Zero Stipulations

Olivia Rodrigo “Expectations”

“Expectations” is the result of a songwriting dream team at the height of their powers: an A+ melody from pop topline queen Amy Allen, a typically bold structure and meticulous arrangement by Dan Nigro, and the lyrical POV and effortless charisma of Olivia Rodrigo.

Musically it’s a slight shift for Rodrigo, moving into early 80s new wave territory rather than 90s alt-rock/00s pop-punk, but it’s the same effervescent energy that brings out the best in her voice and persona. But it’s right in the sweet spot for Nigro, as he’s basically pulling in tricks he developed in his collaborations with Chappell Roan. There’s more than a little “Hot to Go” and “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” in this song, but Rodrigo’s personality is so strong that it’s not necessarily the first thing you’d notice upon hearing it.

There’s a clear continuity from Guts tracks like “Bad Idea, Right?” and “Get Him Back!” to “Expectations” both lyrically and musically, though there’s an obvious uptick in maturity. But that’s kinda the entire point of the song – Rodrigo is growing up, learning, and wanting more for herself and asking more from the men who want to be with her. She’s not necessarily holding herself up as a wholesome role model, but there’s a lot of positive lessons embedded in this god tier ultra-bop.

Buy it from Amazon.