Expectations

Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan

SAADIYAH SIDDIQUI

There was Britney Spears and Madonna, Charli XCX and Billie Eilish, and now we have Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan. Roan’s additions to Rodrigo’s already superb song elevate the song beyond anything I could have imagined. Together they have made a shiny, new pop anthem for the ages.

The song starts similarly to the original version with Rodrigo singing on her own before transitioning towards Roan’s new part. It’s curious to note that Roan does not sing along with the first part even though Rodrigo joins her for the second part. In this second part, their voices mesh beautifully as Roan goes over an encounter with a girl who ends up ghosting her. Across all romantic experiences, it looks like people without respect are common.

Together, Rodrigo and Roan swear to raise their own standards and find people who beat their expectations. I think “Expectations” is a fantastic show of solidarity between two very different women. They both bond over and make light of the same issue in a fun and slightly comedic manner. I love that Roan belts out lyrics, and you have to admit that while Rodrigo sings about “not kissing any boy that is passive,” hearing the sapphic Chappell Roan making it clear that she’s “not kissin’ no boy, no boy” in the background is a little funny.

With amazing vocals and upbeat music, “Expectations” is the perfect start to making sapphic pop music even more mainstream.