There are only so many sounds, of course, and only so many ways of making those sounds come together. Sure, a jazz great will come up with something that seems unique, but the notes have probably been played before. This is important as it relates to Elvis Costello and Olivia Rodrigo.
On Rodrigo's debut album, 2021's SOUR, she had a track called "Brutal." The opening riff on the song sounds very much like Costello's iconic "Pump It Up." Did the younger artist commit plagiarism when creating the tune? No, says Costello, and he had a good reason for his opinion.
Speaking with The Times, Costello said the claim against the young hit-maker was "too silly to talk about," and added, "This is just a riff, and how could I be arrogant enough to sue on the basis of originality when my song is based on ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’? Did Bob Dylan sue me? He teased me about it but didn’t sue. And did Chuck Berry sue Bob because his song was like ‘Too Much Monkey Business’?"
Elvis Costello rightly defends Olivia Rodrigo over plagiarism claim
Well, exactly. While taking someone's song and calling it one's own would obviously be an issue, that isn't what Rodrigo did. She was inspired by the riff, and she used it. Costello wouldn't have been the first, either, to deliver such a sequence of notes.
If anything, what Rodrigo did was pay homage to a singer-songwriter who, at times, has been more forgotten by music lovers than he should have been. Maybe he is a bit "too English," or his snarky lyrics are lost on those needing something more obvious.
He's a brilliant songsmith, and Olivia Rodrigo appears to be turning into one, too. Is she Costello when it comes to words? Maybe not, but her songs have obviously created a connection with a large fanbase. Plus, she is working with musicians, like the Cure's Robert Smith, who respect the younger performer.
Sometimes, one can be measured not solely by their musical output, but also by the company they keep. If other great artists are more than willing to collaborate, then they are likely hearing something in the songs some other might not. And if those songs sound similar to others, then the fact shouldn't be surprising or disappointing.
Ultimately, Olivia Rodrigo borrowed from a fantastic member of an older generation, just as Elvis Costello did before him, and those who came before him did themselves. As long as the music is organic and well-made, that is what matters.
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