songs on Sour leave us on our appetite, hungry for more. She's on the right track, that's certainWhat happens if you blend an edgeless version of Billie Eilish and a hardcore Swiftie? Here's Sour, a debut that seems to be a bit too overhyped for what it really is. Sure, Olivia Rodrigo is a new talent to be recognized with her likability and soft angelic voice, but most, if not all of the songs on Sour leave us on our appetite, hungry for more. She's on the right track, that's certain ... but we can only hope for a more mature and diverse sound.… Expand
  25. skipp124
    Aug 9, 2021
    4
    It's a great to see a Gen Z artist experiment on something other than just sad lofi songs, Nonetheless, the lyrics are descriptive of a teenage girl going through a BPD-attachment issue moment.
  26. SaraAdoresU
    May 22, 2021
    4
    It’s boring (lyrics and sound) and so monotonous. People say she is introducing rock/punk to the younger generation on this album but it isn’t close. The only songs I think are ok: good 4 u, brutal, jj and traitor.
  27. guszito
    Jun 5, 2021
    4
    Sour, just like its name, feels sour. One thing that bugs me off is that out of the 11 songs on this album, 9 of them feel like they were made to be viral on TikTok, the app that made Olivia's drivers license a great hit. I would personally describe Sour as eleven different poetic ways of talking about heartbreak, which... kinda gets repetitive at some point. Targeted at a young femaleSour, just like its name, feels sour. One thing that bugs me off is that out of the 11 songs on this album, 9 of them feel like they were made to be viral on TikTok, the app that made Olivia's drivers license a great hit. I would personally describe Sour as eleven different poetic ways of talking about heartbreak, which... kinda gets repetitive at some point. Targeted at a young female audience, I wouldn't personally blame Olivia for talking about heartbreak all the time, because let's be honest, a white teenage girl doesn't need to adress serious issues like racism or homophobia in her songs. Apart from that, the album serves its purpose: the songs are catchy, trendy and made to be viral on TikTok, something that actually is very positive for artists, as the viral songs on TikTok end up going viral on Spotify/Apple Music too (taking Castaways from The Backyardigans, for example). Having that said, I don't think there's much more to it. I don't think this is a great album, considering how easily we can fit Olivia into the "industry plant" category. Catchy, emotional, trendy, and that's it. Definetly a contender for Pop AOTY, but nothing more to it, it's just a normal teenage pop album.… Expand
  28. DOCDR3AM
    Jul 16, 2021
    4
    A half emotionally lacking metal part and guitar-guitar acoustic with lots of emotional parts are what make this album what it is. Personally too totally different types of music should not be mixed in a singular album. Probably an album made nit to be listened to at once is already considered not a good effort . But what saves this piece is the beautiful music as well some of the lyricsA half emotionally lacking metal part and guitar-guitar acoustic with lots of emotional parts are what make this album what it is. Personally too totally different types of music should not be mixed in a singular album. Probably an album made nit to be listened to at once is already considered not a good effort . But what saves this piece is the beautiful music as well some of the lyrics that mostly are a little bit too oversimplified.… Expand
  29. BemyMellow
    Jul 27, 2021
    4
    I'm totally in love with each and every song from this Album. From Songwriting to Vocals, Production everything is just perfect.
    You can feel the heartbreak just by Listening to Olivia's voice. Songs like Deja Vu, Driver's licence and Traitor are good to listen when you miss your ex. While Good For You give the vibes of angry and sad.
  30. carolgolden
    Jul 30, 2021
    4
    The album is really basic and all the songs are really similar, I can’t tell which song I’m listening to. But in general, I liked 2 songs, being favorite crime and good 4 u.
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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best Album of 2021
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. AllMusic
    May 28, 2021
    80
    Her combination of sweet melodies and bitter moods, her conversational flow, and her self-awareness are all skills many songwriters twice her age would love to call their own, and they make Sour a well-rounded emotional journey and strong debut album.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    May 25, 2021
    70
    Sour, for the most part, is a pop album that dips its toes into the alt-pop and bedroom pop subgenres, specifically spending most of its time in the latter. ... Rodrigo's lo-fi deep cuts that were made in the shadow of "Drivers License" can sound a bit repetitive. Her craft as a songwriter is especially evident on tracks like "Enough For You", "Happier", or "Hope Ur Ok", but the acoustic complexion these songs were going for could have benefitted from a bit more background noise.
    Read full review
  3. Exclaim
    May 25, 2021
    80
    By the end of the album, Rodrigo has established her voice and showed listeners that she's not afraid to be vulnerable. SOUR is a strong debut that vividly illustrates the beautiful chaos of being inside a teenage girl's brain.
    Read full review
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