With Guts, Olivia Rodrigo delivers more of her signature angsty pop-rock blend, and I honestly can’t get enough. What I love most about this album though is that she gets pretty vulnerable and it feels like we really know her after listening, whereas her debut record was more relationship and love-focused. You could say her sophomore album has more of that “brutal” vibe. She exposes more insecurities that I think many of us young women can relate to, and there is a deeper sincerity to her lyrics than I’ve heard before. Meanwhile, she gets braver with the punk rock sound, accentuating her angsty tones and creating music perfect for singing (or really screaming) along to in the car.
I wanted to have some fun and do a ranking of the album. I’ve listened through a few times already and have lots of thoughts about each of the songs. I don’t think rankings are supposed to be taken seriously, and all of her songs are excellent, but I’ve enjoyed finding the ones that stand out to me right now. I’m excited to see other people’s opinions online and start some friendly debates!
12. lacy
I love Olivia’s soft vocals on this track, but the themes here feel quite similar to those on Sour, and the messaging isn’t particularly positive or moving. This song simply doesn’t accomplish enough for my liking, and it kind of drags on slowly until the bridge.
11. pretty isn’t pretty
I’m very happy that more artists are supporting body positivity, opening up about this seemingly universal insecurity, and acknowledging society’s screwed-up views and standards of beauty. I like this song but it doesn’t have a unique enough sound to be placed higher on this list.
10. logical
This song is so smooth and beautiful, and the chorus is stuck in my head. Don’t get me started on that bridge either, that hit hard. Girls get attached easily and love can be blinding, so we all need to watch out. I love how Olivia isn’t afraid to admit her vulnerability, but it’s a sad song and doesn’t have a strong message, so I’m putting it down here.
9. teenage dream
I think this is Olivia at her most honest. The lyrics help you get an idea of how anxious and stressed she was coming off of her crazily successful period with Sour. She felt overwhelming pressure to make a second record as good as (or better than) her first, which is a lot to put on a nineteen-year-old. The music industry is unpredictable and artists worry about being one-hit wonders. You have to keep bringing something new to the table to remain interesting. This song really encapsulates those worries and provides a soft and bittersweet closing to the album. I hope Olivia doesn’t worry too much though, because we love her no matter what.
That being said, this song is great but doesn’t stand out as much as others on the album, so I had to put it a little lower than I’d like.
8. ballad of a homeschooled girl
This song is definitely one of her most “punky”, and it’s a bit of an acquired taste. I love the “social suicide” line though because I’m a socially awkward person and can definitely relate. I love that Olivia always makes us feel like we’re not alone in our insecurities, especially our social ones. That comes across strongly throughout this song and I am here for it. I really like this one but it’s a little too much rock for my taste, so no offense to those who have it at the top of their list!
7. the grudge
This track is so raw, heartbreaking, and poignant. I’m sure it’s very relatable for those processing a betrayal or similar pain. It’s yet another example of the remarkable sincerity that makes Olivia such a strong lyricist. The emotional depth in this song goes beyond similarly themed tunes in Sour and really showcases the growth in her writing. Her vocals are piercing as well, driving home the words with perfect delivery. However, if I’m being picky, this song kind of feels like it has one musical flavor throughout, which is the only reason it’s a bit low on the list.
6. love is embarrassing
This song has that unique teenage angst vibe that made us all fall in love with Sour, but amped up a bit. Putting yourself out there and falling in love, especially as a teen, can be embarrassing and awkward. I love that Olivia sings about this instead of sticking to the typical rainbows and ponies “love is at first sight, and it’s perfect and beautiful” message in most songs. This song is so fun and I know everyone will be singing and dancing along to it on the radio.
5. making the bed
I think Olivia is talking about her experience with fame here, but the feelings she mentions are very relatable for me in a non-traditional way. It’s a pretty good expression of how it feels to be a 19 or 20-year-old girl trying to figure out how to be an adult and adjust to the world. When I heard this song I felt understood in a way I really don’t know how to describe, it just communicates growing pains so well. The idea of making the bed and “pull[ing] the sheets over my head” is a great metaphor. Overall, this is a beautiful soft song that manages to be so relatable and moving.
4. bad idea right?
Gen-Z has been eating this song up, and for good reason. To be honest, the first time I heard it I wasn’t a big fan. The sound is so different and something I didn’t expect from her. But every time I listen to it I like it a bit more, and now I really love it. It has major vintage vibes and it’s just a bop overall. Its chorus is addicting and catchy. Girls can definitely relate to debating getting back with an ex you know is a bad influence. This song is a good time.
3. all american b*tch
This is signature Olivia. It’s so feminist and edgy and conveys the message that girls can be whoever they want and don’t have to conform to any ideals. It also deserves recognition for boldly and successfully combining sweet, soft verses with a punk-rock chorus. I mean, the fact that she literally starts screaming towards the end and it works?!? So awesome.
I almost want to tie this one with the next song on this list because they’re so different but equally excellent in their own ways. However, I’m a bit more into the next one at the moment.
2. vampire
This song has some of Olivia’s best songwriting and I adore the seamless transitions from piano ballad to pop song to harder rock sounds. It showcases her incredible range and it’s such a creative idea. The lyrics, singing, and production are some of Olivia’s very best, enough said.
1. get him back!
This is the song I didn’t know I needed in my life. Its lyrics are so creative and unhinged. This kind of humorous sarcasm and talking type singing is something I’ve really enjoyed hearing from Olivia on this album. I also love the duality in the title: how you initially think the song is just about getting back with an ex but it’s also about revenge. I can’t wait for this song to come on the radio so I can scream that bridge in the car. “I want to meet his mom and tell her HER SON SUCKS!” Perfection!
This ranking was HARD. It goes to show how great the album is, and I think that it’s a big improvement over the already remarkable Sour. The album is so angsty and fun and combines genres so well. It’s a 10/10 and I’m looking forward to hearing her sing these songs live!