On Thursday, April 2nd, Olivia Rodrigo announced that her third album, titled you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, will be released to the world on June 12th. In the days leading up to the news, eager fans woke up to track the color and paint job on a wall in Los Angeles where Rodrigo began teasing the new era. Benilde-St. Margaret’s students find themselves eager to listen to the new album, expecting it to bring up feelings of longing for the past despite the new color scheme and change in aesthetic.
Sophomore Ellen Bunkers finds herself excited because the album announcement takes her back to the time when Rodrigo’s previous albums, Sour and GUTS, came out. She finds herself reminiscing about the time period and feelings surrounding the release of Sour, her favorite of Rodrigo’s albums. “It’s the most nostalgic. When I listen to it now, I’m taken back and it’s a good feeling,” Bunkers said.
With Rodrigo’s last two albums, she followed a similar pattern: a four-letter title and a purple color scheme. Many listeners thought of her previous releases as sister albums. When students found out that the title of her third album broke away from this framework, they had mixed reactions. “I instantly thought it was long because I’m used to the four letters, but I think it’s kind of poetic,” Bunkers said.
When Rodrigo released the album cover, featuring the colors blue and pink, fans found themselves shocked at her taking a step away from her usual color scheme. Out of the students surveyed, 43.8% had expected her to keep the album cover within the shades of purple. While the change feels strange to some, other students find themselves excited for the new era. “I think she’s stepping a little bit away. I’m kind of expecting this album to be a little bit different, but I think it’s really cool,” senior Harper Stevenson-Shimek said.
Students don’t only find themselves excited about the album’s aesthetic, but also intrigued by what tempo they think she’ll use. Students, such as Stevenson-Shimek, believe it will not be a slow album. “I think it’s going to be more upbeat this time,” Stevenson-Shimek said.
Other students disagree and expect more of a slow rhythm. “Probably, it’s gonna be some more mellow songs. I feel like she’s done a lot more angry, more upbeat…kind of rock-esque songs, a lot of breakup songs,” junior Tessa Erickson said.
On April 17, 2026, Rodrigo released the lead single for the album. Bunkers listened to the song and did not expect it to be her favorite song on the tracklist. “I think it’s good. I don’t think it’s my favorite of hers, but I think it’s good. Yeah, I think I’m gonna get sick of it,” Bunkers said.
While many BSM students do not closely follow Rodrigo’s career, many still find themselves excited for her new release. “I’m excited. I hope it’s good. I really want to see her if she goes on tour,” Bunkers said.