The album ‘Guts’ is Olivia Rodrigo’s second album recorded. She released the album on Sept. 8 that included two singles, “vampire” and “bad idea right?” Many fans, including us, were eager to hear Rodrigo’s new music after her hit album ‘Sour’ released back in May of 2021.
Track 1: “all-american”
Sofia: 7/10
The first track starts off the album with a positive melody that incorporates some components of indie-folk that transition to pop-rock as the song progresses. Rodrigo describes her personality and feelings of being in her late teenage years. I enjoyed listening to this track, and overall, it has an upbeat tempo throughout the song that makes it enjoyable.
“I pay attention to things most people ignore”
Track 2: “bad idea right?”
Erica: 6/10
The use of the electric guitar and drums between and throughout the chorus and verse create an upbeat rock element. In this song, Rodrigo lyrics represent feelings of not being able to resist wanting a past relationship back. Even though she knows rekindling this relationship will not be a good idea, she stills wants to go for it.
“Now I’m gettin’ in the car, wreckin’ all my plans/I know I should stop-, but I can’t”
Track 3: “vampire“
Sofia: 6/10
‘Vampire’ is the second song on the album. Rodrigo switches the mood she set with the first track to a more melancholy and peaceful melody. In an interview, she explained that she sings about feeling regretful about doing something that didn’t turn out the way she wanted it to. I like how she incorporated the use of piano for this song, and the way it complimented the lyrics very well.
Track 4: “lacy“
Erica: 7/10
For me, this is one of the sadder ones on the album. Rodrigo sings of having feelings of jealousy towards someone that is constantly outshining her. This person allows her to feel badly about herself, while at the same time this is a person she admires. Her wispy vocals demonstrate the pain she is expressing through the lyrics and the quiet melody represent the difficulty of her admitting how this person has affected her.
“But it takes over my life, I see you everywhere/ The sweetest torture one could bear”
Track 5: “ballad of a homeschooled girl”
Sofia: 8/10
‘Ballad of a homeschooled girl’ is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Rodrigo incorporates the electric guitar, and other instruments to switch back into a more upbeat and positive mood. I’ve noticed that throughout the album she switches back and forth from more peaceful and heartbreaking songs to positive and more upbeat songs – which is one of my favorite components of the album.
“I broke a glass, I tripped and fell, Told secrets I shouldn’t tell”
Track 6: “making the bed“
Erica: 10/10
The slow tempo and soft notes of the guitar in the beginning adds to the melancholy tone throughout the song. To me, “making the bed” is about blaming all the things that someone doesn’t like about themselves on other people or things; then realizing that they have no one to blame but themselves for their insecurities. I really like how Rodrigo is genuine and honest throughout her lyrics making it my favorite on the album. The piano outro at the end also provides a somber but hopeful tone for the singer.
“Every good thing has turned into somethin’ I dread/And I’m playing the victim so well in my head”
Track 7: “logical“
Sofia: 9/10
‘Logical’ begins with a heartfelt piano melody that describes a difficult relationship she had with a previous partner. In the lyrics Rodrigo sings “Thinkin’ two plus two equals five,” where she describes the way she was manipulated by her partner in her past relationship.
“And now you got me thinking’ two plus two equals five/And I’m the love of your life”
Track 8: “get him back!”
Erica: 9/10
“Get him back!” is one of the most upbeat tracks on the album. The fun pop-rock melody and use of electric guitar make the song so lighthearted and playful. The contrasting feelings throughout the lyrics suggest that Rodrigo wants to get revenge or make this person feel bad, but she also wants to be with this person again and make them feel good. The exciting harmony and unique lyrics make it one of my favorites.
“Cause then again, I really miss him, and it makes me real sad/ Oh, I want sweet revenge, and I want him again”
Track 9: “love is embarrassing“
Sofia: 8/10
‘Love is Embarrassing’ starts with an upbeat melody that stays consistent throughout the song. Rodrigo sings about a relationship that did not go the way she planned. I like the way she made every song on the album different, but with similar melodies ties the whole album together very well.
Track 10: “the grudge“
Erica: 10/10
For me, I think this is one of the most heartbreaking songs on the album. Rodrigo sings about someone who deeply hurt her. She tries to be strong despite the pain this person caused but she is left in such despair. I enjoyed how her vocals really shined throughout and complemented the light melody in the background. This is another one of my favorites as the emotion is so heartfelt and the lyrics are very descriptive.
“And I know, in my heart, hurt people hurt people/ And we both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal”
Track 11: “pretty isn’t pretty“
Sofia: 9/10
The beat of the song in the beginning is one of my favorite things about the song. I love the tempo that it has with a mix of pop and other musical components she used throughout her album. This song was definitely one of my favorite songs on the album, and a great song to put before the last track.
“‘Cause there’s always somethin’ missin’/There’s always somethin’ in the mirror that I think looks wrong”
Track 12: “teenage dream“
Erica: 8/10
Right from the beginning, the piano solo creates a sorrowful theme. To me, I think this song is about the pressures of trying to live a normal teenage life and the experience of growing up and living up to a certain expectation. The tempo gets quicker and faster as Rodrigo sings about fearing that she will not reach her full potential as she grows older. I like the contrasting harmonies in this song and the higher pitch of her vocals.
“And when are all my excuses of learning my lessons gonna start to feel sad?/ Will I spend all the rest of my years wishing I could go back?”
Overall, we can both agree that ‘Guts’ was a great sophomore album with no skip songs. The different musical components she included complimented each song, and made the album even better. The way she transitioned from more Rock/Pop to some indie/folk made the album even better.
