Olivia Rodrigo Unveils Album Duet with The Cure's Robert Smith at Primavera Sound

by : Roger Ebert

A much-anticipated secret in the pop music world has finally been unveiled: Olivia Rodrigo’s forthcoming album will feature a duet with Robert Smith, the iconic frontman of The Cure. This exciting revelation occurred during Rodrigo's performance at the Primavera Sound festival, where Smith made a surprise appearance to join her for the live debut of their collaborative song, titled “What’s Wrong With Me.”

This collaboration had been a closely guarded secret among industry insiders who attended a private listening session for the album in Los Angeles. Attendees were bound by an agreement to keep the news confidential until Rodrigo herself chose to disclose it. Introducing the new song to the festival audience, Rodrigo highlighted its significance as her inaugural official duet. This isn't the first time the artists have shared a stage; they previously performed together at the Glastonbury festival, treating fans to renditions of “Just Like Heaven” and “Friday I’m in Love.”

Rodrigo’s third studio album, "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love," is slated for release next Friday. While the album’s tracklist was previously announced, Smith’s involvement in “What’s Wrong With Me” was not disclosed until now. The track itself is described as an upbeat pop song, fitting into the "You Seem Pretty Sad" segment of the album, despite its seemingly melancholic title. The lyrics explore a pivotal moment of self-realization where the narrator confronts the failing aspects of a romantic relationship, encapsulated in lines like: “Went to the doctor and she said I was fine / Tried meditation with a bottle of wine / It’s like somebody put a weight on my chest / I should talk to a friend, but I can’t get out of bed / My head is spinning, and my stomach is sick / Say I’m in love, so it’s hard to admit / I can’t eat, I can’t sleep / I think you’re what’s wrong with me.”

This collaboration serves as a testament to the power of artistic bridges, connecting different generations and genres of music. It showcases Olivia Rodrigo's evolving artistry and her willingness to explore new creative territories, demonstrating that unexpected partnerships can lead to groundbreaking and meaningful musical expressions.