Olivia Rodrigo is one of my favorite artists ever. The honesty within her music is very inspiring and is something that a lot of people can relate to. I have been listening to her new album, ‘Guts,’ on repeat, so here is a rating and breakdown of my favorite songs:
1. making the bed
The song “making the bed” is definitely my favorite in the Guts album. I think this song plays a beautiful story of reflection and self-accountability. Possessing the self-awareness to understand how your own actions affect you is something that may take time to learn, and I love the way that this song discusses it.
2. teenage dream
As a 21-year-old, “teenage dream” really hit a soft spot for me. It shares a story of growing up and the complex feelings that come with aging. This song is one that I can really relate to.
3. lacy
There has been a lot of speculation about what or who the song “lacy” is about. To me, it seems to represent jealousy and longing to be like someone, or to possess certain traits. I think this is something that we have all experienced at some point in our lives, and this song is a great portrayal of that feeling.
4. pretty isn’t pretty
Again, the song “pretty isn’t pretty” shares a common story that many women and girls experience–a feeling that no matter what you do, you will never be “pretty enough.” Olivia sings about this societal pressure put on women and the feelings that are associated with it. I think this song portrays a powerful message on this.
5. all-american bitch
The song “all-american bitch” is amazing. It represents this duality between being a “perfect” girl that does everything society tells her, and a girl doing exactly what she wants without worrying of judgement.
6. logical
The song “logical” discusses the idea that when you are in love, you do not think logically. This song is definitely very relatable, as I am sure we have all been in a place where we make excuses for someone’s bad behavior because of the feelings we have toward them.
7. the grudge
The song “the grudge” is about holding a grudge against someone who wronged you. One of the lines says “but you know I can’t let it go, I’ve tried, I’ve tried, I’ve tried for so long,” discussing the efforts to get over something, but not being able to. I can relate a lot to this song, having unforgotten feelings about someone that wronged me.
8. vampire
The first song released on the album, “vampire” is a song relating a lover to a vampire, someone who sucks the life out of you and drains your energy. I love the metaphor within this song and I think the music is extremely catchy.
9. get him back!
The song “get him back!” is amazing, discussing wanting to get revenge on someone from your past, but at the same time wanting them back in your life. I think this story is very relatable, and it represents uncertainty and the back-and-fourth feelings of past relationships. Sometimes, all you want to think about are the good times, and other times those are completely flooded by the bad ones.
10. bad idea right?
As much as I don’t want to relate to the song “bad idea right?” I definitely do, and I think many other girls do as well. This song represents a relationship that you know is bad for you, but you want it so bad that it doesn’t matter.
11. ballad of a homeschooled girl
The song “ballad of a homeschooled girl” talks about feeling uncomfortable, awkward, or out of place in certain situations. I think this is something that we have all related to at a specific time, and this story is very well written in this song.
12. love is embarrassing
Again, the song “love is embarrassing” is very relatable to many. It discusses the embarrassment that can come with being in love and doing certain things, which ultimately come to a bad ending when the relationship is over. You may look back and be embarrassed at some of the things you did or said.
The overarching theme I noticed on the ‘Guts’ album is relatability. I love how Olivia Rodrigo does not hold back in her music. She discusses topics that many people shy away from out of embarrassment or shame, topics that people relate to the most. This is one of the many reasons why she is my favorite artist.