Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album, “GUTS” was released Sept. 8 showcasing what it’s like to be a teenage girl trying to solidify her place in the world. Rodrigo’s songs discuss heartache and insecurities by using complex lyrics, catchy yet melancholic music and elements of ‘90s girly grunge pop-rock.
Rodrigo is known for her strong lyricism that instantly allows fans to connect their personal experiences with hers. In her first album “Sour,” Rodrigo took us through a journey of heartbreak and self-reflection. In comparison, “GUTS” illustrates female rage and the pressures of being a teenage girl in a world where young women can do nothing right.
Her opening song “all-american bitch,” uses an upbeat melody to describe how young women must go through life without any complaints and always have grateful attitudes. She explains her experience of having to achieve perfection and effortlessly conform to societal standards. Before the song’s bridge, Rodrigo lets out an unapologetic scream followed by sarcasm and singing about the fact that she has to be grateful, sexy and kind at all times.
Rodrigo’s next song “bad idea right?” speaks on the emotions we all experience when getting back in touch with an ex, and “vampire,” talks about being taken advantage of for fame and recognition.
Some of my favorite songs on the album include “lacy,” “making the bed,” “get him back!” and “pretty isn’t pretty.”
“Lacy” perfectly illustrates what it’s like to envy someone who you are nothing like. Teenage girls always want what they don’t have whether it’s to be thinner, tanner or have different hair. We all want something. In her song “lacy,” Rodrigo’s lyrics describe the all-consuming feeling of loving and loathing somebody because they have exactly what you want. I connected with this song and found it so powerful that Rodrigo could articulate such a specific yet universal experience. I always find myself having a subconscious obsession with the people I think are prettier and more successful than me and “lacy” interprets that so well.
Her song “pretty isn’t pretty” talks about similar ideas. This song depicts the battle young women have with themselves and who they see in the mirror. No matter how hard we try, we always want to be more and more perfect.
Throughout “GUTS,” Rodrigo uses detailed depictions of her life that somehow all of us can relate to. This skill is what makes “GUTS” so successful. Listeners want a relatable story and songs they can connect to their personal lives and “GUTS” is a perfect example of that.
“GUTS” also has an impressive balance of both sad and uplifting songs throughout the whole album. One minute you’re crying and the next you’re dancing and screaming at the top of your lungs.
“Get him back!” is a perfect example of just that. After listening to multiple sad songs in a row, “get him back!” is a scream-sing-worthy depiction of simultaneously hating and loving your ex. This song gets me through my long runs and overworked days.
“Making the bed” is the last on my list of favorite songs (even though I literally love all of them.) This song encapsulates what it’s like to feel empty, lonely and unaccomplished despite achieving and having everything you want. This song is so strong because it describes such a specific feeling that young people experience of not doing enough and not being appreciative of what they have.
Everything may feel wrong and out of place but it’s “me who’s been making the bed.”
In my mind, “GUTS” is the epitome of what it’s like to be a teenage girl approaching their twenties. Rodrigo concurrently understands female rage, sadness and happiness while describing each in such beautiful and dynamic ways. This album is the perfect transition from the warm summer seasons to the brisk fall and it’s something I will be listening to on repeat.
Chloe Robertson is an opinion writer. Contact her at [email protected]
