As anticipation for Olivia Rodrigo‘s sophomore album “Guts” builds, the pop singer has offered fans a taste of what’s to come with her latest single “Bad Idea Right?” The 20-year-old songstress released the track on Friday, giving listeners a glimpse into her contemplations about a late-night encounter with an ex.
While the lead single “Vampire” from her upcoming album showcased a cinematic ballad, “Bad Idea Right?” takes a different musical direction. Produced by Rodrigo’s frequent collaborator Daniel Nigro, the track embodies the grunge spirit of the ’90s, featuring frenetic guitar riffs and playful vocals. The song delves into her internal dialogue as she navigates the decision of whether to reconnect with a former flame.
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Rodrigo revealed that the inception of “Bad Idea Right?” emerged as a humorous take on hooking up with an ex-boyfriend, yet it soon evolved into a concept with substance. In a statement, she explained, “We were throwing the weirdest things at the wall — in one of choruses there’s a part that sounds like an instrument in the background, but it’s me gradually screaming louder and louder.”
Accompanying the single is an engaging music video created in collaboration with director-photographer Petra Collins, known for their work on visuals for tracks like “Good 4 U,” “Brutal,” and “Vampire.” The music video, inspired by early-’90s B-movie horror-comedy, portrays Rodrigo’s journey to an ex’s home, showcasing a blend of harrowing and absurd scenes. Notably, real-life friends of Rodrigo, including Petra Collins, Madison Hu, Tate McRae, and Iris Apatow, make appearances in the video.
“Vampire,” Rodrigo’s previous single, was unveiled in July and reflected her cathartic journey of processing regret, anger, and heartache. Sharing insight into the song‘s creation process, Rodrigo revealed that it was a collaborative effort with her friend Dan Nigro and the creative touch of Petra Collins for the video.
The highly-anticipated album “Guts,” scheduled for release on September 8, promises to provide a deeper glimpse into Rodrigo’s growth and evolution. As she expressed, “I feel like I grew 10 years between the ages of 18 and 20 — it was such an intense period of awkwardness and change. I think that’s all just a natural part of growth, and hopefully the album reflects that.”
With Olivia Rodrigo’s distinct musical style and her ability to capture relatable emotions in her songs, fans can look forward to a compelling and introspective experience when “Guts” finally drops. “Bad Idea Right?” serves as a captivating preview, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted artist’s upcoming creative endeavor.