Two years ago former Disney star, Olivia Rodrigo, made her transition from actress to pop star with her debut album Sour. The fun and creative album rocked the world of teenagers all over the world. Her fans were anxious for more music from Rodrigo and on September 8th they got exactly that.
Rodrigo’s sophomore album titled Guts was released in early September. The album serves as a transition from an adolescent Sour to a more mature album. The general structure of the album stayed the same along with Rodrigo’s iconic purple branding.
With a mix of ballads and songs that lean more towards rock, the album was a roller coaster to listen to. Fans first got a taste for the album with her two singles titled “vampire” and “bad idea right?”. The song “Vampire” is an intriguing ballad about a former lover that she compares to a vampire throughout the song. The single showed off Rodrigo’s developed voice with a range of low and high notes.
Her other single “Bad Idea Right?” takes on a much different tone. With a filter over her voice, the song takes on a retro tone. It’s all about knowing that she should be through with her ex but she just can’t seem to get over him. The song shows a journey of knowing that the subject shouldn’t get back with her ex but showing how she can’t resist.
During an interview with the “Rolling Stone” magazine Rodrigo described her album,” This album talks about me making a bunch of mistakes in my life and being awkward, not knowing who I am and not knowing what I want.”
Personally, I think Rodrigo described her album perfectly. The songs perfectly encapsulate the mind of a teenage girl. From literal screaming to mesmerizing ballads this album truly has it all. The songs are clever and unique.
Many people around the world are big fans of the album. Star of the show “Hearstopper”, Joe Locke, commented on the album by saying,” Spill your guts more often please.”
One of my favorite songs from the album is “Get Him Back!” The title takes on a double meaning as Rodrigo wants to both get revenge on her ex and get back with him. Another favorite song of mine is titled “Lacy” which according to Rodrgio was developed from a poem she wrote in her college class. The song shows the longing and wish to be anyone but yourself. Rodrigo calls Lacy,” Well, aren’t you the greatest thing to ever exist?”
Freshman, Maya Rydberg is a big fan of the album saying,” I believe Guts is a huge step up from her debut album and shows her journey as an artist.”
Overall the album is quite the ride to listen to and the title of the album is great as it goes through the emotions that you feel in your gut. The songs go through so many different emotions from anger to hurt to vengeful. Every song brings something new to the table. The vocals were great and the vibes were overall very fun. This album does a great job of creating a story that the listener can follow and enjoy and relate to.
