Olivia Rodrigo has once again given us the album of the year. Her debut album, SOUR, released in 2021, made her become the pop singer she is today. With songs like “drivers license” and “good 4 u” how can you not love this sensational, young female artist?
Personally, I didn’t think she could ever release something as good as SOUR, given that the album changed my life in too many ways to fit into this article. This set some pretty high expectations for GUTS, and let me just say, she most certainly delivered.
She is the star of the moment, the woman of her time, and she knows exactly how to give her fans what they are looking for. Before I uncontrollably continue blabbing about my obsession with Rodrigo, I’m going to stick to providing my personal opinion on both albums.
GUTS was released on Sept. 8, and with the masterpiece that is “logical,” does anyone really expect me to stop listening to this album?
She is able to describe every possible emotion through her music — whether that be heartbreak, jealousy or a sense of misdirection, she has it all. Not to mention, her vocals on this album were worth the two-year hiatus I had to wait through to hear new music.
However, I have lots of conflicting thoughts between SOUR and GUTS. They both have their independent power while embodying passionate songwriting. However, at the end of the day, and some may disagree, SOUR is, and will forever be, her best album of the two.
GUTS gives us the beauty and intensity of “the grudge” with lyrics as strong as “How could anybody do the things you did so easily.” But will that never compare to the goosebumps felt in “But I say that I hate you with a smile on my face,” from the one and only “favorite crime.”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I don’t like GUTS; I’m just saying SOUR will always hold a special place in my heart.
“teenage dream” perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to grow up, and the bridge is a whole masterpiece in itself — which I could literally talk about for days if no one stopped me. However, something about the chills when listening to “enough for you” and the nostalgia it brings is an irreplaceable feeling. It’s a pretty tight war between both of these bridges, but “Don’t you think I loved you too much to be used and discarded” simply wins.
One thing Rodrigo will always be good at is releasing whatever she feels sounds right. She’s developing a reputation for producing unique beats and verses that are the perfect mix of ballads and punk rock. Also, Rodrigo definitely seems like a girl’s girl, and she’s not afraid to show it. “pretty isn’t pretty” summarizes womanhood in just three minutes.
I hate to play devil’s advocate, but “ballad of a homeschooled girl” walked so “brutal” could keep running. They both share similar themes, but there’s something so particular about the production of “brutal” that simply can’t be replaced.
My last thought: “love is embarrassing” is probably the most accurate song to exist.
I can’t stress it enough; she just really knows who her target audience is. “I’m planning out my wedding with some guy I’m never marrying” is the most Gen Z lyric of all time. Right from the start, this was a song I knew would stand out the most to me.
All in all, GUTS’ release was overwhelming. It was too good to handle and has been on repeat since it became available to us. Although, SOUR will always be number one. I guess that makes me a “traitor.”