Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” is a full throttle power ballad

Switched on Pop

Vox Media Podcast Network

Music Interviews, Music History, Music, Music Commentary

4.6 • 2.7K Ratings

🗓️ 19 January 2021

⏱️ 39 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Power ballads used to top the charts regularly, from 80s rock to 90s R&B. But then in the 2000s, the formula of constant escalation gradually fell off the Billboard. Now, seemingly out of nowhere, Olivia Rodrigo’s single “Drivers License” is breaking streaming records as listeners yearn for the emotional catharsis from this contemporary power ballad. With the help of David Metzer, professor of music history at the University of British Columbia, we break down how “Drivers License” sticks to an age-old formula, and how it deviates from a well worn musical path. SONGS DISCUSSED Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License Barry Manilow - Mandy Roy Orbison - It’s Over Clyde McPhatter - Without Love There Is Nothing Etta James - I’d Rather Go Blind Journey - Open Arms Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day Seal - Kiss From A Rose Hootie & The Blowfish - Only Wanna Be with You Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven MORE Professor David Metzer’s The Ballad in American Popular Music: From Elvis to Beyoncé Aiyana Ishmael for Teen Vogue “Olivia Rodrigo Song "Drivers License" Sparks Fan-Made TikTok POV Covers” Olivia Rodrigo’s Instagram demo Richard S. He Twitter thread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	From the dawn of the moving image, MGM Studios has turned dreams into an escape.
0:05.0	Now, the legacy of an entertainment icon continues on MGM Plus.
0:11.0	Binge full seasons of critically claimed series like Billy the Kid,
0:14.0	From and Godfather of Harlem.
0:16.0	The New World is here, but brothers, watch on TV or stream your favorite Hollywood blockbuster movies like Top Gun Man, Rock and No Time to Die.
0:24.0	W7 reporting for duty. Watch now on MGM Plus. This is entertainment.
0:43.0	Welcome to Switched On Pop. I'm songwriter, Charlie Harding.
0:45.0	And I'm musicologist Nate Sloan.
0:47.0	So now, usually in the beginning of the year, it's a slow period for music.
0:51.0	People are waiting for the Grammys, though they got postponed, and not as much music drops.
0:56.0	Yeah. And then all of a sudden, just last week, a song comes out that has taken everything by storm.
1:04.0	And it comes as a recommendation from a listener.
1:08.0	My name is Margarita, and I'm hoping you both could do a deep dive into the new song Driver's License by Olivia Rodrigo.
1:17.0	I think it's a simple, beautiful melodramatic song with great storytelling that creates a lot of emotional tension to bring the listener in.
1:26.0	And I think it would be really fun for you both to explore what makes it such a great pop tune.
1:31.0	Thanks.
1:32.0	Do you know this one?
1:33.0	No, I've heard chatter about this song, but I've never actually listened to it.
1:38.0	I'm super excited to dig in.
1:40.0	Oh, fresh ears. That's exciting.
1:41.0	Okay. Then let's just dive right in.
1:43.0	Let's take a listen.
	...

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