Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire

Go girl, give us no progression—or rather, the story of how Olivia Rodrigo defied the expectations of "pop aesthetes."

Watching the sophomore era of an artist who broke through with a massive debut is one of my favorite things. It reveals so much about their approach to work and gives insight into their potential future. Some manage to evolve their image (Happier Than Ever), others land a blockbuster producer project (Future Nostalgia), and a few deliver an instant classic (Melodrama). So, where does Olivia Rodrigo’s lead single fit? So far, it doesn’t seem to land in any of these categories.

"Vampire" feels like a continuation of the Sour path—it’s not a bold declaration, nor is it a creative risk that demands attention. Instead, it seems to extend her teenage aesthetic into a new, potentially successful era. While it doesn’t shatter stereotypes or push creative boundaries, even someone like me—who tends to be demanding when it comes to artistic growth—can’t expect a 20-year-old to suddenly shift into a more mature, serious tone. She still has time. Not everyone is meant to be Lorde, and that’s fine—because Lorde already exists.

As for the song itself? It feels like three different songs pieced together, and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. It's good in parts—the soft ballad opening transitions into something more upbeat, and then explodes with a really strong bridge. While the individual elements are compelling, I’m not convinced they all come together seamlessly. Still, it’s a valiant effort. Lyrically, it could be stronger, but there’s no need to overload the listener with too much depth.

"Vampire" comes with a lot of "buts" and "ifs," but at the end of the day, it’s a solid composition that invites multiple listens. Can we call it a win? Time will tell, because we’re not at the finish line yet.

7.1/10