Is Olivia Rodrigo the next Taylor Swift?

Well...it's finally here. My video dissertation on whether Olivia Rodrigo is the new Taylor Swift. I've expanded on it in my podcast, but ya know... I wanted to make a video too.
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So, to summarise ~ the first part of this video is kind of an Olivia Rodrigo Sour album reaction and review. I discuss her limited songwriting perspective but of course I heap praise on good 4 u which is often compared (rightly) to misery business, driver's license, and deja vu which is often compared (wrongly) to cruel summer.
I compare sour to Taylor Swift's debut record, pointing out the differences in their writing capabilities and stressing how country music genre experience which elevated Taylor's songwriting. I know the whole thesis of this video is that there shouldn't be an Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift comparison but I go there anyways. Lol, I had to!
Then I talk a little bit about how Olivia Rodrigo is a swiftie, and her direct referencing of Taylor in interviews and on red carpets has come around to bite her a little bit. For the record, again, I think she deserves her own moment, without that comparison getting in the way.
I wrap up the video discussing the Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift copyright issue. Tbh, this seems very contrived to me but what do I know. I'm just the janitor.
If you're a Conan Gray stan you should feel very lucky that I forgot to talk about him in this video. He's like, an even worse example of the diminishing returns of copying Taylor Swift's songwriting.
AND FINALLY I make my galaxy brained point that Olivia Rodrigo singing Complicated by Avril Lavigne is absolutely the new direction she needs to head in. We love the angst. At the end of the day, I'm rooting for her. And how cool is it that she secured the glossier bag? Following in Taylor's shrewd business footprints.

[@amankansah398]

Love how you’ve given constructive criticism instead of just trashing Olivia like most swifites, will be subscribing

[@theswiftologist]

I'm rooting for her!!

[@natalie_rose2861]

Sounds like trashing to me.

[@mstrmren]

@@natalie_rose2861 What? The video? Because he's right or what

[@mtanning]

​@natalie_rose2861 yeah ur right he hates her... clearly.. 100% for more of his hateful olivia takes I shall point you to his video on why GUTS deserves AOTY

[@T.S_130]

​@@mtanninghe's not hating, you guys are just taking it the wrong way. He's just brutally honest

[@Lifeintofolklore.]

I think she and Taylor had A private conversation maybe around the time they met at the brit awards and Taylor might have advised her to stray away from the fangirl image so she could be seen as her own person. because after the brit awards Olivia noticeably stopped talking about Taylor or would dodge questions regarding Taylor. I mean I guess we'll never truly know unless one of them comes out and says something but I just don't see Taylor having issues or problems with a 19 year old.

[@farahwork2552]

that would be sooo sweet of taylor I hope its true😭😭😭. I feel so motherly towards younger girls which is what I never received growing up youd be so surprised how much older adults compete and are assholes towards younger folks smh

[@itme453]

@@farahwork2552 I feel the same way for the same reason! I hope they are still friends of some sort.

[@SummersFrost]

I think she did but maybe Olivia took it the wrong way? Idk she said in an interview that artist she likes turned out to be mean girls.

[@ravenswood118]

lol didn't Taylor sue her?

[@Hermionee-Jean-Granger]

@@ravenswood118 no she didn't, Olivia herself chose to give credits since it was very much obvious and out in the media that she took elements from Taylor's songs

[@maaarrccoo]

i think a lot of olivia’s issues really boil down to she nor anybody around her knowing how to deal with genuine overnight success. i read that sour was initially planned as an EP, and then when drivers license blew up the label ordered a full album. and then BOOM a headlining tour, which sold out completely. so it’s like… the demand is there, so they’re trying to fulfill it, but it’s also VERY fast and it seems her team is struggling with how to reconcile the fact that people will buy whatever she puts out but also that she is very young and very new to all this.

[@Shan72393]

In the doc she said she decided to put out an album AFTER the success of drivers license.

[@satarupagingerkolay]

I'm so happy that Olivia decided on an arena tour rather than a full blown stadium tour for her debut album. I read somewhere that Olivia herself said that she doesn't wanna skip any step and wants to start with arenas and then go for stadium tours, which was actually a very good choice.

[@user-ou5xh7rr6f]

I mean Olivia said it best herself : "I’m absolutely not the new Taylor Swift. Because there will NEVER BE another Taylor Swift, nor has there ever been anyone as good as Taylor Swift. She’s the Greatest of all time.” The media and everyone else hopefully would stop with this tiresome narrative of any new artist being the "new" someone. In honour of both the older and the newer artists, just let them be. No one is looking for a replacement for the one and special Taylor Swift anyway. And clearly neither does Olivia wish or intend to replace anyone. Both ways. Taylor's legacy will live through so many artists that come after her simply through her sheer talent as a musician who has beautifully touched all our lives. I think we owe it to her to not say anyone is the new Taylor. And we owe it to any new artist like olivia to not make such comparisons especially early in their career to the legendary status of tay's crazy career because seriously no one would ever compare.

[@amankansah398]

Spot on!

[@MM-kz3tj]

Bingo!

[@farahwork2552]

right they do that with ariana and mariah too pisses me tf off. They are there own women and in retrospect You can now see how much ariana has grown and how both women are insanely talented and unique in their own right. People love them for different reasons no need to compare its tired asf at this point

[@ravenswood118]

I'm here for a reason but to say Taylor is the greatest of all time is peak delusion

[@redtuxjellyfoxfidgetworld6138]

Preach!!

[@lidiadiasdecastro4530]

I agree 100% with what you said. Olivia IS NOT the next Taylor, she isn't even in the same category and that's perfectly fine! She has different strengths and selling points. For example, she has a much better vocal control than Taylor had at her age, her voice and delivery are stunning. On the other hand, I don't think she is the genius precocious lyricist that people make her out to be AND THAT's FINE. She is young and has loads of time to develop and hone her skills since she clearly has potential. I just think that the critics over praising her right now will not be good in the long run because, at the end of the day, it just isn't sustainable. A star that burns too bright now won't last long. That being said, I think she's pop star material for sure and I she has hope people around that can guide and support her just like Taylor did.

[@angelsoliveoil8904]

@@jimbob2427 you can't compare a debut album that was released in 2006 to a debut album released in 2021 especially with how the internet is today vs back then lol.

[@nilay_nur]

@@jimbob2427 1) debut is a country album of course it's not going to be as popular as a pop album 2) Olivia has a big label behind her, Taylor was the first artist on a brand new label with a low budget 3) Olivia was already kinda famous and had connections in the industry because of Disney, Taylor was a nobody 3) sour had drama surrounding it which served as a marketing strategy, debut didn't 4) social media and streaming weren't a thing when debut was released

[@nilay_nur]

@@jimbob2427 I find that very very hard to believe. Where do you get your numbers from?

[@Quehbqobdv738]

@@jimbob2427 nope. wrong.

[@taishakuten5141]

@@jimbob2427 Sour is also bigger than all of Taylor’s discography? Are you sure about that? 😂

[@naomi_ts]

I think part of what made Taylor so palatable and likeable early in her career was how much she played into the "girl next door" persona. She made herself out to be a normal girl who just happened to be a genius songwriter and have a huge platform. Olivia started out like this but I think she has since shifted away. I agree with your point about leaning into the more Avril kind of artist, it is very hard to keep up the innocence that Taylor has throughout her career. But I think Olivia has also looked at other peoples careers, especially those who also started out as teenagers, and realized that they often get taken advantage of. Overall I think she is fastracking the kind of development most of the main pop girls go through in their careers, this might be a good thing for her mental health, but not so much her marketablity and image.

[@charlescarson5318]

Olivia is what 20 years old or so, give her some time. She has done an amazing job so far.

[@user40078]

I completely agree with everything you said in this video. I wasn't a big fan of Sour, but I liked the songs Deja Vu and Favorite Crime. I really do think that her having a headlining tour wasn't the best decision because of the amount of songs and also her inexperience.

[@theswiftologist]

she'll kill it on her next tour i hope

[@user40078]

@@theswiftologist most definitely!

[@user40078]

@@jimbob2427 makes sense

[@naila5453]

i mean yea sour wasn’t the greatest but neither was taylor’s debut. i think people should stop calling her the next taylor because taylor is her own person who isn’t finished in the industry, but i think olivia has the potential to do as good as taylor

[@naila5453]

@@jimbob2427 yea same i think it was a good debut but i think she has more to show the world

[@leila2294]

i’m only 2 years older than olivia and while i find some of her songs relatable, there’s still something there that’s stopping me from being able to fully connect with it. i wish i could, ofc there’s no age limit when it comes to music but i do wonder how ppl older than me can call themselves livies lol. i think it comes from those more ballad like songs. it just doesn’t work for me. this is what makes taylor so special, i’m still able to connect with songs on debut and fearless even as i’m getting older. i agree with wanting her to go down more of an avril route! she shines with songs like brutal and jealousy jealously

[@melindalee7112]

I’m 43 and lean more with Olivia’s than Taylor’s music. Taylor’s music is great but it doesn’t make me emotional like Olivia’s. I really feel with Olivia’s music. Maybe it’s nostalgia.

[@korkinalina]

I'm 23 and driver license came out the week my ex broke up with me brutally after 3.5 years and while we lived together. It also was my first relationship ever, this is how i connected to Sour immediately

[@tjc4085]

Omg!! Yes I totally feel you with this. Taylor’s songs have this remarkable ability of aging like fine wine. Even listening to her high school themed songs just feel like the music equivalent of watching early 2000 chick flicks that never get old. I know for a fact she’s got fans of all ages. Olivia tho does speak to a specific age group, and that’s fine.

[@JaydenAnne]

Yeah I’m 23 and I want to connect with Olivia’s music but it’s usually so hard to so I try to find songs that have fun concepts or good writing. But she is younger and her writing isn’t timeless. Taylor can still sing a lot of songs without people thinking “oh only a 16 year old can relate to this,” Olivia.. not so much

[@awholenewworld5796]

One thing that bothers me is that Olivia has so many unreleased songs, that she used to post on Instragram, that are just SO MUCH BETTER than those on her album....yet she chose to not release them, and we got....this.

[@Nimsh1381]

Sameeee. The song “the ones i love” is literally my top 3 songs of olivia yet she hasn’t even released that yet. Or for example the song “cause this is love right” is sooo catchy and nice

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

The irony in this take now is that the fact that Sour was well received but not knock it our of the park perfectly laid the groundwork for Guts which is arguably one of the greatest sophomore albums in recent history. The Sour Tour while not amazing did give her an opportunity to practice live performing so she was ready for the follow up. By all indications so far the Guts Tour seems amazing.

[@ema135]

i love olivia but no one will ever come close to taylor and her songwriting. especially not someone who’s been in the industry for barely a year

[@ElectroSocketBlues]

100% agree that Sour is middling (though I would argue 5 great songs rather than 3) and Olivia pulls a lot from Avril Lavigne! I think/hope Taylor doesn't dislike Olivia (they did meet and take a cute photo together at the Brits, at least), and I think/hope that Taylor's commitment to the craft of songwriting and giving credit where credit is due would hold her back from proactively asking for credit and compensation for a song she simply didn't write. I can certainly imagine her being ruffled or even hurt by the rapturous media reception to Olivia's album and the knowledge that today's young stars are starting with advantages she was never granted, and of course she's only human, but she's also spoken about wanting to be a source of support for young people coming up in the public eye. It's definitely possible their relationship has become strained and that there's some resentment on one or both sides, but it's also possible Olivia's just taking your (or her publicist's, or Taylor's...?) advice and trying to lay low and talk less about her influences in order to better establish herself as a unique independent artist and avoid feeding stan twitter and slapdash thinkpieces accusing her of plagiarism. We'll see where they are in 3 years 😛 completely agree Taylor's still in the pop game and isn't going anywhere anytime soon

[@Violet316]

That's right there probably will never be another Taylor Swift. I like about 2 songs of Olivia, but can't help but think she models herself after Taylor, and some of her songs sound like other artists. And some of her songs, parts of them seemed to have been borrowed from Taylor and other artists' songs. As I finished writing this, you basically said something similar to what I just said.

[@abbymcgurk9231]

Aaaah your videos are so good!!! Can you do a video on what you think is going to be our future with the music industry?? Like future albums, tours, marriage and kids(😳). Love your videos

[@amankansah398]

Ahh yes that would be really interesting!

[@Julia-um4rv]

I really love Traitor by Olivia. I think it's musically beautiful and lyrically rich and clever. I also see Billy Eilish as being a bigger voice for Gen z's. I'm a millennial but I'm a music therapist who works with kids and the impact of Billy's music was very apparent from the beginning. I think Olivia will definitely get better with time. I think it'sgoid she's taking a break to get her bearings. I remember when Taylor first album came out I thought her music was young but give her time and she will blow everyone away. Honestly, Folklore has exceeded that expectation for me.

[@CarolineStrunk-ld4ri]

I know her lyrics to that song or absolutely amazing You didn't cheat but you're still a traitor absolutely Freaking amazing

[@yaccothetaco720]

unless olivia rodrigo composes something as iconic as thug story, she will never be a disciple of taylor😟

[@jazminrubio5685]

I was watching this and my husband comes by asking what I’m watching. Mind you, he hates Taylor Swift’s music 🙄 but he sees the title and goes “I’m not a fan of either of them and even I know her writing isn’t as good as Taylor’s” 💀💀 proud moment for me 🥹

[@theswiftologist]

omg iconic

[@gyatiangel]

This is sending me🙏🙏😂😂😂

[@mikeandthediamonds]

I'm not even looking at the guys that hate Taylor. You married a red flag

[@jazminrubio5685]

Chill. It’s not that serious that we have different interests 💀

[@mb_19_24]

I’m absolutely waiting for her to just drop 1989 TV already, and then the another pop banger bc she definitely has still got that bag. Not to mention the newer uptick in synth and 80s still going strong.

[@mariesarr400]

I just discovered you, and I thought you have really analytical insights about the Olivia Rodrigo album that I haven’t seen elsewhere. This is really good constructive criticism, and I think Olivia would really benefit and grow as an artist outside of the overwhelming praise she’s constantly getting from seeing this video (this is why I’m commenting lol with a little luck this will blow up, this is the kind of safe and honest spaces we need more of on the internet)

[@swiftie2791]

Love this video- you really do have excellent analytical skills 💕!! I’d like to see you talk about Taylor Swifts famous feuds, I think you’d have a lot of really interesting helpful hot takes!!

[@theswiftologist]

I’m definitely doing this but I’m still dreaming up the most unhinged way to do it

[@rightwhereyouleftme__]

I definitely don't see all that many similarities to Taylor. I think the comparisons started for 2 reasons, the first being that she blew up off a song that was a highly publicised love triangle break-up and we could see the people involved. The media loves a break-up they can pick apart and find a juicy narrative in just like all of Taylor's. The second is obviously that she admitted to being a HUGE Swiftie and talked about her love for Taylor constantly. If Olivia was as big of a Swiftie as she said the can you imagine having issues with your all time favourite artist?! The pain that she must feel now she can't enjoy her music anymore. It would suck. I kinda feel sorry for Olivia, she was thrust into the biggest spotlight possible off her first ever song. She had zero time to learn the ropes and hone her craft.

[@theswiftologist]

Oh I can't even imagine how much it must suck to feel that taylor swift might not be a fan....

[@thelsquad6797]

The point is: there will never be another Taylor Swift. It’s just not possible.

[@melissapartsafas2556]

Olivia is super talented and has so much potential. However, what shes put out there music wise has been done before. She needs to bring something fresh, something that stands out to the table. Something that basically differentiates her from being "oh that singer that sounds like the early 2000s just because y2k is back in style".

[@isaacroot5459]

I feel the same about Conan Gray. However, his recent record “Superache” (HORRIBLE title) displayed some very impressive, bombastic, and thorough songwriting. (People Watching, Memories). Most of the other songs were forgettable tho. Similar to Sour! Inspiration perhaps does not strike them as profoundly as it does Taylor.

[@sohnaminta.9264]

Yeah I don't like the title either. Kid krow was much better conceptually and aesthetically. I don't know what to say about it musically.

[@Mel-qs8wx]

It should have called “People watching”

[@beccab8294]

Honestly, I think Conan is a much better songwriter than Olivia. Superache is a good album, even if the title is stupid. The only forgettable song for me was Summer Child.

[@elenagerhardy2636]

I wonder if the song Nothing New had anything to do with the relationship souring between Olivia and Taylor? I think it’s possible that, while the verses and choruses of the song are true vault content, written by 22yo Taylor, the bridge was a more recent addition. It fits the Olivia Rodrigo situation a little… too perfectly imo. Even if the bridge is a genuine coincidence, and Taylor wrote the complete song as is all those years ago, it’s possible that Olivia and her team don’t buy that story. The bridge really doesn’t paint Olivia in a flattering light. I wouldn’t put it past Taylor to rewrite history on something like this..

[@mgenburn5339]

That’s what I was thinking as well…

[@autumdew3253]

OMG I ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH YOU. Yes I had to yell that. I think to compare with TS is hopelessly impossible. Also she had her parents who made sure she was protected. She was also already known.

[@miguel-ec3dc]

I really like olivia but I would not say she is necessarily the next taylor swift. She gives more Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavinge vibes so i think you are right that she should lean more into her commentary edgy side...

[@theswiftologist]

I’m ready for that tbh

[@alexandraeilise]

It's all about copyright and trademark law. Taylor pursued/accepted the royalties as a bulwark against future lawsuits. In trademark law if you don't defend your trademark against infringement (ie people using it without authorization), you can lose your right to the trademark. We've seen a huge increase in people suing musicians over chords, lyrics, etc. over the last 10-20 years or so. Taylor is a business woman; this is about protecting herself from future suits.

[@anthonyrider889]

You pretty much said everything I was thinking, I personally love Avril and I feel like Olivia could fit a more angst Avril/Haley Williams role. As a huge Avril fan minus a handful of songs lyricism has never been Avril’s thing, it was more of her powerful vocals and her attitude. I’d say the biggest common thing is inflection Avril as a vocalist has always been able to kinda translate a certain attitude into the song rather it be a kinda desperate longing ballad like I’m With You, bratty like girlfriend, or the great contrast of light and dark of my happy ending. Both have like the kinda huge stratospheric rise to fame propelled by 3 huge top 10 hits (even though I love Let Go infinitely more than Sour). And while I’m not sure she’s 100% going the Avril route specifically she definitely seems to be stylistically going more edgy, compare her early green dress to the stuff she’s wearing as of late. The biggest places she falls short though is image, when Avril first came onto the scene her image made a splash maybe even more so than her music, because Avril had more attitude to her image. While I would prefer her to have her own thing going on, I feel she fits better into an Avril lane. Both Taylor and Avril are both legends that will be hard for Olivia to measure up to on different ways, but with what she has she is closer to Avril’s lane than Taylor’s. Good video.

[@Lucia-ev2vy]

While watching this video I have realised how much I would like to see you making a comparison between lana’s del Rey way of writing and Taylor’s

[@sleepyeggy9383]

I would love a taylor 101 video for new swifties (like me lol). Love your videos btw xxx

[@allijohnson1228]

Yes! I wouldn't say I'm a new Swiftie, but we know you're a T Swift Scholar @Swiftologist, so give us a history lesson!

[@theswiftologist]

great idea...what kinds of things do you want more info on? gimme some rough areas if u can!

[@allijohnson1228]

@@theswiftologist I'll have to think about it. About to dive into your podcast. Maybe it will help give me some ideas!

[@allijohnson1228]

@Swiftologist alright so as promised I've been listening to the podcast and came up with a possible idea: Comparing songs Taylor wrote about people to the sings written in response- IE Forever and Always/Much Better, Dear John/Paper Doll, Enchanted/Owl City Cringe Enchanted... Also I just saw Taylor's going to be in another movie and all I could hear when I saw the news was you screaming "NOBODY ASKED FOR THIS." 😂

[@allijohnson1228]

@@theswiftologist Aalright so as promised I've been listening to the podcast and came up with a possible idea: Comparing songs Taylor wrote about people to the sings written in response- IE Forever and Always/Much Better, Dear John/Paper Doll, Enchanted/Owl City Cringe Enchanted... Also I just saw Taylor's going to be in another movie and all I could hear when I saw the news was you screaming "NOBODY ASKED FOR THIS." 😂

[@gaddy2157]

pinning women is dumb. They said samething when Ariana Grande to Mariah Carey, Mariah Carey to Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin to Diana Ross.... both women are great and olivia has released one album being so young.

[@theladyprincess]

It may be just be me being in my mid 20's already but i didn't like Sour as much (with the exception of Favorite Crime and Deja Vu, i freaking love dejavu) Olivia though can really sing SING. As for her writing, she can definitely improve overtime, i sometimes think she just throws a bunch of words and reads them from a journal lol. I feel like i was expecting too much since i remember being 16 and Lorde at that time released Pure Heroine and i was just so astounded that someone my age was singing and writing songs that way. But anyways, as a long time Taylor fan since 2008 nobody can ever be like Taylor point dot period i mean let's not forget she wrote songs like Sparks Fly, Last Kiss,The Other Side of the Door,Ours,Mary's Song during her mid-late teens. But yeah that's just my two cents lol

[@gyatiangel]

GIRL SAME❤️😭 there can never be anyone in the same league as her. She's like a one time supernova I am gonna be telling my grand kids she was the beatles of my time

[@tjc4085]

Yh ur right about her just throwing words together. The last song from her album supposedly had some lines that were there for the sake of rhyming which is fine but there’s definitely a rushed or careless element to it that Taylor rarely ever has.

[@hnholt]

I feel like you just have to compare both debut albums

[@sarahandah9045]

I personally really liked Sour and I think Olivia has a lot of potential! She used to post original songs all the time on her insta (the large majority of which have been deleted - I think there were at least 25 at some point), so I think she’s written more songs than a lot of people know. Although, of course it doesn’t compare with Taylor’s 150 songs before her debut. Overall, I’m excited to hear what she comes up with next in an album that she doesn’t have to rush and can really sink her teeth into. Love your points about starting with an EP instead and opening for someone instead of doing a headlining tour. I think both of those things would’ve been good for her (pun intended)

[@alialisa1265]

I totally respect your opinion, but she had an album that is less than 35 min+ 5 songs are not original. For me i think she’s privileged. Cuz a lot of people works harder. ( no disrespect , love ya sis) , but I really wanted to have a conversation. 🧡🧡🧡

[@tjc4085]

@@alialisa1265 she takes it seriously tho and writes songs like crazy before she blew up. Her song has the ability to be on par with Taylor from insta clips.

[@varunravi27]

@@alialisa1265 That isn't entirely true. The only remotely unoriginal songs on the album were 1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back, Déjà Vu and Good 4 U. 1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back samples New Year's Day, the bridge of Déjà Vu interpolation of the bridge of Cruel Summer and the chorus of Good 4 U samples Misery Business by Paramore. Everything else seems entirely original to me.

[@reeses3466]

I completely agree, If Taylors songs is like a good book Olivias songs more of finally opening up your feelings to someone (therefore more straight to the point even though it still triggers your emotions)

[@thoughtsrus292]

She’s not the heir (i mean, ‘as if!’) but it’s also not super fair of the media to try to cast anyone as the heir of anyone when it comes to art. I’d hate it if Taylor and Madonna were pegged against each other as the Pop Queens, formerly reigning and currently reigning. Let them just exist as stars in their own skies.

[@mollym13]

one of the reasons why taylor is so successful is that she practiced guitar for hours a day, like you said she wrote around 150 songs before debut, practiced singing all the time and went to sony/record labels/producers all the time and showed them her cds, music, etc, played at every single event she could, and was continuous. she had and has so much drive and is dedicated and continuous. someone like madison beer, who i really like, only releases music infrequently, and her debut album as she pleases was i think 8 songs and very mediocre, and her next album was 3 years later. also, yes olivias album was really rushed because drivers license blew up and they had to rush out an album. songs like favorite crime, enough for you, and 1step forward were very lazily produced, so they did not have enough time to polish those. they had to do an album really quickly and it was rushed. i think olivia is a bit one dimensional in her songwriting, but hopefully her sophomore album will be more diverse and mature

[@kevinmiranda706]

Would you make a video on Taylor’s friends/ ex friends and feuds? Maybe ranking them? I just want to know your opinion(s) on Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Hailee Steinfeld, Nicki Minaj, and others who have been associated with Taylor Also… Since you’re a fan of Lana Del Rey, do you know of Marina (and the Diamonds)? She’s good friends with Lana and like Taylor, she writes her own music and I’d say that her songwriting is Taylor Swift level of genius

[@theswiftologist]

YES this has been on the list for ages

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

It’s just me, but I’m not interested in feuds, ex friends. Everyone has ex friends snd feuds, and hers is sensationalized in the media and tabloid gossip. No interest in any gossip.

[@theswiftologist]

@@Starbuck-dr7yl So dont watch that video when I make it

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

@@theswiftologist I may not. But you are very entertaining. I’d be tempted Zach. My point is more that (not referring to you in any way) tabloid, big media outlets have done more to harm her than good. So I just try not to listen to gossip about that because I think she has gotten a lot of unfair hate because of media-derived narratives that I think she has moved on, and those narratives stay alive as long as they continue to be discussion points. But, I’m sure I’ll watch and enjoy because you tell it like it is, not sensationalizing for clicks. You do it right. I just want the hate to stop, it hurts me to know there is so much hate in the world directed at her.

[@meridith7137]

Love this and the podcast you and Madeline put out! 💕 if you would be down I would love to see more Taylor-adjacent music / pop culture themed content, either on here or the pod (personally would love a halsey / lorde episode) I could literally write an essay on the whole Olivia situation but in short I think A) she seems like an incredibly sweet person and I think that she is genuinely uniquely talented as a musician BUT B) you are completely right about her team totally fumbling the bag and advising her poorly, regarding both the Taylor comparisons and trying to fast track her into being the kind of musician that she just isn’t yet. C) just typing this I’m scared someone will order a hit on me but I was so disappointed by sour. I too loved the singles but so much of the album is just . . Meh. if it resonated with you then great but to me the lyricism just objectively is not brilliant, which is fine, but not fine if you want to have your whole ‘thing’ be Taylor Swiftesque diaristic storytelling talent. The middle of the album just sounds like someone tried desperately to write 5 all too wells that in my opinion just blend into each other. I agree that the real strengths that she has are when she leans into this whole Gen Z Avril Lavigne thing, and aims for snarky and observational rather than sappy. D) everyone is doing her absolutely no favours by yes-manning her to death. She has even said in interviews before that as a child actress she’s experienced people telling her everything she does is amazing and she doesn’t like it, it makes her even more self critical as she doesn’t believe any praise is genuine. To end on a Taylor comparison, sometimes you have to hear someone sing their new single idea ‘ME!’ and go ‘bestie, you are better than this’.

[@LieslHeston]

Though I will say, somebody did a Traitor/Dear John mashup and it might be just a little iconic

[@theswiftologist]

that is a bastardisation of a biblical text

[@StateOfTaylor13]

@@theswiftologist thank you.

[@luckymenuxx]

Short answer: no cause no one could ever be the next taylor swift, but she is the first olivia rodrigo

[@agelianaioannidou2913]

You're right, the "next Taylor Swift" should come from country music

[@swiftiey]

Halsey is an amazing songwriter and I refuse for y'all to say she's not, her music reflect her emotions and she doesn't need to have the same feelings of sadness and heartbreak as Taylor, Lana and Phoebe to be a great songwriter,her songwriting shows her anger more than sadness and that's ok

[@tjc4085]

She is a great song writer, always has been.

[@WytchieBytch]

Agree! Her music is quite emotional but I think it connect more to us angry mentally ill former emo kids and so it kinda makes sense that some people maybe won't get it for the same reason people don't feel the emotion in rock music even though like Linkin Park has songs that are DEVASTATING to people who have struggled with the darker side of human emotion... Yea she's a great songwriter but I get people not getting it.

[@jaegeristsupremacy2038]

theyre both different people, and i think taylor's music hits places and olivia's music hits other places. they are both amazing song writers in other ways. I really think theyre their own person and i hate that other people are comparing them in a competitve way. And truly, I think Olivia does need more growth too, she did a great job with driver's license, but i think the rest of the album was a recurring theme of "angry heartbroken teen" and it feels too much. And I love the three songs you spoke about, but im looking forward to what else she's got; still a fan of both, i just think prefer the way taylor writes and i think olivia's writing is good, but it can be better and more abstract.

[@sofimichel2971]

I loved this video!!! Also i would like to see a video about the next Taylor's Version album (i want to be prepare)

[@theswiftologist]

as SOON as she announces which one is coming next i'll do a primer video!!

[@Elix90]

Great video. You put it so well, how Olivia has been pushed into a position that she has not yet ready to handle. She should not be winning grammys or headlining anything at this point of her career, it's probably gonna hurt her creative output in the long run. This is the time where she should be in writing sessions. She has one exceptional song in Drivers Licence, and I miss the tight little EP Sour could have been.

[@hudsonlewis8843]

Weeeeeeee are never ever ever getting the reputation secret session vid 💀

[@theswiftologist]

Tea!

[@stillfangirlingtoday1468]

I feel like all these new artists, Olivia included, are trying to get shortcuts by using Taylor's name with "I'm inspired by her diary-like songwriting" and "I know all her lyrics by heart", while this can be true, it definitely seems like a PR play because they want to target the same demographic (even though Taylor has a lot of older fans, it's obvious she has teenagers/young adults fans mostly), they seem to want the piggyback ride that is name-dropping Taylor Swift. I don't hate Olivia (or the others), but I'm skeptical. I know Taylor name-dropped Tim Mcgraw and went on to be the biggest country and pop artist in the whole world, but I will have to sit and watch. Maybe this is how Mcgraw's fans felt back then, lol.

[@Violet316]

That is kind of what I felt, that she is using Taylor for clout.

[@swiftafboii]

It's not the same name dropping Tim McGraw IN A SONG that talking about him non-stop as an inspiration looking for clout

[@KateCat420]

I would argue that taylor gains new fans with each album, and since Taylor's influence can be seen in Olivia's music I'm inclined to believe it

[@rloyBB]

I listened to the latest podcast episode when it came out and I agree with you and Medine when you taked about how this album feels too teenagery and I can't relate to it as much. You can tell Olivia is talented but I guess I'll wait for her 3rd or 4th album to see how she matured and grown. I'm the same age as Taylor and while I'm a guy, I kinda felt I grew up at the same pace as Taylor did (to a degree of course) and it felt natural, even though I didn't relate to a lot of her songs I still found myself relating to songs like the outside, fearless etc. So maybe I'm just too old for Olivia and we'll see what she comes up with when she's 27. But I can totally see how the 16-18 y.o of today can relate to Olivia.

[@theswiftologist]

Yeah I think your age definitely influences how you interact w an artist like Olivia and even Taylor at first

[@ronnyschummer]

She might not be the next Taylor Swift and Conan Gray might not be either. But saying Sour or Conans music are mediocre songwriting is funny to me. There are only a few songwriters that are making music that sounds this personal. Sour was short but strong. Superache is very strong and personal.

[@theswiftologist]

Personal songwriting ≠ good songwriting

[@That_BrownGirl]

not me watching this in 2024, Swiftologist is officially a Rodrigolist, just came from her Guts world tour and calls her Taydaughter. This was such a ride. Love her, and love you....

[@st4rsholl0w]

phoebe taylor and lana THE holy trinity fr

[@nonamia0495]

I really like jealousy jealousy and brutal and I hope that she will put out songs that are more like them

[@ipekmd1281]

Just discovered your channel..love how brutally honest you are

[@kiik08]

absolutely love all ur analyses on taylor but i would love if you expanded your content and made analyses on other artists as well i. e. ariana grande, billie, etc whatever u feel comfortable w!

[@theswiftologist]

DEFINITELY moving towards more of this in the future!!

[@quokpaka8365]

I really want a Lana Del Rey analysis as well

[@kiik08]

@@quokpaka8365 yes me too !

[@sunset3751]

Should we expect a reaction video or even just a video discussing your thoughts on her new single vampire ???!

[@theswiftologist]

I’ll react to the record ~

[@sunset3751]

@@theswiftologist alright. Love ur channel btw ❤️

[@iibunnyy]

I absolutely love Liv! I've been a fan of her for 7 years, and I think sour was amazing in my opinion but after hearing some of her unreleased songs, I think if they just gave her more time rather then having her release 3 singles and then the album, maybe 4-5 more months?, each song could of been a little bit better with a little more time, and maybe she could've added a few more tracks?, Either way I'm excited for her future releases because her music is really good, and her unreleased songs just help further cement how much of a talented songwriter she is (little side tangent you don't have to read this, all of her unreleased songs are so good if she puts any of them on an ep or album i will cry, or if she releases pretender or victim, i will be crying on the floor of my bathroom)

[@lolalover24212]

If there’s anyone who’s “the next Taylor swift” it’s Maisie peters. And I don’t think she’ll ever get as big as Taylor, but her songwriting is very similar, with the gen z edge leaning into a bit more humour but she’s got the “call out” energy young Taylor had. She has a clear knack for creating catchy hooks, like psycho is sooooo good lol. It’s still a lot different from Taylor, but I’d say she’s way closer and a much better songwriter than Olivia.

[@idk-mu8pd]

oh my god absolutely. i feel kind of dejected about the fact that olivia got known as the "next ts" and maisie dint get that breakthrough cus honestly, personally for me, maisie is so much more fun and relatable too. her lyrics are not only good but also have this range of emotions throughout and a bitter but good feel to them.

[@lolalover24212]

@@idk-mu8pd yesss she's like young taylor if baby tay was a bit more self aware and humorous about it, she knows when she's being petty but also understands that feeling every emotion is important to her art.

[@idk-mu8pd]

@@lolalover24212 so true!!!

[@KANDI-]

She’s kind of getting a breakthrough now though which is good

[@MermaidCore_]

I think we can say after the performance of You’re So Vain at the Rick & Roll Hall of Fame induction of Carley Simon… There is room for growth? Perhaps that is the kindest construction…

[@SherwinCeleste-cj7ng]

I just finished watching this after your video about Guts. You make great points, i think songwriting in Olivia is generic compared to Taylor, however I like how Olivia deliver her lyrics, it's mostly impactful and she has a vocal range for sure.

[@GillianRice]

Wow I really enjoyed this. You nailed it

[@enrevseluj7582]

Is it possible to upload the podcast on youtube as well? maybe even with visuals:) also soo excited foor the upcoming vlogs

[@theswiftologist]

I have been thinking of doing this!! I just don’t wanna spam my subscribers…also no idea what visuals I could come up with for that lmao

[@Starbuck-dr7yl]

I agree with most everything you said. I do think Olivia is going to be just fine and have a wonderful career. I do think her team is not doing her any favors, and I think she’s being mismanaged. They obviously want to capitalize on her early success but are potentially setting her up. 1 album, 11 tracks, documentary/short film, Tiny Desk, tour with no experience. What is she going to do Album 2, she’s covered all the big ones in album1! I suppose she could go the route of Beiber who has 4 concert Films/documentaries (all produced by himself ). She could do that. But not a good idea. The tour, definitely needed to be an opening act to learn, get experience, learn from a veteran. People are complaining about the show and did they not know she only has 11 songs when they bought the tickets, did they think she had touring experience? No! This is a nightmare. Her team is not doing her any favors. As for her relationship with Taylor, I would have told her to deflect questions about Taylor. Stop posting about Taylor. Black out your IG, Twitter accounts. Don’t let people think they have access to your life, or 16 years later they still will think you owe them something when you don’t (Taylor). In fact, if I were Taylor , I would have given her that advice that Tay had to learn the hard way, but it’s her experience that she has to offer. No one has gotten more unwarranted hate than Milli (I now call her millipede or Milli for short, I’m a scientist). Her experience with all this shit is part of her legacy, what she can offer these new girls. While I’m with you, Milli is not ready to give up the reign just yet, she’s at the top of her game, occupying the first 109 spots of top streaming days in 2022. They had to start the list excluding Taylor, because she occupied 1-109. No one is touching her right now. But, she is so over media, fans, everything. She’s radio silent. I read it’s the longest she’s been silent since the black-out phase before she emerged from the depths as a snake with Reputation. I’m very scared what she’s up to.

[@theswiftologist]

uhhhh it’s definitely not been longer than the reputation silence….but I agree with many of ur sentiments about OR!

[@daniellelevine9638]

yes, yes, yes 🙌 I totally agree with your position on everything that you said, sir. Nobody wants a rip off Taylor Swift. Those are huge high heels 👠 to fill.

[@sohnaminta.9264]

I think that Olivia's album will be much better than sour but I don't think it will be anywhere near as big. It was a definitely luck/the new it girl buzz. However, I'm hoping for the best for Olivia because of the songs I liked from sour are really good and show for good potential.

[@finleypawrker8551]

I like short albums tbh. Some of the best albums of all time are < 40mins

[@alex-bn3et]

agreed, she is THE taydaughter but no one can ever be taylor swift

[@AndromedaMoon888]

ooh yes, Olivia does remind me of Avril!

[@harrypotteravenclaw]

Even though it's not the same thing as Taylor's songwriting, she definitely has songs that make sour not just a breakup album like brutal, jealousy, jealousy and hope ur ok

[@littlesunflower13]

Being a fan of both Taylor and Olivia, I honestly completely agree with your opinion..Olivia had massive success with her debut album and for her next projects, people are definitely gonna have high expectations from her, and i am concerned that there are chances they she won't be able to live up to them and her career wont be as successful in the future..

[@RattMum]

I wonder if part of why taylor was denied her masters for so long is the men could see her going far (which she has) and they wanted a peice of the pie for as long as they could. I dont know if olivia has the same staying power of taylor. She's okay but taylor you can listen to any album 1 to done and still want more with olivia i find 3 songs in and i'm done. Love what you do. How respectful you stay.

[@EdithAnnRandall]

No, Olivia Rodrigo will never be the next Taylor Swift.

[@mohithas960]

I really wish Olivia gets a better management team. Like, they have been pushing her to do concerts, fan meets, shows and interviews non stop since Sour came out. It's kinda disturbing seeing how she's not given space and time to grow and evolve as an artist. Secondly, I don't think she is a songwriter at her core (like Taylor or her peers, Conan gray and Gracie are), and it's not appropriate to call her the songwriter of this generation. I loved this video and understand ur views. I really appreciate how you gave constructive criticism and didn't just talk trash about her like many on the internet do.

[@umchile.anywaysso1408]

What is that periodic screaming throughout the video? 😂 Love your content, by the way ❤

[@sunset3751]

I think you should do a tier list ranking sour and that would show which tracks are her stand out tracks and the ones you rank you could explain how those songs could be better specifically

[@gracechen5905]

I'm in Journalism school now and I so need to do a podcast on this

[@daniellehinson5581]

I kept pausing this video because I thought someone was being murdered outside my window. Lmao.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

Taylor Swift happens once every few lifetimes ❤

[@evilshrimp6666]

Taylor swift is one and only Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo isn’t next Taylor, she is first Olivia Rodrigo. I love both of them, I love their music. But let them shine separately. Its not like Olivia should replace Taylor or be next bc she is young songwriter

[@elidagjika8741]

Ok, she's amazing and talented but nobody can be called next Taylor Swift

[@elizabeth00653]

I do agree that Olivia is as strong of a songwriter as Taylor. But her Deja Vu song really hits me harder in the feels than most Tay's songs. Feeling replaced a common relationship thing that Tay amazingly hasn't touched

[@relaxwalex]

Rant and I’m a big Taylor fan. Honestly I think many female artists were baffled by the HUGE success Sour had hell even Ariana “looks” like Olivia now. Frankly I’m here for Olivia’s underdog uprising. I can only imagine the hurt that came from having your idol doubling down on you for your money for something as far reaching as Dejavú sounding like cruel summer. If I was Olivia, Taylor’s name would never leave my mouth again since her Team has made it clear that any interaction is purely transactional at this point. I’m sure going forward Olivia will have her own lawyer to fight tooth and nail to keep all her future song writing credits. So while I like them both I do hope Oliva keeps ruffling feathers by simply being in the music space and being a force to be reckoned with.

[@natalie_rose2861]

I actually like that you are critical of artists. However when you are saying what Olivia's problems are basically what I saw wrong with Taylor's debut. I love Taylor but Sour is 10× better than Debut. No it's not perfect but it's very good. I think debut has some good songs but 1 or 2 great songs. Olivia has Traitor, Brutal, Jealousy Jealousy, Good For You, & Drivers License. Olivia also has a ton of unreleased music. She just started from scratch cuz she didn't wanna use old songs. And people have criticized Olivia Rodrigo. When someone says Olivia is the next Taylor Swift, I don't take it so seriously. I don't say she has to be exactly her. Just means that she's as talented as Taylor which she is.

[@theswiftologist]

She’s not as talented as Taylor that’s literally my whole point

[@gyatiangel]

This girl is living in delusion.. Sour better than debut!? 😂😂😂😂😂 That sour record was as sour as an expired milk no hate to Olivia but I never understood how/why she shot to fame with one mediocre song. I much prefer the likes of sabrina, fletcher, Astrid, Emily Warren,Maisie Peters, GracieA or even Jake Scott

[@tayluvofficial]

Make a video about Ariana Grande

[@melsglued]

love how most of the comments are subscribers giving video ideas | please mention melanie on the podcast, i would love to hear you + madeline’s opinion on her as well. (plz don’t block me i won’t comment this again 😭)

[@theswiftologist]

sorry babes it’s just not going to happen but I appreciate your efforts

[@melsglued]

@@theswiftologist 💔

[@elenagerhardy2636]

Would you be able to do a video on Mr Alwyn: is he a man or a cyborg? Is there enough content now he’s done that nothing interview? 😂

[@theswiftologist]

the video: 1 minute long of me glitching

[@elenagerhardy2636]

@@theswiftologist 😅🤣

[@emmar9190]

This video has aged very well 👀

[@mollym13]

"He's like, an even worse example of the diminishing returns of copying Taylor Swift's songwriting." Can you give examples of Conan copying her songwriting because I don't listen to him enough to see resemblances. i would say olivia copies taylor more than conan, if at all. no hate just curious

[@tjc4085]

Doubt Taylor sees her as compeition because Taylor seems to always call out those artists that draw inspo from her. She sees them as her kids. However, Olivia just doesn’t need Taylor to give her any props coz her career’s taken off on it’s own. Plus, perhaps Taylor’s team is pissed with Olivia’s and I wonder is Olivia parting ways with her first manager had a lot to do with it. Maybe things were mishandled

[@kalebhoulel.3161]

Oooh. This is gonna be a good video.

[@krow2227]

Do you have any thoughts on Conan Gray too?

[@theswiftologist]

Not a fan lol

[@lau2955]

Short answer: No. Long answer: No. There's only one Taylor. It sounds basic but it's a fact, every creator has a specific print. Taylor obviously has many and she's perfected them over time. Olivia can try to master them, but it will obviously result in a different pattern (you can share genres with another writer and still not have the same "essence"). Sayin that Olivia is the next Taylor is the media promoting this notion that we need to replace everything that we have when we deem those things/people outdated or "too used". Well, again: NO 🤡 Btw, very good & insightful video!! Really well thought and explained! 🤓

[@ellie4601]

Olivia won't have longevity in the music industry if things keep going the way they have been (which is not her fault, more so her management). It was very clear to me after listening to "Sour" that she has no idea who she wants to be as an artist. The majority of the album was filler and the songs were clearly written to a "prompt" as opposed to being more authentic and considered. Olivia is just lucky enough to get a pass because she is the current "brand new sparkly thing" for the internet to obsess over... but older Taylor fans will know that a lot of people didn't care about her until 1989 (and instead ignored her aside from the "maybe she's the problem" ....jokes). I honestly can't see any second album being as successful... especially when there are always "Olivia Rodrigos" releasing albums, but there will never be another Taylor Swift.

[@theswiftologist]

aw I hope that’s not true! I think she’s got something that differentiates her from all the other girlies, just a general star factor that’s impossible to develop over time. I think if she sticks the Avril course she’ll have a smash on her hands next time around

[@bboong4453]

I think Olivia's tour is purposely low budget because she is touring small venues and the people who weren't able to get tickets this time (since she's playing at small venues) would be more likely to buy tickets the next time she tours

[@theswiftologist]

I don’t think so I think it was a rush job

[@meghansullivan6812]

completely agree w everything u said!! they are such different vibes

[@thebiggingerx]

what you said about taylor writing about being a teenage girl on debut while olivia didn't and solely focused on her breakup i disagree with. songs like brutal and jealousy jealousy are explorations of what being a teenage girl is in the modern day and i think those songs are going to have more influence on her career than her swiftian heartbreak ballads that filled the rest of sour

[@CarolineStrunk-ld4ri]

Gracie Abrams Should have been the main act

[@Mel-qs8wx]

I think her best friend Conan is a much better song writer but Liv will always be bigger him