The highly anticipated sophomore album from Olivia Rodrigo has arrived, and GUTS is unquestionably a certified banger of an album. Produced by her frequent collaborator Daniel Nigro and partly created at the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York City, GUTS represents a significant leap forward in both the unbridled honesty of Rodrigo’s songwriting and the bold originality of her sound. Critics are already raving about this album, with the New York Times boldly declaring, “Olivia Rodrigo, pop’s brightest new hope, just may be a rock star” in a recent feature on the 20-year-old artist.
This album delves deep into Rodrigo’s personal journey, exploring themes of identity crisis, betrayal, and overnight stardom following her debut album, SOUR. With punk-pop anthems like “all-american bitch” and “bad idea right?” this album packs a punch. Yet, Rodrigo’s verisimilitude songwriting and nods to early 2000s pop make it a gut-wrenching experience, especially with poignant ballads like “vampire” and “teenage dream.” GUTS truly showcases Olivia Rodrigo’s evolution as an artist and solidifies her status as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Take a listen to GUTS now.