Random thoughts on 'Guts'

Olivia Rodrigo's new album is even better than I expected

Sep 10, 2023

Olivia Rodrigo officially released ‘Guts’ on Friday, the highly-anticipated followup to her debut ‘Sour’. The new album is even better than I expected – and based on most of the reviews I’ve seen, I’m not alone in that opinion.

Even Pitchfork, the music site that often seems to hate good music, walked away impressed by ‘Guts.’

Here are some random thoughts:

The versatility of this album is incredible. From pop-punk, and Paramore-style sound to slow and sparse ballads, there’s a little bit of everything.
I regularly have to remind myself that Olivia Rodrigo is only 20 years old. The songs have a teenage-angst vibe, but the lyricism prevents the songs from following into the stereotypical teenage-angst bucket.
The lyrics aren’t vague, either. If you follow along with some of the gossip out there, it’s clear who each song on ‘Guts’ was written about. The writing is direct, witty, and clearly pissed off. I’d hate to get on her bad side, that’s for sure.
I think there’s only one “filler” song on this album, and that’s ‘Lacy.’ Every other song on the album feels like it has a distinct and clear purpose.
‘Guts’ comes in at just 39 minutes long, and every song is under 4 minutes long. This is a double-edged sword. Would I have liked more new music from Olivia Rodrigo? Absolutely. But I do admire the restraint it takes to put out such a short and curated album.
I don’t know if I have a favorite song just yet. Right now, the closing track ‘Teenage Dream’ stands out, but don’t hold me to that.

And some lyrical standouts:

all-american bitch

I pay attention to things that most people ignore
And I'm alright with the movies
That make jokes 'bout senseless cruelty, that's for sure

bad idea right?

Oh, yes, I know that he's my ex
But can't two people reconnect?
I only see him as a friend
I just tripped and fell into his bed

vampire

I see the parties and the diamonds sometimes when I close my eyes
Six months of torture you sold as some forbidden paradise
I loved you truly
You gotta laugh at the stupidity

ballad of a homeschooled girl

I broke a glass, I tripped and fell
I told secrets I shouldn't tell
I stumbled over all my words
I made it weird, I made it worse

making the bed

Sometimes I feel like I don't wanna be where I am
Countin' all of the beautiful things I regret
But it's me who's been makin' the bed
Me who's been makin' the bed
Pull the sheets over my head

logical

The sky is green, the grass is red
And you mean all those words you said
I'm sure that girl is really your friend
Our problems are all solvable
'Cause loving you is loving every

get him back!

I met a guy in the summer and I left him in the spring
He argued with me about everything
He had an ego and a temper and a wandering eye
He said he's 6'2 and I'm, like, "Dude, nice try"

love is embarrassing

And I consoled you while you cried
Over your ex-girlfriend's new guy
My God, how could I be so stupid?
You found a new version of me
And I damn near startеd World War III
Jesus, what was I even doin'?

the grudge

And I doubt you ever think about the damage that you did
But I hold onto every detail like my life depends on it
My undying love, now, I hold it like a grudge
And I hear your voice every time that I think I'm not enough

pretty isn’t pretty

And I bought all the clothes that they told me to buy
I chased some dumb ideal my whole fucking life
And none of it matters and none of it ends
You just feel like shit over and over again

teenage dream

And when does wide-eyed affection and all good intentions start to not be enough?
When will everyone have every reason to call all my bluffs?
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?

If you thought Olivia Rodrigo’s debut success was a fluke, ‘Guts’ proves that’s not the case. It’s a clear contender for album of the year.