Olivia Rodrigo fans were growing restless waiting for Rodrigo to drop another album that would change the music industry and blow other songs off the charts. Well 2 years, 3 months, and 18 days after the release of her hit album Sour, Rodrigo has dropped her long-awaited, second album titled Guts.
With the release of Sour, 18-year-old Olivia Rodrigo caught the public off guard with her young yet undeniable talent for singing and songwriting, breaking records left and right and winning three Grammys. Her near-instant rise to the top left her fans not only wanting more but expecting more. Having such a well-regarded and successful debut album results in immense pressure for each following album to be even better.
By just looking at the album cover and song titles, it is apparent that Rodrigo is aiming to illustrate a whole different vibe with Guts. Like her previous album, listeners are still able to bawl their eyes out to her heart-wrenching ballads right before screaming at the top of their lungs to her edgy angst songs. However, when listening to the musical differences, there are more prevalent grunge and alternative rock influences in Guts, causing it to have a tougher sound in general.
What cannot be ignored are the risks that Rodrigo is taking with this second album. Staying within her comfort zone and writing songs similar to those in Sour would have been the safe option that guaranteed to appeal to the same audience. Clearly, Rodrigo did not want to play it safe and decided to test the boundaries with this more mature version of her music. Her music has aged with her, consisting of more mature lyrics and music style.
Sophia Mou (10), a fan of Rodrigo who was eager for the release of her second album “was curious about its overall vibe after listening to the two singles that were released first (“Vampire” and “Bad Idea Right’).” She believes that Guts “portrays Olivia’s transition from her teenage years to adulthood” through “fun, carefree, and touching” songs. Out of the entire album, “[her] favorite song is “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” because of the nostalgic tune.”
[The album] portrays Olivia’s transition from her teenage years to adulthood
— Sophia Mou
Unlike Sophia, there are fans who were disappointed after listening to the new album: some only liking a few select songs, and others not liking any at all. A potential possibility for this divide is how every one of her songs has such a different vibe (but still is a cohesive album overall), which opens the possibility to more people relating to a song. But with that song diversity, there is a higher chance that not everyone will like and relate to every song.
Regardless of personal opinion, Guts has already scored Rodrigo her second Number 1 set on the Billboard 200 chart as of September 23, 2023. Having had both Sour and Guts at Number 1 on the Billboard 200, Rodrigo has set a record as the “first female artist to start atop the chart with two first chart entries in nine years” (billboard.com). Rodrigo has proved once again that she has the talent to change the music industry and impact the souls of her listeners. Her music continues to keep fans on their toes while they wait for more on the edge of their seats.
Isabelle Gregg • Nov 30, 2023 at 7:37 AM
Loved this article and your view on Guts!
Tatum Steward • Oct 26, 2023 at 7:24 AM
I love this article! As someone who has not listened to the album in full yet, I enjoy how this article informs me about the variety of songs she has to offer and provides different perspectives. I am interested to hear the album for myself!
Journey • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:49 AM
This article was very well-written and interesting. I can’t wait for Olivia Rodrigo’s growth!
Brenda Lu • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:46 AM
This is a great review of the new album!
Faith • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:36 AM
I was a very very big fan of Sour when it came out a few years ago. When Olivia announced Guts I was super excited! The album did not disappoint! Very good article Jeanelle!
Imaan Moten • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:34 AM
I love this album!
Noelle • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:33 AM
I agree with Sophia! I also liked how you included an opposing opinion 🙂
Giana Mejia • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:32 AM
I loved this review! Guts has definitely grown on me and a great return from her last successful album Sour.
Lancy Shi • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:25 AM
I love how you structured this article and how you were able to articulate different opinions about this album in a seamless way
Leilah Huttner • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:25 AM
I love the rock/grunge vibe that Guts has! I agree she totally did not stay within her comfort zone but it paid off.
Mylie Brown • Oct 12, 2023 at 7:25 AM
Nice article! My personal favorite on the album is “Making The Bed”