Taylor Swift’s confessional songwriting and sharp pop sensibilities have impacted a generation of musicians, including breakout pop star Olivia Rodrigo. As a self-proclaimed “Swiftie,” Rodrigo has been very vocal about her artistic inspiration from Swift and how the veteran singer’s discography cultivated her own musicality.
From her story-driven lyrics to her knack for writing vulnerability-laced pop bops, the similarities between the two are obvious. As we analyze Rodrigo’s debut album “Sour” and the rest of her catalog so far, the influence of Swift on the young musician is undeniable.
Rodrigo Has Always Openly Admired Swift
In various interviews, 19-year-old Rodrigo enthusiastically praises 32-year-old Swift and her artistic empire. When speaking to NME, she singled out Swift’s songwriting mastery saying, “I think songwriting-wise, Taylor is just the best in the business; there’s nothing like a Taylor Swift bridge.”
She also told SiriusXM about looking up to Swift’s resilience in the industry: “It’s no small feat to be a young woman in the music industry. And I think [Taylor]’s done such a great job of handling herself with grace and poise.”
These statements demonstrate how Rodrigo worships Swift as one of music’s greats and sees her influence woven through her own songwriting.
Both Songwriters Have a Flair for Storytelling
Like her idol Swift, Rodrigo approaches tracks on “Sour” like short stories or diary entries plucked straight from her Gen Z life. Singles like the angsty “Good 4 U” and melancholy “Traitor” read like vignettes about friendship breakups and the turbulence of youth. Meanwhile, Swift has built a career spinning vivid narratives about love, self-discovery and standing up to critics.
Sonically, the two share a penchant for soaring pop choruses and bridges reaching emotive heights. Lyrically, they derive inspiration from their personal diaries, turning entries into pop poetry. As Swift did in her country crossover era, Rodrigo translates the teenage condition into universally felt anthems.
Swift’s Style is Sprinkled Across Rodrigo’s Smash Debut
The strongest Swift influence emerges in a number of specific “Sour” moments. The song “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back” actually incorporates an interpolation of Swift’s 2017 tune “New Year’s Day.” As the piano melody plays in the background, Rodrigo sings of a painful breakup after an on-again, off-again fling.
Critics also compared the whiplash tempo change buildup within “Deja Vu” to Swift’s bubblegum pop banger “Cruel Summer.” In the bridge, Rodrigo channels the dramatic sonic escalation Swift perfected years ago.
Even if the homages feel subconscious, Rodrigo admits to inspired mirroring, saying bridges on “Cruel Summer” and “Getaway Car” prompted her own songwriting experiments.
Of course, diehard fans have latched onto the similarities. Some conspiracy theories even suggest coded lyrical parallels between songs like Rodrigo’s “The Grudge” and Swift’s “Bad Blood.” However, both singer-songwriters only radiate mutual admiration when asked.
Rodrigo Shaping Her Own Musical Identity
At just 19-years-old with one record under her belt so far, Rodrigo has ample time to carve out her unique musical perspective beyond Taylor Swift. Still, Swift’s confessional yet widely resonant hits have laid the foundation for her pop storytelling blueprint.
As Rodrigo develops her distinct artistry and platform, traces of Swift’s stylistic songcraft likely will linger. That said, her impressive lyrical prowess and fiery punk spirit breathing new life into pop music diverges enough from Swift’s discography.
One thing is certain: Swift’s candid vulnerability and sharp pop sensibilities will continue inspiring budding musicians. For devoted fans of both Rodrigo and her self-proclaimed idol, the comparisons reveal an endearing musical kinship.
