November 18, 2024
British rapper Dave, born David Orobosa Omoregie, has carved a unique space for himself in the music world through his profound storytelling and introspective lyricism. Known for tackling complex...
Read moreNovember 18, 2024
One year ago, SZA released her debut album, *Ctrl*, and its influence on music—particularly R&B—has only grown since. For many listeners, it was the soundtrack to the summer of 2017, and it’s safe...
Read moreNovember 18, 2024
Doja Cat has done it again, sending her fans into a frenzy by seemingly dropping the tracklist for her upcoming album. The cryptic reveal, shared across her social media platforms, has fans buzzing...
Read moreNovember 18, 2024
Few artists in the modern music industry have managed to stay as relevant and influential as Kanye West. Since the release of his debut album, The College Dropout, in 2004, Kanye has continuously...
Read moreNovember 18, 2024
Since her debut album, *True Romance*, in 2013, Charli XCX has been reshaping the world of pop, setting herself apart with her daring, synth-driven sound and unconventional style. Early on, her...
Read moreNovember 18, 2024
Harry Styles has become one of the most captivating performers of this generation, and his last tour, “Love on Tour,” was a testament to his evolution from boy band member to solo superstar...
Read moreNovember 14, 2024
In the changing landscape of hip-hop, few producers have done more than Metro Boomin. His signature sound and sonic innovation have made him not only the most popular star in the industry but has...
Read moreNovember 14, 2024
Few artists capture life’s rawest emotions like Adele. From her breakout album “19” to her latest release “30,” her music has consistently resonated with listeners, offering comfort and strength...
Read moreNovember 14, 2024
As their first UK tour since 2018 quickly approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey and lasting impact of one of the UK’s most cherished bands: Arctic Monkeys...
Read moreNovember 14, 2024
Ramin Djawadi, a German composer of Iranian descent, has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential composers in Hollywood, particularly through his work on the HBO series...
Read moreNovember 13, 2024
Sabrina Carpenter’s journey from a young Disney star to a full-fledged pop sensation is a story of resilience, evolution, and unwavering passion. More than just an actress-turned-singer, Carpenter...
Read moreNovember 13, 2024
In today’s music scene, few artists capture the complexities of womanhood as honestly as Mitski Miyawaki. Known simply as Mitski, she’s become a powerful voice for the modern woman, exploring...
Read moreOlivia Rodrigo’s music resonates deeply with Gen-Z. Her songs—raw, fierce, and honest—are filled with fear, anger, and anxiety, emotions that define the reality of today’s teens. As much as we’d like to believe our generation isn’t shaped by these feelings, the truth is that we are. Rodrigo’s music not only reflects this reality but helps Gen-Z process and validate these complex emotions.
Fear: A Generation Born Into Uncertainty
Fear is an undeniable part of Gen-Z’s experience. We were born post-9/11, a time marked by heightened national security and a sense of global instability. We grew up hearing about economic recessions, some of us learning about “wants” versus “needs” in elementary school. For many, the worry about scarcity and the future was introduced early on.
But perhaps most distressing is the fear we feel in places meant to be safe, like our schools. The shadow of school shootings looms over our daily lives, creating a sense of anxiety that’s difficult to shake. The fear of tragedy in our classrooms, compounded by the pressures of social media and global instability, defines the reality of many teens today.
Anger: A Generation’s Fight for Change
Living with this constant fear has naturally fueled anger within our generation. We’re tired of the chaos and lack of security, and that frustration is being channeled into movements for change. We saw the emergence of the #MeToo movement and the rise of Black Lives Matter, powerful statements against systemic issues that have hurt and silenced people for too long. Through social media, Gen-Z has found a platform for expressing our collective anger and making it heard around the world.
Rodrigo captures this fury in her music, giving voice to a generation that’s fed up with the status quo and determined to demand change.
Anxiety: The Unseen Burden
Our generation’s reality is marked by relentless anxiety—anxiety about the future, our safety, and our worth. With constant comparisons and unrealistic beauty standards flooding social media, we’re caught in a cycle of self-doubt. Rodrigo’s song “Jealousy, Jealousy” perfectly encapsulates this: “I’d rather be, rather be anyone, anyone else.” This line reflects the struggle of feeling never quite “enough” in a world obsessed with curated images and perfection.
And it’s not just personal insecurities. For many of us, social media determines social standing at school, making it impossible to “opt-out” without risking our friendships. The pressure is unrelenting, and unlike previous generations, we rarely feel we have the privacy to navigate these challenges on our own. Parents’ access to our locations, passwords, and online profiles adds to the pressure, often without addressing the real concerns we face online.
The Disconnect: A Generation Seeking to Be Heard
Despite our overwhelming need for mental health support, many teens feel unable to open up to adults. Rodrigo’s music has become a bridge for us—a way to process our emotions when traditional support systems fall short. Many parents come from a generation where mental health wasn’t openly discussed, and some still dismiss these issues as “youth angst” rather than real struggles.
Olivia Rodrigo, however, has tapped into what we’re feeling, helping teens everywhere feel understood. In “Brutal,” she voices this frustration, singing, “If someone tells me one more time ‘enjoy your youth,’ I’m gonna cry.” For us, youth isn’t carefree—it’s filled with uncertainty. Rodrigo’s lyrics capture this reality and validate our struggles.
Music as a Unifying Force for Gen-Z
Rodrigo’s music doesn’t just resonate—it unites. Her lyrics have created a global support network of teens who understand each other’s struggles. As mental health conversations become more normalized, teens are forming stronger support systems, often comforting each other through moments of anxiety and stress.
When teens help each other through panic attacks or provide an understanding ear, we’re building the community we often wish adults would give us. Rodrigo’s music has helped foster this shift, proving that we’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed and unheard.
Conclusion: A Voice for Gen-Z
Olivia Rodrigo’s songs give voice to Gen-Z’s fears, anger, and anxiety. Her art reflects not only our struggles but our strength in facing these challenges. Her music serves as a powerful reminder that we’re not isolated in our experiences; instead, we’re part of a generation learning to navigate a complex world together. Through her lyrics, Rodrigo has made it clear that our fears, anger, and anxiety matter—and that our voices deserve to be heard.