“Guts,” by Olivia Rodrigo, is Rodrigo’s second album after her smash hit album “Sour,” which received seven Grammy nominations and put her on the path to stardom. “Guts” debuted 12 songs on September 8 and includes hits its such as “vampire” and “bad idea right?,” which were first released as as singles, allowing the album to hit the ground running charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
At the time of this writing, “vampire” is currently number one on the Billboard Top 100, overtaking Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” with “bad idea right?” and “the grudge” following close behind at seven and 11 respectively.
“Guts” is certainly an album that has made a mark on the Billboard Hot 100, but is it a no-skip album like “Sour”?
Short answer: Potentially.
“Sour” was an album filled with heartbreak songs and “Guts” follows in its footsteps, but it feels like the album has more of a rock vibe than “Sour.” Personally, I feel I have to listen to these songs while in a certain mood to see if they fit the mark.
Does it live up to the hype? Yes, it definitely does. All the songs had an appeal and it seemed like they were carefully crafted by Rodrigo. Of course, there are some songs that were better than others and deserve more attention, but “Guts” as an album is one of the biggest releases of the year.
Olivia Rodrigo performed her single “vampire” at the VMA’s this year. The performance staged a stage malfunction, in which Rodrigo was walked off the stage by a so-called stage crew member. The same thing happened in her music video, but this had left an effect on the audience due to its unusual nature. Her performance then continued with “get him back” at the VMA’s.
The Songs
“all-american b*tch” Rating: 9/10
“all-american b*tch” sounds like something out of the 2000s. It’s a fresh take on punk-pop that fans of the genre can appreciate. It’s a switch from the controlled careful acoustic to the pop-punk rock chorus that feels like you are letting out the carefully bottled rage within you.
“bad idea right?” Rating: 7/10
“bad idea right?” was released as a single before appearing on the “Guts” album. The song is chaotic, similar to “brutal” in “Sour” and makes you want to let out the bottled rage inside just like “all-american b*tch”. The song went viral on social media as well, after being released as a single.
“vampire” Rating: 7/10
“vampire” is a smash hit song that paved the way for the other songs to shine. Shortly after it was released as a single, the song soon went viral on social media. The song talks about a toxic relationship while still being catchy with a good chorus. I do think the song is good, but the song isn’t as good as some of the other tracks off the album to me.
“lacy” Rating: 10/10
“Lacy” is the first song on the album that I give a 10 out of 10.
“Lacy is my favorite,” sophomore Angela Cruzat said. “I feel like it’s so open to interpretation and you can get emotional listening to it.”
“Lacy” isn’t grunge by any means and Rodrigo exhibits the perfect balance between grungy pop anthems and softer songs on the album through this song. The soft song seems to be about being jealous of someone but also holding admiration for them.
“ballad of a homeschooled girl” Rating: 10/10
“ballad of a homeschooled child” is one of the songs that I give a 10/10 on this album. It’s grungy and of course has a rock vibe to it, but it’s about feeling like everything you do is wrong in some way which is a relatable story to portray to Rodrigo’s young audience. It’s a perfect blend of melancholy and grunge.
“making the bed” Rating: 10/10
“Making the bed” is another absolutely cry-worthy song on the album. A perfect example of Rodrigo’s ability to write both rock anthems and ballads. It’s a stormy, rainy day while looking out the window and I’m totally here for it.
“logical” Rating: 10/10
“Logical” is one of the heartbreak songs off the album that I deem cry-worthy. It’s about falling in love with someone and how it doesn’t make sense. It’s the feeling of regret when you don’t stop yourself and the hurt when someone doesn’t love you back.
“get him back”: Rating: 9/10
Another grunge anthem with a feel from the 2000s, “get him back” is about wanting a toxic partner back. The song shows conflicting emotions, showing that you can miss someone but realize how bad the relationship can be. The song is practically made for angry singing in a car with the windows down.
“love is embarrassing” Rating: 7.5/10
“Love is embarrassing” is about looking back on a past relationship where you were in love, and realizing that you put so much effort and admiration into someone who didn’t deserve it at all. It’s very relatable, as it references young relationships and how difficult they can be.
“the grudge” Rating: 10/10
“The grudge” is another heartbreak song on this album about toxic relationships and another cry-worthy song on this album. Holding love for someone who ends up hurting you, and you can’t forgive them for it. The song is perfect for a “laying in your bedroom crying” mood.
“pretty isn’t pretty” Rating: 8.5/10
“Pretty isn’t pretty” explores the impossible beauty standards for women and how those beauty standards are enforced all around us. It explores the insecurity that can come with these standards. It’s a very relatable song for Rodrigo’s young audience to listen to.
“teenage dream” Rating: 10/10
As referenced from “brutal,” Rodrigo’s “teenage dream” is about being scared to grow older and afraid that all the best memories you’ll have are in the past.
“I think that the album has a really great balance and diversity of songs,” sophomore Amalia Deans said. “My favorite song would be the final track, ‘teenage dream.’ It is very relatable and I believe that it concludes Olivia’s sophomore album very well.”
I also share the same sentiment as it really rounds up her album. “Guts” is a relatable album about fears, insecurity and heartbreak and “teenage dream” finishes the album well.
Overall, I believe that the album is relatable and really resonates with a young audience from its pop-punk songs, to its heartbreaking songs about love. Every song has its own appeal and they all are written extremely well. Whether you’re crying in your bedroom or in an angry, screaming at the world, kind of mood, “Guts” has got the song for you.
