Lucy Goldberg
New York, U.S.
Bad Idea Right - official graphic via @oliviarodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo released her second single off of her sophomore album GUTS, on August 11th, 2023. After her first single, ‘vampire’ was released on June 30, 2023, Rodrigo’s voice was broadcast across social media. The lead single hit number one on Billboard Hot 100, which brought high expectations for her second single, ‘bad idea right?’
The song starts with a heavy bass, and accompanied by a teenage tone that sounds as if she is rambling to a friend on the phone. Twenty seconds into the song, her voice becomes clear as she harmonizes with herself, showcasing her beautiful voice and utilizing it in a variety of ways. After the quintessential Olivia harmony, we hear her begin to have more fun with the song’s teenage essence as she says, “Can’t hear my thoughts, like blah blah blah” Then, the bass swoops back in for the chorus as it speeds up, which transitions into a heavy guitar that assists her angsty voice. As the song progresses there are sporadic sighs surrounding the background vocals. Towards the end, there is an overpowering electric guitar and keyboard to finish off the song.
As for the music video, you can tell Rodrigo is enjoying herself. The video takes us into a scene of a party and throughout the entire production she paints us a picture of entertainment. Beginning with her real life friends getting ready with her, the music video leads into a party scenario where everyone is carrying Rodrigo. Every part of the video keeps you interested, including the single beats where you aren’t hearing the fun music.
Personally, on my first listen I wasn’t a big fan, but as my friends forced my listening I found that the very impulsive and fast-paced song grew on me. I thought it was quite sloppy and that the “teenage” style was an excuse to be lazy on a song. One thing that I still struggle to overlook is the electric guitar and keyboard instrumental at the end, as I feel that it doesn’t match the rhythm of the rest of the song; however, I can still appreciate her experimentalism on that part. With each additional listen, I am able to appreciate the way that Rodrigo played around with different forms of music, proving that not every song has to be beautiful lyricism.
