Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drop Dead’ Is a Heavenly Fakeout
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Olivia Rodrigo, known for her emotionally charged breakup anthems like "Drivers License" and "Good 4 U," has released a new single, "Drop Dead," which marks a shift towards a dreamy, romantic tone rather than her usual sharp-edged fare.
- The song references 1980s alternative rock, notably mentioning The Cure's "Just Like Heaven," highlighting Rodrigo's connection to that era and her collaboration with Robert Smith at Glastonbury.
- Rodrigo continues to distinguish herself in the Gen Z pop scene by blending nostalgic alternative rock influences with contemporary pop, as seen in her 2023 album "Guts" and her choice of collaborators.
- The "Drop Dead" music video, directed by Petra Collins, features Rodrigo exploring the Palace of Versailles with a youthful, intimate vibe, drawing aesthetic inspiration from Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" and aligning with a broader trend of Gen Z pop stars referencing early 2000s pop culture.
