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I’m unfortunately very invested in Rodrigo-gate, the drama surrounding triangulation of Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Sabrina Carpenter. I’ll admit I didn’t know who Sabrina Carpenter was prior to the absolute hellstorm of hate she received from rabid Olivia Rodrigo fans, and also that I listened to this record out of a sort of morbid curiosity. But I’ve been reformed! This album is full of clever writing that tackles candid depictions of negative media attention and vulnerability with partners and fans. I’m very impressed by the lush production and the range of style on it, too. Go off, Sabrina Carpenter, I underestimated you.
I recently told a friend that Monica Martin might be my favorite voice working today. While I reserve the right to take that statement back at any time, I do really love her vocal quality, the edge on it that gives every syllable a unique texture. While I’m not always a fan of her lyricism or the themes she explores in her writing, this song hits right where it hurts in every single way. Here’s a Song Exploder episode in which she talks about her song “Go Easy, Kid.”