Nothing is more stress-worthy for an artist than the release of their sophomore album. Often dubbed the “sophomore slump,” a second album can often be the make or break factor for a singer’s career, with them truly having to prove to the world that they’re not just a one-hit-wonder. However, many artists have passed this examination with ease- Dua Lipa’s monumental Future Nostalgia, Lorde’s highly acclaimed Melodrama, and Taylor Swift’s nostalgic Fearless all being examples. With the release of Olivia Rodrigo’s newest album, Guts, I believe she has successfully passed the “sophomore slump”
standards and made her mark on the industry as someone who is here to stay.
Her first project, Sour, released in May 2021, was adored by critics, and she even went on to win three Grammys for it. After seemingly disappearing off the face of the earth in the music scene for the following years, she finally returned this summer with “Vampire,” an exciting but slow-burn pop ballad that is undoubtedly one of my favorite songs of the year. With this track and second single, “Bad Idea Right?”, she began the Guts era, with the full album released last Friday.
To say this album is an excellent follow-up to Sour wouldn’t be giving it nearly enough credit. Guts takes everything exceptional about Sour and elevates it to a higher scale. The lyrics are mature but raunchy and hilarious. The production is stellar and leans into a more rock sound she previously shied away from fully exploring. The image she is capturing with this project is simply encapsulating. She opens the album with “all-american bitch,” a pop-punk coming-of-age banger that captures Rodrigo’s mindset as a young adult. She’s thoughtful and reflective but not afraid of embracing her lively youth. Rodrigo ends the songs with screams of pure, feminine rage- something every female artist should include in their songs at least once. The album’s first half starts pretty smoothly, with the singles accompanying captivating tracks like the emotional “making the bed” and “ballad of a homeschool girl,” an incredibly hilarious and catchy song not to miss. The album’s third single appears to be “get him back!,” an alternative pop song filled with double entendres about wanting to get her ex back but make him feel guilty for everything he’s done to her. The rest of the album wraps up with more bass-driven anthems and piano ballads that perfectly encapsulate the emotional state of a 19-year-old girl.
One of my favorite parts of the albums is that Rodrigo takes themes or topics she discussed in Sour but brings a new, more dissected opinion in Guts. For example, Sour critically examines the feelings of jealousy towards other girls who seem cooler or prettier in songs like “jealousy, jealousy” and “deja vu.” In Guts, Rodrigo uncovers these topics with a darker and forlorn approach. Take “lacy,” for example. In a song that’s been causing quite the conversation online while debating who it’s about, Rodrigo sings about a girl she admires and envies simultaneously. It almost sounds as if you can hear her gritting her teeth when she’s singing the lines like it’s that painful to get out all these sweet but sardonic lyrics. In another track, “pretty isn’t pretty,” Rodrigo sings about unrealistic beauty standards with a tone of desperation and frustration. With tracks like these being more in tune with some of her deepest emotions, Guts makes for a genuinely out-of-body experience to listen to, as it feels like you’re in a 40-minute late-night conversation with the singer.
To no one’s surprise, Guts is undeniably one of the best albums of the year, and it’s clear that Rodrigo is entirely open to experimenting with new genres and styles. In an age where most pop songs typically fall into a short, repetitive, and uninspired category, it’s incredibly encouraging to see someone as young as Rodrigo establish her prominence in the industry. The singer plans to embark on a worldwide Guts World Tour starting early next year, filled with packed arenas and star-studded openers. Rodrigo is truly basking in the genuine pop star experience, and her quality music has once again caused a shift in pop culture for the entire world to witness.
Listen to the album now: GUTS – Album by Olivia Rodrigo | Spotify