Olivia Rodrigo released ‘the cure’, the second single from her forthcoming album, per consequence.net.
The track begins as an alt-pop ballad before building to a string-led climax reminiscent of The Smashing Pumpkins.
The single was released on May 22 at 10:49am ET and is produced by Dan Nigro. Rodrigo confirmed the song is not related to the band The Cure. Instead, its orchestral arrangement in the final third, featuring racing string arpeggios, evokes The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight”.
The song addresses anxiety and self-doubt within a relationship. The verses detail jealousy and the realisation that a partner cannot resolve internal struggles. On the chorus, Rodrigo sings: “And my head is full of poison, and my heart is full of doubt / It will never be the cure”. The track is accompanied by a music video.
The song follows ‘drop dead’ as the second single from Rodrigo’s upcoming album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” due June 12. The 23-year-old will support the release with a 2026-2027 tour.
Rodrigo, who rose to prominence in 2021 with her debut album SOUR earning three Grammy awards, cited The Cure frontman Robert Smith as an inspiration and friend. Her second album, GUTS, was released in 2023. “the cure” continues her collaboration with producer Dan Nigro, who has worked on all her major releases.
•Featured image: Olivia Rodrigo in “the cure” video
