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Drivers License (song)

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"Drivers License"
Single by Olivia Rodrigo
ReleasedJanuary 8, 2021 (2021-01-08)
Recorded2020
GenrePop
Length4:02
LabelGeffen
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Dan Nigro
Olivia Rodrigo singles chronology
"All I Want"
(2019) 		"Drivers License"
(2021)
Music video
"Drivers License" on YouTube

"Drivers License" (stylized in all lowercase) is the debut single by American singer Olivia Rodrigo.[1] It was released on January 8, 2021, through Geffen Records, as the lead single from her upcoming debut EP. Written by Rodrigo and producer Daniel Nigro, "Drivers License" is a pop power ballad built around a piano, featuring Rodrigo's soaring vocals and agonizing lyrics inspired by heartbreak.

Accompanying the song's release, its official music video was released to YouTube, which sees Rodrigo drive around a suburban neighborhood after receiving her driver's license, and reminisce over her memories of the song's subject. "Drivers License" received critical acclaim upon release, with praise towards Rodrigo's songwriting, vocals, and atmospheric production.

Background and release

Rodrigo starred in a lead role in the 2019 Disney+ mockumentary series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. She self-wrote "All I Want", a song on the soundtrack of the series. As of January 2021, "All I Want" has since been streamed over 187 million times on Spotify, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, for earning over 500,000 units in the United States. The series was renewed for a second season in 2021. Rodrigo signed to Geffen Records, which is owned by Universal Music Group, intending to release her debut EP in 2021.[2]

When I came up with 'Drivers License', I was going through a heartbreak that was so confusing to me, so multifaceted. Putting all those feelings into a song made everything seem so much simpler and clearer—and at the end of the day, I think that's the whole purpose of songwriting. There’s nothing like sitting at the piano in my bedroom and writing a really sad song. It’s truly my favorite thing in the world.

— Rodrigo on the origins of "Drivers License", Uproxx[3]

She teased the song for many months in 2020,[3] including the lyrics of the demo version of the song on Instagram.[4] She posted a snippet, captioned "Wrote dis the other day. vv close to my heart. gonna call it drivers license I think lol", where she plays the song on a piano. It has since received over 419,000 likes.[5] On January 4, 2021, Rodrigo announced her debut single, "Drivers License".[6] The song was released to all digital music and streaming platforms on January 8, 2021, alongside a music video on YouTube.[7] It is the lead single to her upcoming debut EP.[5] "Drivers License" is scheduled to impact US contemporary hit radio on January 18, 2021.[8]

Composition and lyrics

"Drivers License"
A sample of the bridge in "Drivers License", which has been dubbed the highlight of the song. It consists of Rodrigo's layered vocals over stomping beats.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Steered by piano, "Drivers License" is an atmospheric pop power ballad, with heart-rending lyrics.[1][9] It was inspired by the disorienting emotions Rodrigo felt after a recent heartbreak, seeing her pine over an ex who has moved on from her.[3][2] She wrote the song with its producer, Dan Nigro.[10] The song is written in the key of B♭ major and has a fast tempo of 144 beats per minute.[11] Rodrigo's vocals in the song range between G3and F5.[12] Lyrically, the song has Rodrigo drive through a suburban area, upset and angry, pondering whether any of the subject's feelings were ever true. The singer's vocals grow into "cathartic howls of pain" as the song progresses, along with a crescendo consisting of stomping harmonies, and reaches its peak in a rich bridge of layered vocals with the catchphrase "I still fuckin' love you".[13][14]

Critical reception

Publications including PopSugar and Rolling Stone compared "Drivers License" to the works of Lorde (pictured left) and Taylor Swift (pictured right).[15][14]

The song received critical acclaim upon release.[16] Clash critic Robin Murray dubbed the song a "sensational pop statement, an impeccable melodic moment right from the off". He praised its firm songwriting and atmospheric production.[1] Matthew Kent, writing for The Line of Best Fit, complimented the song's euphoric sound and poignant lyricism, and asserted that the single is packed with "emotional punch after emotional punch". He dubbed the song a "stunning" and "stirring" debut single.[17] Kelsie Gibson of PopSugar opined that the song gives off "major Lorde and Taylor Swift" influences, who are two of Rodrigo's musical inspirations.[15]

Listing it amongst best new music, Teen Vogue's Claire Dodson commented that Rodrigo employs soaring vocals, and capture "small details" in the song. Dodson thought the song channels "the songwriting prowess she already brings to the table".[9] Naming it one of the "10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week", Billboard writers Gab Linsberg and Jason Lipshutz branded "Drivers License" the "type of debut single that aspiring artists dream of", where Rodrigo perfects her heartbreak's "fragility and heightened emotion". They commended the singer's range in the song, swinging between the crescendo's "stomp-clap harmonies" and the bridge's "choked-up balladry".[13] Ellise Shafer of Variety found the song relatable and vulnerable, and complimented its production and vocal performance. Shafer noted it as "a must-hear for any pop enthusiast".[18]

Calling the song an "early contender for song of the year", Rolling Stone critic Brittany Spanos noted that the production of "Drivers License" is reminiscent of Lorde's Melodrama (2017), while the lyrics and "detailed" storytelling channel Swift's album Fearless (2008). Spanos lauded Rodrigo's songwriting skills and emotional potency at age 17, and added that "she could likely become pop's next great raconteur".[14] Justin Curto of Vulture opined that "Drivers License" mixes "the intimate arrangements of Folklore and Evermore with the high stakes pop of Lover, tying it all together with a dramatic, Swiftian bridge". He also added that Rodrigo's calm vocals sound like Billie Eilish, while her anthemic moments recall Lorde, with hints of Alessia Cara.[19]

Commercial performance

Upon its release, "Drivers License" debuted at number 5 on the US Spotify songs chart, drawing 1.017 million streams on its opening day, and landed at number 46 on the global Spotify with 1.540 million streams. It arrived at numbers 21 and 26 on the US and global Apple Music charts, respectively, dated January 8, 2021.[16] The single's performance surged in its second day, claiming the number one spot of US Spotify with more than 2.730 million streams, a 168% increase from its opening day. It skyrocketed to number 2 on global Spotify with more than 4.601 million streams on the platform, reflecting a 199% gain. "Drivers License" topped both the US and global Apple Music songs charts in its second day as well.[20] It rose to number one on global Spotify in its third day, with 7.479 million streams,[21] and topped Amazon Music's top songs chart as well.[18]

Music video

A still from the music video, seeing Rodrigo drive a car through a suburban neighborhood at night.

The video adopts a vignette aesthetic and depicts Rodrigo's healing from heartbreak. She receives her driver's license in the video, but instead of going to her old lover's house like she used to dream of, she finds herself aimlessly cruising suburban side streets. Rodrigo reminisces about moments from her brief relationship. At the beginning of the video, she is embraced by the happy memories only, but eventually, all the toxic traits of her ex-partner confront her. The video received positive comments from critics for its visuals.[15][3] It garnered over 2 million views in its first 24 hours on YouTube, and reached number 3 on the platform's trending videos chart.[16]

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Drivers License"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various January 8, 2021
Geffen [22]
United States January 19, 2021 Contemporary hit radio Interscope [8]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[22]

  • Olivia Rodrigo – lead vocals, songwriting
  • Dan Nigro – songwriting, production, record engineering, studio personnel
  • Randy Merrill – master engineering, studio personnel
  • Mitch McCarthy – mixing, studio personnel

References

  1. ^ a b c Murray, Robin (January 8, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'drivers license' Is Sensational". Clash Magazine. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b "Olivia Rodrigo: 19 facts about the Drivers License singer you need to know". PopBuzz. January 9, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ a b c d Droke, Carolyn (January 9, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo Is In A Lane Of Her Own In Her 'Drivers License' Video". UPROXX. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ Crabtree, Erin (January 8, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo Seemingly Shades Joshua Bassett and Sabrina Carpenter". Us Weekly. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ a b Paul, Larisha (January 8, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo Releases Highly Anticipated Debut Single 'Drivers License'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "my debut new single "drivers license" comes out this friday. presave link in my bio. OH MY GOD IM SO EXCITED IM GONNA PEE MY PANTS". Twitter. January 4, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ "gonna have a viewing party for the drivers license music video 2nite if u wanna come!!! i'll be live before the premiere. gonna die I'm so stoked!!!!". Twitter. January 8, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates ..." All Access. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Dodson, P. Claire (January 8, 2021). "Taylor Swift's "Evermore" Bonus Tracks, Zayn, and More New Music". Teen Vogue. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ drivers license - Single by Olivia Rodrigo, retrieved January 10, 2021
  11. ^ "Key & BPM for drivers license by Olivia Rodrigo | Tunebat". Tunebat. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ "drivers license". Musicnotes. January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ a b Linsberg, Gab; Lipshutz, Jason (January 11, 2021). "10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week: Olivia Rodrigo, (G)I-dle & More". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ^ a b c Spanos, Brittany (January 11, 2021). "Song You Need to Know: Olivia Rodrigo, 'Drivers License'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 11, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ a b c Gibson, Kelsie (January 8, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's Stunning "Drivers License" Music Video Will Take You on a Journey". POPSUGAR Entertainment. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. ^ a b c Cantor, Brian (January 9, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Debuts In Top 5 On US Spotify Chart, Top 25 On US Apple Music". Headline Planet. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ Kent, Matthew (January 8, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo reassesses the meaning of forever on stunning piano-led debut "drivers license"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ a b Shafer, Ellise (January 11, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Hits No. 1 Across Major Streaming Platforms, Earns Praise From Taylor Swift". Variety. Retrieved January 12, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ^ Curto, Justin (January 11, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'drivers license' Is Nothing New — of Course It's a Hit". Vulture. Retrieved January 11, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ Cantor, Brian (January 10, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Reaches #1 On Daily US Spotify, US Apple Music & Global Apple Music Charts, Takes #2 On Global Spotify". Headline Planet. Retrieved January 10, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ Cantor, Brian (January 11, 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Posts More Major Streaming Growth In Day 3, Earns #1 On Global Spotify; Projected For #1 On Billboard Hot 100". Headline Planet. Retrieved January 12, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ a b "drivers license – Olivia Rodrigo - 2021". Tidal. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
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