American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo released her new album “GUTS” Sept. 8. “GUTS” is Rodrigo’s 12-track, sophomore album that will give you the chance to sing your heart out to every track on the album.
Rodrigo’s recorded an album that encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions people experience internally and externally. “GUTS” captures the feelings of heartbreak and frustration in relationships with others and yourself.
Ever since Rodrigo released “SOUR,” I have been a fan of her music. When Rodrigo announced she was releasing new music I contacted all my friends I knew were fans. Once I saw the song list for the album, I knew it was going to be good. Safe to say she did not disappoint her fans with the release of “GUTS.”
“GUTS” begins with “all-american bitch” which when you first hear it you think is going to be a sweet emotional song, until it shifts to a rock chorus. “all-american bitch” is the in-between of being calm and frustrated at the same time. Personally, I love this track because the song represents the emotions women go through spilling their guts then putting on a happy face. Rodrigo spills these feelings in her lyrics “I scream inside to deal with it, like, ‘Ah.’”
Following “all-american bitch” is “bad idea right?“ Rodrigo uses a unique transition with the audio of knocking on a door at the end of “all-american bitch” transitioning into “bad idea right?” The song is the story of the question people would ask their friends, “bad idea, right?”, then ignoring all their opinions to go make the bad decision.
“GUTS” wouldn’t be a Rodrigo album if she didn’t include her emotional, gut-wrenching ballads. Rodrigo writes “making the bed” that captures the good and bad of making decisions for yourself that can change your life. “Logical” is her following ballad that is about heartbreak that comes with being in love. She says, “Love is never logical.”
After emotional ballads, Rodrigo transitions back to pop-rock with “get him back!” and “love is embarrassing.” Both songs, “get him back!” and “love is embarrassing,” are the perfect songs to scream at the top of your lungs with your friends. It is the best of both worlds with these songs describing feelings of wanting revenge but being embarrassed of decisions you made in the past.
Rodrigo slows down her tune at the end of her album with “pretty isn’t pretty” and “teenage dream.” These songs are the insecurities commonly faced as a teenager trying to meet societal beauty standards and enjoy your final teenage years. Rodrigo ends her album with “it gets better, but what if I don’t?”
“GUTS“ 12-track album has four exclusive songs divided by one song per colored vinyl that have not been released on streaming services yet. The four exclusive songs are “obsessed,” “scared of my guitar,” “stranger” and “girl i’ve always been.” Rodrigo has not yet announced when these songs will be available on streaming services. The exclusive “GUTS” songs are a great addition to the album. Hopefully a “GUTS” deluxe version is on its way.
Rodrigo mixed the feeling of anger and frustration to connect with everyone who feels the same so they can spill their guts! I loved getting to spill my guts listening to “GUTS” with my roommates the night it was released. Rodrigo’s sophomore album captured the frustrations and heartbreak in growing up in “GUTS.” I can’t wait to see the music she releases next.
This was written by Reyna Galvez. She can be reached at [email protected].
