Olivia Rodrigo, deja vu | Track Review 🎵

“Déjà vu” may have big shoes to fill following “drivers license,” but Olivia Rodrigo serves up another legitimate hit all said and done.

On May 21^st, singer and actress 🎙 Olivia Rodrigo is set to release her debut album, 💿 *O*R. Rodrigo, of course, got off to a remarkable start with her dominant, no. 1 hit single, 🎵 “drivers license”.  Successfully following up a record of that caliber is difficult. Rodrigo manages to do so with the second single from *O*R, 🎵 “déjà vu”.  No, it doesn’t dare eclipse one of the most beloved hits of 2021, but it does continue to show how much the young and talented Rodrigo brings to the table.  Here, Rodrigo discusses her ex’s new relationship, ultimately asking the question, “Do you get déjà vu when she’s with you?” 

Rodrigo wrote “déjà vu” alongside 🎼✍ Daniel Nigro, who also brings some sweet production touches to the record.  While there is lushness throughout, Nigro picks things up mightily as “déjà vu” progresses, with the ending being particularly grand. Rodrigo sings relatively calm, cool, and collected on both of the verses – nothing wrong with that.  By the chorus, she goes all 🍳 Emeril Lagasse on us and “kicks things up a notch,” which is pretty awesome. I love her falsetto in particular – it’s quite beautiful. After the chorus, the production begins its expansion, including the addition of rhythmic drum programming – FTW! Of course, it’s not all sound that stand out as there are some nice lyrical moments as Rodrigo deep dives into her ex’s new relationship including, “Watching reruns of Glee / Bein’ annoying, singin’ in harmony” and “And I bet she knows Billy Joel / ‘Cause you played her ‘Uptown Girl’.” Woo!

Final Thoughts 💭

“Déjà vu” has a hard act to follow after the massive hit that “drivers license.” Despite the odds being stacked against it, “déjà vu” is another very well done single. I like what Olivia Rodrigo is serving up and can’t wait to hear what she’s got up her sleeves on *O*R*. 

🎙 Olivia Rodrigo • 💿 *O*R • 🏷 Geffen • 🗓 5.21.21

[📷: Geffen]