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Olivia Rodrigo's New Video for 'Brutal' Is Causing A Buzz Online

Home / Entertainment / Olivia Rodrigo's New Video for 'Brutal' Is Causing A Buzz Online

By Favour Adegoke on August 24, 2021 at 10:24 PM EDT

Ever since Olivia Rodrigo debuted her hot single, "Driver's Licence" that became a TikTok sensation, she automatically earned her place in the spotlight. The singer, who is now regarded as top ten on social media platforms' hotlist of mind-blowing singers, shocked her millions of fans once again with a new sound (video).

The outpour of fans on social media spaces talking about this new music video, is proof that Rodrigo is well on her way to becoming a star, and incredible one at that.

In the music industry, even the best of singers get critiqued once in a while, especially when their sounds or videos are similar to another singer's. Fans dote on originality, and would not hesitate to point out similarities between music artist works, no matter how awesome they are.

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This is exactly what Rodrigo is currently facing online. After the music video of her new single "Brutal" was released, fans began to stream the song, no doubt that it would be incredible. However, the video sparked controversy and discussions online, as half of the singer's fans cannot help but notice the similarity between the video and that of Japanese-British singer, Rina Sawayama's video for "XS," that was released in early 2020.

Despite Rodriguez awesome sound, Sawayama's fans are requesting an explanation for her music video that already has over five million streams in less than 24 hours. Keep reading below to find out more information.

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Did Olivia Rodriguez Rip Off Sawayama?

This is the one question that have been bugging the minds of her fans since her music video dropped, however, many of them have gone on to pinpoint the exact similarities between "Brutal" and "XS" music videos.

Firstly, In Rodrigo's video, she was seen trying to advertise a fake drink called The Golden Years. This immediately caught the attention of Sawayama's fans, who mentioned that in the "XS" video too, the pop singer was advertising a fake drink, that everyone thought was funny at the time.

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A photo showing musician, Rina Sawayama covered in butterfly prints
Instagram | Rina Sawayama
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Furthermore, fans noted that in the "Brutal" video, the singer used elements of style and clothing that is unimaginably similar to that of Sawayama's video from last year. They stressed that Rodriguez copied the singer's outfits style, and her intro into the song. These complains sparked comparisons on social media, as Sawayama's fans started placing pictures from the two videos side by side, to show that Rodriguez indeed ripped off her co-singer.

One fan wrote; "Olivia Rodrigo's "Brutal" music video giving off major XS by @rinasawayama vibes. Anyone else?"

Another also noted saying; "Olivia Rodrigo in her rina sawayama era I see."

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The backlash online might have a grounded reason at this time, but it's still unclear if Rodrigo or her music video director, Petra knowingly tried to rip Sawayama off. Nevertheless, the singers are yet to respond to their fans observations.

Olivia Rodrigo Song Always Has A Meaning

"Brutal" is one of the 11 singles that Rodrigo has released since she began her music career, and if there is anything fans know about this awesome singer, it's the fact that every sound she releases to the world, comes with a deep meaning.

Going down memory lane for a second, her song, "Driver's Licence" that broke Spotify's record for most one-day streams, with over 15 million streams globally. Similarly, this song broke the internet, and social media platform, TikTok. It was a song in a letter form, from the singer to an ex-lover.

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The World Premiere of Marvel Studios Thor Ragnarok quot
MEGA
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Per the lyrics of the song, the singer started off by saying; "I got my driver's licence last week, just like we always talked about." This sentence was made to a former lover, whom the singer had already made future plans with, one that involved getting her license. The lyrics that followed explained how sad the singer felt that they were no longer lovers, as she drove through 'the suburbs' without him, and through his street.

Throughout the song, Rodrigo stressed that losing this lover was hurtful because she was still in love with him, despite what her friends thought about him. This song was dedicated to all ex-lovers who in one way or the other shaped the lives of their partners.

'Brutal' Meaning

"Brutal" which is stylized in all lowercase letters, is the first song out of Rodrigo's debut album, Sour, that was released by Geffen Records on May 21, 2021. This song was co-written by Rodrigo and Dan Nigro, and has been noted as another hit sound by the internet.

This song centers on teenage frustration, and how the world believes that a person's teenage years, is the only and best time that they have to experience things— the song completely disagrees with this notion. Teenagers in many parts of the world are plagued with the idea that they only have their teenage years to make something of themselves, as when they get older, it becomes more difficult.

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Teenage years are very important no doubt, but it should not be specified as one's best years. At any age, a person can experience his or her best years. Overall, Rodrigo laid out her message to every teenager out there that's getting it wrong, and adults that got it wrong at a point.

This song is said to have a mix of pop rock, pop-punk, grunge, and alt-rock.

About Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo was born on February 20, 2003 in Murrieta, Caifornia to a family therapist father and school teacher mother.

The young superstar started off as an actress for Disney Channel, when she played the role of Paige Olivera in the series, "Bizaardvark." She also had a stint with Disney+ as Nini Salazar-Roberts in "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series."

She decided to go into the music space in 2020 when she signed a deal with Interscope and Geffen Records in 2020. Some of the singer's songs received criticisms, however, her fan base is growing with every day that passes. It's unclear if Rodrigo intends to continue her acting career, but for now, she's enjoying writing her beautiful sounds.

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