Olivia Rodrigo Releases Fiery and Passionate Single "vampire"
Written by Faith Logue
Graphic by Rebekah Witt
Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo is back with new music as she announced the release of her brand new album GUTS, out September 8. She already has taken the world by storm with her debut record SOUR, extending her influence with her new single “vampire.” A fiery, passionate, and catchy song, “vampire” is the perfect single for this new era, showing her growth as not only a musician but a person, unafraid to spell out her feelings clearly while taking new influences from other genres, like rock and punk.
The song starts out slow, with a nostalgic and melancholic piano reminiscent of her earlier and slower tunes. Calling out certain individuals, either past relationships or even friendships, Rodrigo sings “I hate to give the satisfaction, asking how you're doing now/How's the castle built off people you pretend to care about?/Just what you wanted.” Her unique and soft vocals shine through, leaving the listener lingering on each word as it passes through her lips. Accompanying the song is a “Twilight”-inspired music video, with cool blue colors and Rodrigo front and center in most shots.
As the song progresses, more layers are added, including a powerful string section, providing a unique sonic landscape to the track. Tying into the whole vampire theme, Rodrigo sings “I should've known it was strange/You only come out at night/I used to think I was smart/But you made me look so naïve,” exploring the mythology behind vampires and their place in popular culture. Her vocals get louder and higher as she gets to the climax of the verse singing, “Bloodsucker, famefucker/Bleedin' me dry like a goddamn vampire.”
The single still maintains its slowness, but the speed of the lyrics and piano pick up the pace as she continues to sing about this person who did her wrong, using her for her fame and manipulating her to hate their past and eventually herself. Anyone who has ever been in a toxic relationship can relate to this track, feeling regret and shame about the relationship after being used and abused. Rodrigo puts these feelings so clearly into words, not sugarcoating the experience, appreciated by me and many because toxicity is real and hurtful, and having an outlet in music heals all wounds.
Something Olivia Rodrigo does in her music is match the tempo to the mood, and as she becomes increasingly angrier more instruments are added, like steady percussion and guitars, eventually reaching the biggest climax of the song when she repeats “Bloodsucker, famefucker/Bleedin' me dry like a goddamn vampire.” The guitars are harsh and angry as Rodrigo brings the listener smoothly into the bridge, singing “You said it was true love, but wouldn't that be hard?/You can't love anyone, 'cause that could mean you had a heart.” The last part of “vampire” sees Rodrigo at her best in the song, adding louder and more powerful vocals, leaving her heart on the table and showcasing how much this song feels like a relief to her.
The new single “vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo is one of her best tracks yet, leading listeners and fans into this new era of the singer. People can expect a breakup ballad with harsher tones and elements that make her one of the best in the pop scene right now, mixing up genres and vocals throughout the track, making the listening experience not only enjoyable but chaotic.