Olivia Rodrigo has been a household name since she released her chart-topping single, Driver’s License, where she reminisced about her old relationship and ex-boyfriend. After her first album, “SOUR,” her next album was highly anticipated. And finally, over 2 years after “SOUR,” “GUTS” was released in September of 2023.
“GUTS” is a testament to her incredible singing and writing abilities. She sang her deepest feelings throughout the album, making every listener feel heard and accepted. Just like “SOUR,” “GUTS” includes every style of music, from the upbeat, pop-punk song “all-american b****” to the slow, folk-pop song “lacy,” and with each style Rodrigo brings a different emotion. Though this album had a lot in common with “SOUR,” there were a lot of songs that focused on deeper topics like girlhood and the struggles of constantly being in the spotlight.
Rodrigo explores the intricacies of fame at a young age. In “teenage dream” she brings up her fear that she will never be as good in the future as she is right now and apologizes to her listeners as if she owes the world her continued talent. She brings up her internal feminine rage in the song “all-american b****,” through her screams at the end of the bridge and her outro repeating how grateful she is, or more correctly, how grateful society thinks she should be.
In addition to the songs that are more specific to her, she also has some songs about an age-old problem of the patriarchy: conventional beauty standards. And from this problem, she brings a new perspective. Her song “lacy” touches on the jealousy of longing to be as beautiful as someone else but knowing you never will. Another song, “pretty isn’t pretty” talks about how you can be as conventionally attractive as possible, but it’s never enough in such a competitive society.
Above all though, Rodrigo’s most popular songs on this album sound almost exactly like hers from “SOUR.” And they’re all about the resentment and longing after a breakup. Some of her chart-toppers are “get him back” about her mixed feelings toward her ex, “bad idea right?” about going back to a messy relationship, and “vampire” about a toxic ex that took advantage of her. They all evoke emotions the same emotions as “SOUR,” with chaotic lyrics that immediately get stuck in your head and are relatable to anyone who’s gone through heartbreak.
This album was the perfect comeback for her music. Rodrigo put her best effort and deepest emotions into every song, and every lyric is perfectly crafted. Many of her songs have the same head-banging music as her popular “SOUR” songs, but “GUTS” includes songs with newer and more mature emotions.