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"Good 4 U"
A photograph of Rodrigo, dressed in a cheerleader outfit and posing in a high school hallway. The top left side of the picture is torn to reveal purple text that spells out "good 4 u" and "OLIVIA RODRIGO", written on a black background.
Single by Olivia Rodrigo
from the album Sour
ReleasedMay 14, 2021
Recorded2020
StudioAmusement (Los Angeles)[1]
Genre
Length2:58
Label
Songwriters
ProducerDan Nigro
Olivia Rodrigo singles chronology
"Deja Vu"
(2021) 		"Good 4 U"
(2021) 		"Traitor"
(2021)
Music video
"Good 4 U" on YouTube

"Good 4 U" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. It was released on May 14, 2021, through Geffen and Interscope Records; it was the third single from Rodrigo's debut studio album, Sour (2021). The song was written by Rodrigo and its producer Dan Nigro who co-produced it with Alexander 23. Three months after the track's release, Hayley Williams and Josh Farro were retrospectively given co-writing credits due to influence from Paramore's "Misery Business" (2007),[2] with the pair to receive a combined royalty share of 50%.

Musically, "Good 4 U" has been described as an upbeat song blending rock, pop, punk, and alternative styles. It consists of a staccato bassline, energetic electric guitars, and explosive drumming, with lyrics addressing a former lover who moved on very quickly after a breakup. The song received acclaim from music critics, who praised the instrumentation reminiscent of the 1990s–2000s and Rodrigo's crisp songwriting. The accompanying music video features Rodrigo as a high-school cheerleader exacting revenge, visually alluding to the 2000s films Audition, The Princess Diaries, and Jennifer's Body. At the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, "Good 4 U" received a nomination for Best Music Video.

The single reached number one in 23 countries including Australia, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States; it was the second chart-topping single from Sour in many of those countries, following Rodrigo's debut single "Drivers License" (2021). "Good 4 U" peaked within the top 10 in more than 20 territories. The song received platinum or multi-platinum certifications globally as well as diamond in France and Mexico and ranks among the top 100 most streamed songs of all-time on Spotify with over 2.3 billion streams as of November 2024.

Background and development

[edit]

Rodrigo announced her debut studio album Sour on April 1, 2021.[3] "Good 4 U" placed sixth on the track listing.[4] On May 10, Rodrigo announced via her social media accounts that "Good 4 U" would become the third single from Sour on May 14, following "Drivers License" and "Deja Vu". Alongside the announcement, she also revealed the song's cover artwork.[5][6] Rodrigo had previously teased the song in a promotional image for "Deja Vu".[7]

In her August 2021 Variety cover story, Rodrigo stated she came up with the song's hook in the shower. She added she did not want the entirety of Sour to be "sad piano songs", but also did not want to write a happy, "I'm in love" pop song, because "that was so far from how [she] was truly feeling at the time". Rodrigo concluded that "Good 4 U" was "really satisfying" due to its upbeat energy and danceability without sacrificing honesty and authenticity in her lyrics.[8]

Composition and lyrics

[edit]
Hayley Williams performing in 2023
Josh Farro playing a guitar
Hayley Williams (left) and Josh Farro (right) of American rock band Paramore were retrospectively credited as co-writers on "Good 4 U".

"Good 4 U" is an alternative rock,[9] pop,[10] rock,[10][11] pop-punk,[12][13][14] pop rock,[15] power pop,[13] grunge song,[16] with alternative,[17] emo,[14] electro,[18] and dance influences.[19] According to MusicNotes, it is composed in the key of F♯ minor with a tempo of 85 beats per minute.[20] Its instrumentation is driven by a set of 1990s-inspired electric guitars and bass.[17] Its verses follow a rhythm typical of R&B.[21] The song was written by Rodrigo and Daniel Nigro, and produced by Nigro and Alexander 23.[17] In August 2021, Paramore members Hayley Williams and Josh Farro received writing credits, as the chorus was inspired by Paramore's 2007 song "Misery Business".[22] This proved to be controversial as many disputed the plagiarism claim, citing them as being two different songs with some similarities.[23][24][25] However, it was later reported by Variety that Rodrigo's camp had been in contact with Williams and Farro prior to the song's release and they were eventually paid between $700k–$1.2m in royalties.[26][27] Rodrigo publicly responded, discussing her feelings about Williams and Farro being added as co-writers on "Good 4 U":

"I think it's disappointing to see people take things out of context and discredit any young woman's work. But at the end of the day, I'm just really proud and happy to say that my job is being a songwriter. All music is inspired by each other. Obviously, I write all of my lyrics from my heart and my life first. I came up with the lyrics and the melody for 'Good 4 U' one morning in the shower. What's so beautiful about music is that it can be so inspired by music that's come out in the past. Every single artist is inspired by artists who have come before them. It's sort of a fun, beautiful sharing process. Nothing in music is ever new. There's four chords in every song. That's the fun part — trying to make that your own."[28]

"Good 4 U"
A 18-second audio sample of the song.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The song begins with an "uncluttered five-note"[11] staccato bass line and Rodrigo's vocals delivered in a soft tone, which is then joined by an energetic guitar, using a chorus effect, before dropping into the drums-driven chorus. The second verse returns to the original bass line with added "lilting" drum beats and backup harmonies and slowly ascends to Rodrigo's "near-shout" vocal delivery.[17]

In "Good 4 U," Rodrigo confronts her ex, who has moved on very quickly from the relationship with her, using plentiful sarcastic remarks and singing, "Well, good for you / You look happy and healthy, not me / If you ever cared to ask / Good for you / You're doin' great out there without me, baby / God, I wish that I could do that / I've lost my mind, I've spent the night / Cryin' on the floor of my bathroom / But you're so unaffected, I really don't get it / But I guess good for you." It marks a departure from Rodrigo's preceding singles, "Drivers License" and "Deja Vu", which presented a melancholic and slower emotion.[29]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Good 4 U" received acclaim from music critics.[11] People's Tomás Mier has described the song as a "heartbreak track filled with an angsty pop-rock sound."[30] Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone lauded Rodrigo's musical versatility, and noted influences from Taylor Swift in "Good 4 U".[31] Variety critic Ellise Shaffer dubbed the song a "nostalgic heartbreak anthem" evoking a "fluttering, cathartic feeling reminiscent of late '90s Hole or early Paramore, but with a poppier flair".[17] Teen Vogue's Claire Dodson said that "Good 4 U" gives "pure 2000s pop-punk" aside Rodrigo's "knockout songwriting". Dodson found Rodrigo's voice versatile, easily moving between styles similar to Swift's vocals in "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" (2012), and that of Alanis Morissette and Hayley Williams, to become "something original".[32] Sydney Bucksbaum, writing for Entertainment Weekly, called the single a "pop-punk breakup anthem" and an "immediate banger", underlining the song's similarities to Paramore's "Misery Business" (2007).[33] In agreement, Halle Kiefer of Vulture also named the song an "angry track" evocative of "Misery Business" in "the best possible way".[34] In a critique of its genre, Slate's Chris Molanphy said "Good 4 U" is a "snarling rock number" inspired by the 2000s, adding that it "not really rock-slash-anything. It isn't alt-rock crossed with SoundCloud rap like the recent chart-topper 'Mood' by 24kGoldn and Iann Dior, isn't guitar-based trap-pop à la Post Malone, isn't indie-rock with bedroom-pop hooks à la Taylor Swift's recent creations."[11]

Rankings

[edit]
Critical rankings for "Good 4 U"
Publication Accolade Rank Ref.
NPR The 100 Best Songs of 2021 9 [35]
Genius The 50 Best Songs of 2021 3 [36]
Pitchfork The 100 Best Songs of the 2020s So Far 28 [37]

Accolades

[edit]
Awards and nominations for "Good 4 U"
Year Organization Award Result Ref(s)
2022 Billboard Music Awards Top Hot 100 Song Nominated [38]
Top Streaming Song Nominated
Top Radio Song Nominated
Top Billboard Global 200 Song Nominated
2022 Brit Awards Best International Song Won [39]
2022 Grammy Awards Best Music Video Nominated [40][41]
2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards TikTok Bop of the Year Won [42]
2022 iHeartRadio Titanium Awards Winning Song Won [43]
2021 Meus Prêmios Nick Challenge Hits of the Year Nominated [44]
Video of the Year Nominated
2021 MTV Millennial Awards Brazil Global Hit Nominated [45]
2021 MTV Video Music Awards Best Pop Nominated [46]
Song of Summer Nominated [47]
2021 MTV Video Play Awards Winning Videos Won [48]
2021 Nickelodeon Mexico Kids' Choice Awards Global Hit Nominated [49]
2022 NME Awards Best Song in the World Nominated [50]
2021 NRJ Music Awards International Song of the Year Nominated [51]
2021 People's Choice Awards Song of the Year Nominated [52]
Music Video of the Year Nominated

Commercial performance

[edit]

United States

[edit]

In the United States, "Good 4 U" debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, giving Rodrigo her second number-one song in the country, following her eight-week chart-topper "Drivers License". Sour became the first debut album in history to have two of its songs debut at number one on the Hot 100, as well as the third album by a female artist to spawn two number-one debuts on the Hot 100, preceded by Mariah Carey's Daydream (1995) and Ariana Grande's Thank U, Next (2019). "Good 4 U" was also the third consecutive single from the album to debut in the top 10 of the chart. The song drew 43.2 million U.S. streams and sold 12,000 downloads in its first week of release. The track debuted atop the Streaming Songs chart as Rodrigo's second leader and ruling for seven consecutive weeks, after "Drivers License" ruled for four weeks, and started at number five on the Billboard Digital Songs chart.[53] "Good 4 U" dropped to number two in its second week and held that rank for eleven non-consecutive weeks, becoming the first song since Whitney Houston's "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (1995–96) to spend eleven weeks at number two on the Hot 100.[54] "Good 4 U" has been certified 7× Platinum in the US by the RIAA for 7,000,000 units.[55]

United Kingdom

[edit]

In the United Kingdom, "Good 4 U" was also a commercial success. The song accumulated over 1 million streams in its first three days in the United Kingdom.[56] The song debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart, marking Rodrigo's second top-10 song and third top-20 song in the country. In its second week, the song topped the chart, becoming Rodrigo's second number-one single after "Drivers License".[57] "Good 4 U" became one of the biggest chart-topping singles in the UK in 2021, gathering more than 117,000 units sold in its second week, including 13.5 million streams, to reach number one.[58] It topped the charts for five consecutive weeks, in the fourth of which it became the first rock song to reach such a feat since Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life" (2003).[59] In its seventh week, the song was dethroned by Ed Sheeran's "Bad Habits" dropping down to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.[60] After ten weeks within the top ten on the UK Charts, "Good 4 U" dropped out of the top ten charting at number 12.[61] "Good 4 U" spent a total of 25 weeks inside the UK Top 40 in 2021.[62] At the end of the year, it was reported that "Good 4 U" had been streamed a total of 167 million times in the UK as well as being the second biggest song in the UK in 2021 by selling 1,390,000 copies.[63] "Good 4 U" spent a total of 61 weeks on the UK Top 100 and has since been certified 4× Platinum for 2,400,000 units.[64][65] The song has also been streamed a total of 253 million times.[66]

Worldwide

[edit]

In Ireland "Good 4 U" scored Rodrigo's second number-one song on the Official Irish Singles Chart, following "Drivers License". With this, all singles from Sour had entered the top 10 of the chart.[67] The song spent five consecutive weeks at number one in Ireland.[68] "Good 4 U" further topped the singles chart in New Zealand[69] and Singapore. In Australia, "Good 4 U" debuted at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart, after which it rose to number one upon the impact of Sour.[70] "Good 4 U" spent six consecutive weeks at number one in Australia.[71]

Impact

[edit]

British rock magazine Kerrang! stated that "Good 4 U" leads the commercial comeback of rock music in 2020–2021, noting how it is the first rock record since Evanescence's 2003 single "Bring Me to Life" to spend four or more weeks atop the UK Singles chart, alongside chart success of other rock-adjacent artists, such as Willow Smith, Machine Gun Kelly, Måneskin, and Miley Cyrus.[72] Slate admired Rodrigo's versatility and proclaimed that she "might be the dying genre's best hope", pinpointing that "Good 4 U" is the "most up-the-middle rock song to top the [U.S.] Hot 100 in a decade or more".[11]

Music video

[edit]
A still of Rodrigo standing in a room that she set on fire, from the music video for "Good 4 U".

An accompanying music video directed by Petra Collins was released alongside the song on May 14, 2021.[73] The music video references horror films such as Audition (1999) and Jennifer's Body (2009). Rodrigo was styled by vlogger Devon Carlson for the video. In the video, Rodrigo appears in a variety of looks, including a cheerleading uniform seen in the 2001 coming-of-age film The Princess Diaries (also seen in the cover artwork).[74] She plays the role of a high schooler out for revenge,[75] destroying her ex-boyfriend's bedroom and lighting his belongings on fire.[29] Insider critic Callie Ahlgrim opined that the fire was a reference to Swift's music video for "Picture to Burn" (2008), which also follows a similar revenge concept.[76] In January 2025, Palisades Charter High School, where many shots of the music video were filmed, was heavily damaged by the 2025 Southern California wildfires, however the indoor basketball court of which was used heavily in the video remained largely unaffected. [77]

Live performances

[edit]

Rodrigo performed "Good 4 U" for the first time on May 15, 2021, along with "Drivers License", on Saturday Night Live.[78][79] On September 12, Rodrigo performed the song at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards.[80] An orchestral-arranged version of the song was performed by Rodrigo on her documentary film Driving Home 2 U: A Sour Film, released on March 25, 2022, for Disney+.

Usage in media

[edit]

The song was included on the third season soundtrack of the Netflix series, Heartstopper.[81] In 2023, it was featured in the American romantic comedy film Zoey 102, a sequel to the television series Zoey 101.

Track listing

[edit]

"Singles 4 You" vinyl single[82]

  1. "Good 4 U"
  2. "Enough for You" (Piano version)

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Sour.[1]

Studio locations

[edit]
  • Recorded at Amusement Studios (Los Angeles)
  • Mixed at SOTA Studios (Los Angeles)
  • Mastered at Sterling Sound (New York)

Personnel

[edit]
  • Olivia Rodrigo – songwriting, vocals, backing vocals
  • Dan Nigro – songwriting, production, recording, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drum programming, synthesizer, backing vocals
  • Alexander 23 – co-production, electric guitar, bass, drum programming, backing vocals
  • Josh Farro – songwriting
  • Hayley Williams – songwriting
  • Ryan Linvill – assistant engineering
  • Mitch McCarthy – mixing
  • Randy Merrill – mastering

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Good 4 U"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[181] 11× Platinum 770,000‡
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[182] 5× Diamond 800,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[183] Diamond 800,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[184] 2× Platinum 180,000‡
France (SNEP)[185] Diamond 333,333‡
Germany (BVMI)[186] 3× Gold 600,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[187] Platinum 70,000‡
Mexico (AMPROFON)[188] Diamond+2× Platinum 980,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[189] 5× Platinum 150,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[190] 2× Platinum 120,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[191] 2× Platinum 100,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[192] 3× Platinum 30,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[193] 2× Platinum 120,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[194] 4× Platinum 2,400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[195] 7× Platinum 7,000,000‡
Streaming
Central America (CFC)[196] Gold 3,500,000†
Greece (IFPI Greece)[197] Platinum 2,000,000†
Sweden (GLF)[198] 2× Platinum 16,000,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Good 4 U"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various May 14, 2021
[5]
United States May 25, 2021 Contemporary hit radio [199]
Italy May 28, 2021 Radio airplay Universal [200]
United States April 8, 2022 LP Geffen [82]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Good 4 U

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"good 4 u" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American , serving as the fifth and final single from her debut studio , Sour. Released on May 14, 2021, through , the track was primarily written by Rodrigo and producer , with additional songwriting credits later awarded to Paramore's and due to similarities with their 2007 song "". Produced by Nigro and , "good 4 u" is a and breakup anthem characterized by its sarcastic lyrics addressing an ex's new happiness, energetic guitar riffs, and Rodrigo's dynamic vocals that shift from soft introspection to explosive choruses. The song debuted at number one on the , marking Rodrigo's second chart-topper following "" and becoming the first rock-leaning track to reach the summit since Lorde's "Royals" in 2014. Internationally, it topped charts in 23 countries, including the and , and has been certified multi-platinum in several markets, such as 7× Platinum in the US by the RIAA (as of November 2023), with the song surpassing 10 million units by September 2025. Critically acclaimed for evoking 2000s nostalgia while capturing raw emotional intensity, "good 4 u" received Video Music Award in 2021 and a Grammy for Best in 2022. The accompanying , directed by and released the same day as the single, depicts in a cheerleader outfit wreaking havoc on a high school set, amassing over 522 million views on as of 2025. Its live debut occurred on on May 15, 2021, alongside "," solidifying 's as a pop culture phenomenon.

Background and release

Development

"Good 4 U" drew its primary inspiration from Olivia Rodrigo's personal experiences with heartbreak. The track captures the raw emotions of and following a sudden , reflecting the intense feelings of teenage relationships that Rodrigo channeled into her songwriting for her debut album Sour. Rodrigo co-wrote and collaborated closely with producer on the song, marking a continuation of their partnership that began during the . Initial demo sessions for tracks like "Good 4 U" took place in in early 2021, where Nigro helped shape Rodrigo's ideas into a polished sound through iterative production techniques; the song was written in a single day. The track's energetic structure was influenced by classic pop-punk bands, including and , with drawing specific parallels to Paramore's 2007 single "" for its dynamic verse-chorus transitions and confrontational tone. This nod to "Misery Business" was acknowledged through co-writing credits later added to and , underscoring the song's roots in the genre's revival.

Single release

"Good 4 U" was released as the third single from Olivia Rodrigo's debut studio album Sour on May 14, 2021, through Geffen and . The track, which draws briefly from the album's overarching theme of heartbreak developed during its creation, served as a pivotal promotional piece leading into the full album rollout one week later. Rodrigo announced the single on May 10, 2021, building anticipation following the chart-topping success of prior releases like "," and shared a teaser preview via a trailer on her YouTube channel two days later. On May 13, she confirmed the midnight release on , integrating it into broader album marketing efforts that highlighted her rising profile as a pop artist. The single launched exclusively in digital formats, including download and streaming availability on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with no physical retail editions initially produced. Promotional strategies emphasized online engagement, such as timed social media posts and a live debut performance of the song alongside "Drivers License" on Saturday Night Live the following day, May 15, which amplified its visibility ahead of the album's launch. This rollout tied directly into Sour's narrative of youthful emotional turmoil, positioning "Good 4 U" as an energetic anthem to sustain momentum from earlier singles.

Music and lyrics

Composition

"Good 4 U" is characterized as a track incorporating influences, evoking a raw, emo revival aesthetic through its energetic production. The song's runtime is 2:58, featuring a verse-chorus structure that builds intensity across sections, highlighted by power chords on electric guitars and driving drum patterns. centers on electric guitars, bass, and drums, creating the track's punk edge. Composed in at a of 167 BPM, the song employs a F♯ mode in parts, with Olivia Rodrigo's vocals spanning from to E5. This setup contributes to the building dynamics, starting with subdued verses that erupt into anthemic choruses. The production techniques emphasize a gritty, revivalist sound reminiscent of early , enhancing the delivery of the song's sarcastic edge.

Lyrical themes

The of "Good 4 U" revolve around a central in which the narrator offers ironic congratulations to an ex-partner who has swiftly moved on to a new relationship, veiling deep-seated , , and unresolved from the breakup. This post-breakup perspective highlights the narrator's struggle with seeing the ex appear blissfully content, contrasting sharply with her own emotional turmoil. The song's structure employs repetitive hooks to amplify this irony, building from feigned positivity to raw vulnerability, with the full exceeding 200 words to unfold a layered emotional arc. Key elements appear in the chorus, where lines like "Well, good for you, you look happy and healthy / Not me, if you ever cared to ask / Good for you, you're doing great out there without me, baby" underscore the , juxtaposing the ex's outward success against the narrator's isolation and unhealed wounds. The bridge escalates into a direct emotional outburst, as in "Maybe I'm too emotional / But your apathy's like a wound in salt / Maybe I'm too emotional / Or maybe you never cared at all," exposing doubt about one's and accusations of the ex's indifference. The casual abbreviation "good 4 u" in the title reinforces the mocking tone. Overarching themes include derived from sarcastic , a of performative happiness that masks inner discontent, and the raw of teenage heartbreak, where clashes with defiance.

Music video

Concept and production

The music video for "good 4 u" was directed by , a Canadian filmmaker renowned for her visually poetic depictions of female youth and emotional turbulence, selected to capture the song's raw, explosive energy and thematic irony. Collins' prior collaborations with artists like and highlighted her ability to blend with contemporary , making her an ideal match for Rodrigo's punk-infused pop narrative. The creative vision centered on a high school cheerleader's revenge fantasy, transforming the mundane setting of teenage life into a chaotic tableau of suppressed fury and liberation. This concept drew direct inspiration from 1990s and early 2000s cult films such as Scream, Cruel Intentions, Jennifer's Body, and Bring It On, incorporating elements of horror-tinged satire and cheerleading tropes to underscore the song's vengeful sarcasm. The visuals cleverly mirror the lyrics' ironic blend of faux cheer and bitterness, with Rodrigo's performance evolving from synchronized routine to unhinged rebellion. Filming took place at in , utilizing its gymnasium and locker rooms to evoke an authentic suburban high school atmosphere. The production emphasized dynamic choreography by , which infused the cheerleader sequences with frenetic, off-kilter movements to heighten the sense of building chaos. collaborated closely with Collins during shoots.

Release and reception

The music video for "good 4 u" premiered on on May 14, 2021, simultaneously with the single's release, and quickly amassed over 10 million views within its first 24 hours. In the video, directed by , portrays a cheerleader auditioning for a high before descending into rage-fueled vengeance against her ex-boyfriend's new partner, terrorizing her with pranks and destruction that escalate to imagery, as she sets a house ablaze in a climactic scene. This narrative visually echoes the song's themes of sarcastic toward an ex's quick recovery from heartbreak. Critics and fans lauded the video for its nostalgic evocation of pop-punk aesthetics and horror tropes, particularly its homages to films like , which frame female anger as a powerful, cathartic force of empowerment rather than mere pettiness. The video earned a nomination for Best Pop Video at the . By 2023, the video had surpassed 500 million views on , reaching over 521 million as of late 2025, reflecting its enduring appeal amid Rodrigo's ongoing tours and performances.

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in May 2021 as the third single from Olivia Rodrigo's debut Sour, "Good 4 U" received widespread critical acclaim for its infectious energy and raw emotional delivery. Critics highlighted the song's catchy hooks and revival, positioning it as a standout track in the album's rollout. The Sour, which prominently featured "Good 4 U," earned an average score of 83 out of 100 on based on 20 reviews, reflecting strong initial reception. Rolling Stone awarded Sour four out of five stars, commending "Good 4 U" for showcasing Rodrigo's musical range beyond her earlier ballads and demonstrating her potential as a multifaceted pop . The review noted how the track's explosive production and anthemic chorus captured the frustration of young heartbreak with genuine intensity. NME also gave Sour four stars, praising "Good 4 U" for advancing the album's sound into early 2000s territory while evoking the spirit of Alanis Morissette's confessional rage. The outlet described the song as a bold, high-octane pivot that revitalized the genre for a new generation. Reviewers frequently drew parallels to the works of and , citing the track's crunchy guitars and sarcastic lyrics as a modern echo of those influences. Billboard ranked "Good 4 U" highly among Sour's tracks, calling it a quintessential anthem with full-throated flair that invited listeners to scream along in cathartic release. In the broader context, the single was hailed as a pivotal moment in Rodrigo's rise, blending emotional authenticity with commercial appeal to dominate airwaves and streaming platforms.

Retrospective analysis

In the years following its release, "Good 4 U" has been increasingly analyzed for its role in shaping Gen Z music trends, particularly through its blend of energy and raw emotional expression that resonated with younger audiences navigating post-pandemic . Articles from 2023 onward highlight how the song's sarcastic takedown of an ex's quick rebound influenced a wave of confessional, high-energy tracks by emerging artists, positioning it as a blueprint for authentic youth rebellion in mainstream pop. Critics have also examined the track through a feminist lens, praising its unapologetic channeling of female rage as a modern anthem that empowers listeners to vocalize betrayal and self-empowerment without restraint. In a 2024 retrospective, ranked "Good 4 U" among the top 100 songs of the 2020s so far, noting its simmering and explosive chorus as a seething embodiment of female fury that revitalized and elements for a new generation. Cultural essays on the similarly discuss how Rodrigo's incorporation of early influences, like Paramore's style, helped democratize the genre's cathartic tropes for Gen Z, fostering discussions on emotional vulnerability in women's music. While some later commentary has pointed to the song's reliance on formulaic structures—echoing earlier acts like or —as potentially limiting its originality, the overall critical consensus emphasizes its enduring impact and Rodrigo's skillful execution, which elevated familiar tropes into a timeless hit. By , analyses of streaming data underscored its sustained popularity, with the track maintaining high playlist rotations and serving as a staple in Rodrigo's live sets at major festivals like , where it drew massive crowd sing-alongs and reinforced its status as a career-defining moment.

Commercial performance

Chart success

"Good 4 U" debuted at number one on the US , dated May 29, 2021, becoming Olivia Rodrigo's second chart-topping single following "" and marking the first rock-leaning track to reach the summit since Lorde's "Royals" in 2014. The track held the top position for one week and remained on the chart for a total of 51 weeks. On the UK Singles Chart, "Good 4 U" ascended to number one in its second week and maintained the position for five consecutive weeks, tying for the longest-reigning rock-influenced number-one single by a female artist in 18 years. It achieved comparable dominance in Australia, topping the ARIA Singles Chart for five weeks, and in Canada, where it peaked at number one on the Billboard Canada Hot 100 for six weeks. Internationally, the single reached number one in 23 countries, including , , , and the , while entering the top ten in more than 25 markets. On the 2021 year-end , "Good 4 U" finished at number three, underscoring its substantial impact that year. As of 2025, the song's enduring popularity persists through consistent streaming activity, further amplified by performances during Olivia Rodrigo's , with over 2.5 billion streams on .

Certifications and sales

"Good 4 U" has achieved significant commercial success, earning multiple platinum certifications across various countries. In the United States, the song was certified 6× Platinum by the (RIAA) in 2022 for and streaming equivalent units of 6 million, and this was updated to 10× Platinum by 2025, reflecting 10 million units. Globally, the track surpassed 2 billion streams on by 2025, contributing to estimated equivalent of 15 million units worldwide. The song received 8× Platinum certification in from the Australian Recording Industry Association (), denoting 560,000 units. In the , it earned 4× Platinum status from the (BPI) for 2.4 million units as of 2024.

Accolades and recognition

Awards

"Good 4 u" garnered several major nominations and wins, reflecting its commercial and artistic impact in and 2022. The song's and overall execution were particularly recognized in key ceremonies. At the , "good 4 u" won Push Performance of the Year. At the held in 2022, "good 4 u" received a nomination for Best , highlighting the visual storytelling directed by . The song achieved a notable win at the 2022 , taking home the International Song of the Year award, which acknowledged its global resonance and Rodrigo's rising international profile. At the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards, "good 4 u" won TikTok Bop of the Year, celebrating its viral popularity on social media platforms and fan engagement.
CeremonyYearCategoryOutcome
MTV Video Music Awards2021Push Performance of the YearWon
Grammy Awards2022Best Music VideoNominated
Brit Awards2022International Song of the YearWon
iHeartRadio Music Awards2022TikTok Bop of the YearWon
By 2025, "good 4 u" had accumulated multiple nominations across various ceremonies, underscoring its enduring legacy in pop music.

Industry honors

"Good 4 u" achieved several notable industry milestones upon its release. At 18 years old, Olivia Rodrigo became the youngest artist in history to score two number-one debuts on the Billboard Hot 100, with "good 4 u" following "drivers license" directly to the top spot. The track also marked a significant moment for rock music's presence on mainstream charts, topping the Hot 100 as the first rock-leaning song to do so in nearly a decade and helping revive interest in the genre among younger audiences. Avril Lavigne publicly praised Rodrigo for bringing rock'n'roll back to chart prominence through songs like this. In recognition of its widespread performance, "good 4 u" contributed to receiving the Songwriter of the Year award at the 2022 ASCAP Awards, honoring the most-played pop songs of the previous year. By November 2025, the song had surpassed 2.5 billion streams on , establishing it as one of the platform's most enduring hits and highlighting its lasting streaming influence.

Live performances and covers

Concert appearances

"Good 4 U" became a staple of Olivia Rodrigo's live repertoire starting with its debut performance on Saturday Night Live on May 15, 2021, where she delivered the track alongside "drivers license" with a full band arrangement emphasizing its pop-punk drive. The song was also adapted for her NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert later that year, recorded in a Los Angeles DMV with a stripped-down setup that highlighted its raw emotional intensity amid the unconventional venue. During the in 2022, "Good 4 U" served as a consistent set closer across more than 40 dates in and , often bridged from "deja vu" by an extended that amplified the show's punk-rock finale. The performance typically featured crowd-surfing and high-energy stage antics, culminating in a communal that energized audiences at venues like . Rodrigo first showcased "Good 4 U" at a major festival during her set on September 18, 2021, where it stood out as a high-octane highlight amid tracks like "" and "brutal." The song's festival prominence continued into 2025 with appearances at Pinkpop in the and in , both part of the extension, where its blistering tempo and anthemic chorus sparked mosh pits and fervent crowd participation. In the GUTS World Tour (2024–2025), "Good 4 U" received an evolved presentation with intensified staging, including dynamic lighting and pyrotechnic bursts that synced with its explosive bridge, transforming it into a visual spectacle. Key highlights included its delivery at on June 29, 2025, where Rodrigo headlined the Pyramid Stage and incorporated guest elements for added drama, and at BST Hyde Park on June 27, 2025, featuring an extended jam section shared with the audience.

Notable covers

One of the earliest high-profile covers of "Good 4 U" was performed by Camila Cabello during her appearance on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge in September 2021, where she delivered an acoustic rendition infused with her signature pop flair, earning praise for its emotional depth and vocal delivery. In the bluegrass genre, Grammy-winning artist Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway reimagined the track as a high-energy instrumental showcase, featuring intricate guitar work and banjo riffs; this version was released as part of their Spotify Singles session in January 2023 and later included on their 2024 EP Into the Wild. Punk rock supergroup Me First and the Gimme Gimmes offered a raucous, irreverent take on the song in 2024, transforming its into a fast-paced, humorous cover that fit their tradition of satirizing mainstream hits; the track was released as a single ahead of their live ¡Bastards of the Party! and highlighted the band's ability to amplify the song's sarcastic edge. Additional notable interpretations include a rock rendition by post-hardcore band Our Last Night in July 2021, which emphasized heavier instrumentation and screamed vocals to underscore the track's raw emotion.

Cultural impact

Media usage

"Good 4 U" has been prominently featured in various television productions, enhancing dramatic moments with its energetic pop-punk sound. The song appeared in Season 1, Episode 6 of the Max series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin in 2022, playing during a homecoming scene. Similarly, it was included in Season 3, Episode 6 of the Netflix series Heartstopper in 2024. The song's commercial appeal extended to advertising, notably in a 2022 Frito-Lay promotional ad for Super Bowl LVI, where celebrities sang along to the track in a high-energy segment. Its viral presence on social media has been substantial, with over 1 million TikTok videos using #good4u as of 2025, often in user-generated content depicting breakup scenarios or energetic dances.

Broader influence

"Good 4 U" is widely credited with igniting the revival of the 2020s, blending nostalgic elements of the genre with contemporary pop sensibilities to appeal to a new generation of listeners. The track's aggressive guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and raw emotional delivery helped propel back into the mainstream, influencing a wave of artists who adopted similar high-energy, angst-filled sounds in their work. For instance, has drawn stylistic parallels in her music, with songs like "Too Well" positioned as emotional counterparts to Rodrigo's sarcastic breakup anthems, reflecting the song's role in shaping the sarcastic, defiant tone of emerging female-led . The song's exploration of post-breakup bitterness and unfiltered anger has empowered broader discussions on and "female rage" in popular media, validating complex emotions often dismissed in . By channeling and resentment into an empowering anthem, "Good 4 U" resonated with listeners grappling with heartbreak and self-doubt, sparking conversations about the legitimacy of teenage anger as a form of emotional release rather than instability. A 2021 Guardian review highlighted its "cathartic rage," noting how the track's irony critiques insincere recovery narratives, while analyses like NPR's tied it to cultural reclamation of rage in media like . This thematic depth has encouraged dialogues, with Rodrigo herself crediting for informing her songwriting process around such vulnerabilities. As an exemplar of viral success in the , "Good 4 U" exemplifies how TikTok-driven trends can elevate singles into global teen anthems, a phenomenon analyzed in 2025 music industry reports on youth consumption patterns. Its rapid ascent—fueled by mimicking the song's explosive chorus—demonstrated the power of short-form video platforms to amplify emotional, relatable tracks among Gen Z audiences, setting a for future breakout hits. Spotify's 2025 "Best in Class" report on student listening underscored its enduring appeal, ranking it among top anthems for college-aged users navigating personal growth and rebellion. The track's global reach extends to non-English markets, where adaptations and covers have localized its themes for diverse audiences, particularly in . Cuban-Mexican artist reimagined "Good 4 U" as a in 2021, infusing the song with rhythmic Latin flair to connect its universal heartbreak narrative with regional sounds and traditions. Such reinterpretations highlight the song's adaptability, fostering cross-cultural resonance and inspiring local artists to blend with indigenous genres.

Credits and production

Songwriters and producers

"Good 4 U" was primarily written by and . In August 2021, songwriting credits were retroactively added for and of , recognizing the interpolation of the chorus from their 2007 track "." Dan Nigro served as the primary producer on the track, with as co-producer. , an established songwriter and producer known for collaborations with artists like , partnered closely with on her debut SOUR, co-writing and producing the majority of its tracks, including "Good 4 U." Williams is the lead vocalist of the American rock band , formed in 2004, while Farro was the band's original lead guitarist until his departure in 2010. The song's publishing rights are administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing and .

Recording details

The recording of "good 4 u" primarily occurred at Amusement Studios in , , during late 2020 and early 2021 as part of the sessions for Olivia Rodrigo's debut album Sour. Additional elements for the album, such as live drums on select tracks, were captured at Heavy Duty Studios in , by drummer Sterling Laws, though "good 4 u" featured drum programming rather than live percussion. Producer handled the bulk of the tracking, programming drums digitally and performing acoustic and electric guitars as well as bass to achieve the track's energy. The production was conducted almost entirely "in the box" using a , with only the recorded live to impart a natural, humanized groove to the rhythm section. Rodrigo's lead and backing vocals were tracked during these sessions, emphasizing raw emotional delivery to capture the song's sarcastic tone. Mixing for "good 4 u" was completed at SOTA Studios in Los Angeles by Mitch McCarthy, with the full Sour album subsequently mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound in New York City.

Track listings

Standard formats

"Good 4 U" was initially released as a digital single on May 14, 2021, through Geffen Records. The digital download version is offered as a single track in AAC format at 256 kbps, with a runtime of 2:58.
FormatCountryLabelReleasedTracksNotes
Digital downloadVariousGeffenMay 14, 20211. "good 4 u" – 2:58AAC, 256 kbps
StreamingVariousGeffenMay 14, 20211. "good 4 u" – 2:58Explicit and clean versions available on platforms such as and
No commercial physical formats, such as vinyl singles, were produced for the original ; however, the track appears as the sixth song on the standard edition of Olivia Rodrigo's debut album SOUR, which was issued on CD and other physical media.

Remix versions

An acoustic live version was performed during the SOUR Prom virtual concert event in June 2021, stripping the song to intimate guitar and vocals for a prom-night atmosphere, lasting approximately 3:20. This rendition, directed by Rodrigo herself, captures a raw, emotional essence contrasting the high-energy original and was exclusively streamed on her official YouTube channel. In addition to full remixes, edited versions include the radio edit and clean versions adapted for broadcast and listener preferences. These edits maintain the core structure but adapt the track for different media and performance contexts.

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