Olivia Rodrigo, Alanis Morissette, Kate Bush And Generations Of Adolescent Girl Angst
Or, why these artists were lifelines when girls needed them most
Ahead of her sophomore release, I am thinking about what Olivia Rodrigo means for Gen Z, and, in particular, how her music speaks to the experience of adolescent girls.
(Image: Screenshot from Spotify counting down to the release of GUTS)
I am far from my own days of adolescence, but I still remember every messy, confusing, joyful and scary moment.
I remember being tormented by a boy for most of seventh grade.
I remember fighting with my mom.
I remember wondering if I'd ever grow a huge set of knockers (I didn't).
I remember listening to Alanis Morissette.
Alanis was my guiding star through the torrential storm that was this thing called puberty.
I listened to “Jagged Little Pill” over and over, taking in each lyric and thinking, this is my life, despite me being only 12 when it came out and having no real life experience.
Alanis was angry, loud and brash. She embodied everything I couldn't or was afraid to be.
I finally saw Alanis Morissette in concert a couple of years ago during her tour for Jagged Little Pill's 25th anniversary tour. As soon as she started singing, I was back to being that middle schooler in my bedroom, listening to her CD and belting out the lyrics.
(Image: Me, posing in front of the amphitheater in Hartford, Conn., ahead of the Alanis Morissette concert)
I am not a devoted fan of Olivia Rodrigo, but I appreciate her music, and more so what she means for her generation.
We have a new group of adolescent girls dealing with a whole new set of problems, and yet, still experiencing the same shit we women have dealt with forever: heartache, betrayal and wanting to belong.
Kate Bush was before my time, but her music got new life thanks to “Stranger Things.” I am re-watching Season Four with my boys, and “Running Up That Hill” has made its crucial entry into the plot. If ever a song served as a lifeline for a young girl …
Not sure how my boys feel about Kate Bush, but they do love the show.
Back to Olivia, I listened to her newest singles and am enjoying seeing her venture into an edgier, less polished sound.
GUTS is an apt name for her album, which I hear promises to deliver even more rock and guttural sound.
I imagine many middle and high school girls will devour her music as sustenance for their souls.
Eat up.