Olivia Rodrigo Pays Homage to This Epic 1987 Love Song In Hit Single from Latest Album
Fans of "Driver's License" and guts are eagerly awaiting the newest album from Olivia Rodrigo. You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love is set for release on June 12th, 2026, but the lead single, "drop dead" was released on April 17, 2026. Rodrigo has been very forthright over the years about drawing inspiration from other artists, and the inspo within "drop dead" is right there in the opening lyrics.
In the synth-pop single, Rodrigo opens with:
"I know that the bar closes at 11 / but I hope you never finish that beer / You know all the words to 'Just Like Heaven' / and I know why he wrote them now that you're standing right here."
Released in 1987, "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure was the first hit in the United States for the English rock band. Frontman Robert Smith wrote the song after a beach trip with his then girlfriend, now wife, Mary. Of the love song he said, "The song's about hyper-ventilating – kissing and fainting to the floor." Mary, the muse for the track would even go on to star in the music video.
The song is widely considered to be one of The Cure's best, with some critics even considering it one of the best singles from the '80s. Some even call it "the one Cure song everyone knows."
In 2025, Rodrigo brought Smith out on day five of Glastonbury, in the UK. Since the Glastonbury gig, they've remained in contact with Smith saying, "She calls me up quite a bit to talk about clothes and fashion – and we have enjoyed a couple of memorable nights in the studio together."
However, despite the friendship, Rodrigo hadn't played Smith the song referencing his hit song. Speaking to Apple Music she said of the track, "I played him a bunch of other songs on the album – I don't know why I didn't think to play this one."
You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love will be available everywhere June 12th, 2026.
Related: 1976 Band Changed Rock Forever-and One Critic Hated It
🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 6:06 PM.