This is Olivia Rodrigo’s most experimental album so far, but I find it a mixed bag. You have energetic tracks that I like like ‘drop dead’, ‘stupid song’, ‘u+me’, where her attitude, catchy hooks and excitement are on full display.

The slower tracks are the ones I’m not fond of. Don’t get me wrong, they sound great, but slow the record’s feel.

I was looking forward to the collaboration with The Cure frontman, Robert Smith, but it just felt flat. Seeing them perform onstage together gave me high expectations, but ‘what’s wrong with me’ was just good on paper than in reality.

I marvelled at her vocals throughout, though. They had a dreamy quality that fit the mood of the album, and even the slow ones were where they shone through, not forgetting her more attitude vocals on the energetic ones.

I found the record was strong in parts, but quite a few songs were forgettable. I admire her for being ambitious, but it didn’t really land.

Song recommendations: ‘u+me’, ‘stupid song’, ‘drop dead’

7/10