Olivia Rodrigos Drivers License is a full throttle power ballad
Power ballads used to top the charts regularly, from 80s rock to 90s R&B. But then in the 2000s, the formula of constant escalation gradually fell off the Billboard. Now, seemingly out of nowhere, Olivia Rodrigo\u2019s single \u201cDrivers License\u201d is breaking streaming records as listeners yearn for the emotional catharsis from this contemporary power ballad. With the help of David Metzer, professor of music history at the University of British Columbia, we break down how \u201cDrivers License\u201d sticks to an age-old formula, and how it deviates from a well worn musical path.\xa0\xa0\nSONGS DISCUSSED\n\nOlivia Rodrigo - Drivers License\n\nBarry Manilow - Mandy\n\nRoy Orbison - It\u2019s Over\n\nClyde McPhatter - Without Love There Is Nothing\xa0\n\nEtta James - I\u2019d Rather Go Blind\xa0\n\nJourney - Open Arms\xa0\n\nMariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day\xa0\n\nSeal - Kiss From A Rose\n\nHootie & The Blowfish - Only Wanna Be with You\xa0\n\nLed Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven\xa0\n\n\nMORE\nProfessor David Metzer\u2019s The Ballad in American Popular Music: From Elvis to Beyonc\xe9\nAiyana Ishmael for Teen Vogue \u201cOlivia Rodrigo Song "Drivers License" Sparks Fan-Made TikTok POV Covers\u201d\nOlivia Rodrigo\u2019s Instagram demo\nRichard S. He Twitter thread\xa0\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices