Olivia Rodrigo's second album "Guts" denotes bravery, or perhaps the raw and unfiltered emotions.
Both songs are evident in the 12 songs released on Friday, which bite while aching with vulnerability. It's understandable that Rodrigo, 20, has struggled with the web of fame that has engulfed her since the meteoric success of her Grammy-winning debut, "Sour," and breakthrough single "Drivers License."
Her honest lyrics combined with edgy pop made her a hero among Generation Z listeners. However, Rodrigo's cross-generational appeal – she even performed onstage with Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden – thrust her into a spotlight that apparently caused some anxiety.
From the sweet-turned-tangy opener "All-American Bitch" to the whispery ballad that closes this chapter of her journey, "Teenage Dream," Rodrigo wields sarcasm and tenderness with equal aplomb. Rodrigo writes her own songs, with the exception of a couple of co-writing contributions from Dan Nigro, who produced "Sour" as well as her new release.
Musically, Rodrigo sticks to the formula that has won her fans since her arrival in 2021: pop that slowly burns into a cresting boom of melodic punk. Because there isn't a clunker among her efficient offerings, "Guts" is destined for millions of streams, but these two tracks stand out.
‘Making the Bed’
This piano ballad embodies a young woman searching, wondering, and attempting to make sense of complicated emotions. Rodrigo focuses on her self-doubts, muddled reactions to fame, and a general desire to "pull the sheets over my head”. Rodrigo's ruminations could be perceived as whiny by a less genuine singer. But her sincerity is so palpable that you just want to hug her.
‘Pretty Isn’t Pretty’
Rodrigo emphasizes feelings of being ugly and fidgety over a clean, driving guitar line ("There's always something in the mirror that I think looks wrong"). Despite its insecure lyrics, the song is pure '80s-influenced pop. A simple four-on-the-floor beat, a soaring chorus, and textbook use of Rodrigo's upper range are all delectable, but the song then rolls into a bridge nearly as perfect as the one in "Drivers
License."
The standard edition of the album has 12 great songs, but these first two stand out to her fans. Even though she is only 20, Rodrigo's fans think that her thoughts are very relatable, no matter how old you are.
