The Best Olivia Rodrigo Songs, Ranked by Fans

The Best Olivia Rodrigo Songs, Ranked by Fans

Akansha Kakkad
May 9, 2024 20 items
Voting Rules

Vote on your most replayable songs released by Olivia Rodrigo. Features allowed if Olivia Rodrigo is a primary artist.

Make sure you have your driver's license and buckle up because we're about to embark on a sonic journey through the discography of one of pop's newest and brightest stars - Olivia Rodrigo. The starlet's music is conducive to screaming at the top of your lungs or nursing a broken heart with soulful melodies.

Rodrigo has quickly carved out her own space in today's crowded pop landscape. With her emotive vocals and raw lyricism, she crafts songs that are both deeply personal yet universally relatable. From exploring the trials and tribulations of teenage love to tackling themes like self-identity and growth, the best Olivia Rodrigo songs serve as anthems for anyone navigating their way through life.

Whether she’s belting out high notes in "drivers license" or showcasing her versatility with soft ballads from her Disney days, Olivia's vocal range and emotional depth are nothing short of impressive.

And what truly makes Olivia's music unique is her fearless authenticity. She doesn't shy away from expressing vulnerability in her songs; instead, she embraces it wholeheartedly. This honesty strikes a chord with listeners worldwide and adds an extra layer of relatability to her music.

When it comes to delivering heartfelt anthems that resonate with millennials and Gen Z alike - nobody does it quite like Olivia Rodrigo. This list serves as your ultimate guide into the top Olivia Rodrigo songs and the world of one of pop’s most promising talents.

  • obsessed
    1
    19 VOTES

    obsessed

    Album: Guts (Spilled)

    Year: 2024

    Why We Love It: “obsessed” is a pop anthem exploring themes of infatuation for a current boyfriend and compulsively imagining his ex-girlfriend. The song climbed the music charts and reached the No. 1 spot in several countries.  

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    If I told you how much I think about her
    You'd think I was in love
    And if you knew how much I looked at her pictures
    You would think we're best friends

    19 votes
  • 1 step forward, 3 steps back
    2
    43 VOTES

    1 step forward, 3 steps back

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “1 step forward, 3 steps back” is a touching ballad by Olivia Rodrigo that showcases her emotional sensitivity by lyrically interpreting complicated romances, and complementing them with her songwriting ability. The relatable lyrics and bittersweet melody have made the song a top track for fans of the singer-songwriter. 

    Lyric Spotlight:

    'Cause it's always one step forward and three steps back
    I'm the love of your life until I make you mad
    It's always one step forward and three steps back
    Do you love me, want me, hate me? Boy, I don't understand
    No, I don't understand

    43 votes
  • good 4 u
    3
    22 VOTES

    good 4 u

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “good 4 u” mixes elements of punk rock and pop music. The lyrics about moving on from an ex have made it one of Rodrigo’s most popular songs. The single rose internationally to the No. 1 spot on the music charts. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    Well, good for you, I guess you moved on really easily
    You found a new girl, and it only took a couple weeks
    Remember when you said that you wanted to give me the world? (World?)
    And good for you, I guess that you've been working on yourself
    I guess that therapist I found for you, she really helped
    Now you can be a better man for your brand-new girl (girl)

    22 votes
  • Can't Catch Me Now
    4
    32 VOTES

    Can't Catch Me Now

    Album: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes Soundtrack

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: “Can't Catch Me Now” is an upbeat anthem showcasing Rodrigo's singing range and lyrical adaptability. The fusion of pop elements with empowering, poetic messages make it a perfect fit for the Hunger Games franchise.

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    There's blood on the side of the mountain
    There's writing all over the wall
    Shadows of us are still dancin'
    In every room and every hall
    There's snow fallin' over the city
    You thought that it would wash away
    The bitter taste of my fury
    And all of the messes you made
    Yeah, you think that you got away

    32 votes
  • bad idea right?
    5
    23 VOTES

    bad idea right?

    Album: Guts

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: The track "bad idea right?" shows Rodrigo experimenting with edgier rock sounds while maintaining her signature storytelling. In the song, the pop singer takes new musical risks. The song is said to be musically influenced by pop-punk girl groups of the ‘90s and early ’00s. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    And I'm right here with all my friends
    But you're sendin' me your new address
    And I know we're done, I know we're through
    But, God, when I look at you

    23 votes
  • all-american b*tch
    6
    38 VOTES

    all-american b*tch

    Album: Guts

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: In the song "all-american b*tch," Rodrigo delivers a biting social commentary on the pressures facing women in society. Inspired by the messaging of folk music, the singer delivers her critique in a catchy pop-rock melody. The title was inspired by an essay of the same name, written by American writer Joan Didion in her book Slouching Towards Bethlehem

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    I am light as a feather, I'm as stiff as a board
    I pay attention to things that most people ignore
    And I'm alright with the movies
    That make jokes 'bout senseless cruelty, that's for sure
    And I am built like a mother and a total machine
    I feel for your every little issue, I know just what you mean

    38 votes
  • All I Want
    7
    31 VOTES

    All I Want

    Album: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Soundtrack

    Year: 2020

    Why We Love It: In “All I Want” Rodrigo bares her soul with reflective lyrics and dynamic vocals. The singer musically and emotively phrases along with the piano and string instrumentation. Stylistically, the song captures a slight show tune quality and a '70s singer-songwriter's way of making music. 

    Lyric Spotlight:

    And I miss the days when I was young and naive
    I thought the perfect guy would come and find me
    Now happy ever after, it don't come so easily

    31 votes
  • get him back!
    8
    21 VOTES

    get him back!

    Album: Guts

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: “get him back!” is a power ballad and anthem, with Olivia delivering scathing lyrics about lost love. The words reflect an inner emotional conflict between acting on vengeful impulses versus restraint in the hopes of getting back together with an ex. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    I wanna key his car (I want to get him back)
    I wanna make him lunch (but then I, I want to get him back)
    I wanna break his heart (but then I, I want to get him back)
    And be the one to stitch it up (but then I, I want to get him back)
    Wanna kiss his face (but then I, I want to get him back)
    With an uppercut (but then I, I want to get him back)
    I wanna meet his mom (but then I, I want to get him back)
    Just to tell her her son sucks (but then I, I want to get him back)

    21 votes
  • drivers license
    9
    33 VOTES

    drivers license

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “drivers license” became an overnight sensation due to its heartbreaking narrative paired with a hauntingly beautiful melody. This breakthrough single catapulted Olivia Rodrigo into global stardom. The song won a Grammy for the Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2022 awards ceremony. Rodrigo also received nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    Red lights, stop signs
    I still see your face in the white cars, front yards
    Can't drive past the places we used to go to
    'Cause I still f*ckin' love you, babe (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
    Sidewalks we crossed
    I still hear your voice in the traffic, we're laughing
    Over all the noise
    God, I'm so blue, know we're through
    But I still f*ckin' love you, babe (ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

    33 votes
  • brutal
    10
    38 VOTES

    brutal

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “brutal” sees Olivia Rodrigo venturing into pop-punk territory, delivering angsty lyrics over energetic electric guitar riffs and drums. Its raw lyrical and melodic honesty has made it a fan-favorite track. The song captures the uncertainties surrounding the transitions from the teenage years into adulthood. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    All I did was try my best
    This the kind of thanks I get?
    Unrelentlessly upset (ah, ah, ah)
    They say these are the golden years
    But I wish I could disappear
    Ego crush is so severe
    God, it's brutal out here
    (Yeah! Just having a really good time)

    38 votes
  • happier
    11
    14 VOTES

    happier

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “happier” is a melancholic track where Olivia Rodrigo wades through the emotional layers of seeing an ex move on. The doo-wop-influenced song is supported by minimalist piano playing and deep bass. The song was originally released by the singer on Instagram. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    And I thought my heart was detached
    From all the sunlight of our past
    But she's so sweet, she's so pretty
    Does she mean you forgot about me?

    14 votes
  • deja vu
    12
    30 VOTES

    deja vu

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “deja vu” is a dreamy and melancholy indie-pop track where Rodrigo explores themes of love and nostalgia through evocative lyricism. The bridge of the song is influenced by Taylor Swift's song from 2019, “Cruel Summer.” 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    So when you gonna tell her
    That we did that, too?
    She thinks it's special
    But it's all reused
    That was the show we talked about
    Played you the song she's singing now when she's with you

    30 votes
  • so american
    13
    7 VOTES

    so american

    Album: Guts (Spilled)

    Year: 2024

    Why We Love It: “so american” is a commentary on American culture and stereotypes, as well as being in a relationship with someone from another country.  The song also digs into the emotional insecurities surrounding personality differences and relationship expectations. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    And he laughs at all my jokes
    And he says I'm so American
    Oh, God, it's just not fair of him
    To make me feel this much
    I'd go anywhere he goes
    And he says I'm so American
    Oh, God, I'm gonna marry him
    If he keeps this shit up
    I might just be in lo-lo-, lo-lo-, lo-lo-, lo-lo-lo-lo-love

    7 votes
  • traitor
    14
    7 VOTES

    traitor

    Album: Sour

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: “traitor” is an electric guitar folk-rock ballad that examines relationship betrayals. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    Brown guilty eyes and little white lies
    Yeah, I played dumb but I always knew
    That you'd talk to her, maybe did even worse
    I kept quiet so I could keep you

    7 votes
  • vampire
    15
    12 VOTES

    vampire

    Album: Guts

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: The song  "vampire" experiments with eerie sound effects and pairs them with pop-rock elements, along with Rodrigo's signature lyrical storytelling. Rodrigo presents the differing gender dynamics surrounding relationships through her lyrics. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    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
    Look at you, cool guy, you got it

    12 votes
  • logical
    16
    7 VOTES

    logical

    Album: Guts

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: Rodrigo's piano ballad "logical" explores the futility of trying to change another person in a relationship, capturing how love can lead to irrational thinking and decision-making in a relationship and beyond. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    And now you got me thinking
    Two plus two equals five
    And I'm the love of your life
    'Cause if rain don't pour and sun don't shine
    Then changing you is possible
    No, love is never logical

    7 votes
  • the grudge
    17
    4 VOTES

    the grudge

    Album: Guts

    Year: 2023

    Why We Love It: In "the grudge," Rodrigo's piano ballad describes the disintegration of a romance after an emotionally upsetting phone call. The lyrics convey the winding emotions of teenage relationships and reached No. 1 in numerous countries. 

    Lyric Spotlight:

    I have nightmares each week about that Friday in May
    One phone call from you and my entire world was changed
    Trust that you betrayed, confusion that still lingers
    Took everything I loved and crushed it in between your fingers
    And I doubt you ever think about the damage that you did
    But I hold onto every detail like my life depends on it
    My undying love, now I hold it like a grudge
    And I hear your voice every time that I think I'm not enough

    4 votes
  • The Rose Song
    18
    4 VOTES

    The Rose Song

    Album: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Soundtrack: Season 2

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: The Rose Song” is a ballad with piano accompaniment written by Rodrigo for the TV show High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The song evokes feelings concerning the creative experience of writer's block and the process of overcoming it. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    'Cause I am more than what I am to you
    You say I'm perfect, but I've got thorns with my petals too
    And I won't be confined to your point of view
    I'm breakin' through the glass you put me in
    'Cause my beauty's from within

    4 votes
  • Granted
    19
    10 VOTES

    Granted

    Album: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Soundtrack: Season 2

    Year: 2021

    Why We Love It: The song "Granted" sees Olivia looking inwards, demonstrating her ability to create emotionally resonating ballads. The words reflect feelings of disappointment related to expectations and re-evaluating life's values. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    It feels so dramatic how erratic I think
    Chasin' everything but lеave the ones that chasе me (Ah-ah-ah)
    So much movin' forward just to take a step back
    When all I ever wanted I already had (Mm-hmm-mm)

    10 votes
  • Wondering (with Julia Lester)
    20
    5 VOTES

    Wondering (with Julia Lester)

    Album: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Soundtrack

    Year: 2020

    Why We Love It: Rodrigo performs “Wondering,” alongside actress and singer, Julia Lester for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The duet highlights both musicians’ vocal ranges. 

    Lyric Spotlight: 

    Seems like a part of me will always have to lose
    Every single time I have to choose
    Swore that it felt right, but was I wrong?
    Is this where I'm supposed to be at all?
    I don't have the answers, not today
    It's like nothing makes the questions go away
    What I'd give to see if the grass was greener

    5 votes