Olivia Rodrigo Releases New Album, “GUTS.” | LISTEN HERE!
Olivia Rodrigo has released her second album, titled “GUTS,” after a span of over two years since her Grammy-winning debut album, “Sour.” Her debut single “Drivers License” catapulted her to chart-topping stardom, and subsequent hits like “Deja Vu” and “Good 4 U” only solidified her position. Prior to the album’s release, she provided a sneak peek with the singles “Vampire” and “Bad Idea Right?”.
Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, “Sour,” propelled her to become one of the most prominent new pop stars since Billie Eilish. It boasted two global number one singles, secured her three Grammy Awards, and featured four songs with over a billion Spotify streams.
In her follow-up album, Olivia Rodrigo plays with double meanings cleverly. Titled “Guts,” it suggests the courage needed to reveal one’s innermost feelings. For example, in her song “Get Him Back!” which features a groovy, Beck-like indie-rap shuffle, she delves into themes of revenge while simultaneously longing to rekindle a connection. This thematic thread runs throughout the album as the 20-year-old artist grapples with the challenge of embracing her youth while feeling like an imposter who struggles with love.
Olivia Rodrigo effortlessly navigates across different musical realms. She’s capable of delivering chart-topping hits with her versatile voice, all while subtly distancing herself from her Disney Channel upbringing. Moreover, she’s been exploring the realms of indie rock and pop-punk, gaining credibility and attracting fans from diverse musical backgrounds. In a recent New York Times profile, renowned artists like St. Vincent and Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill expressed their admiration for her work. Jack White penned a supportive letter, and even Elvis Costello conveyed his happiness rather than legal concerns regarding her song “Brutal,” which bears similarities to his track “Pump It Up.”
“Guts” was primarily crafted in collaboration with former musician Dan Nigro, mostly in his garage studio. This setting likely contributed to the album’s laid-back and relaxed vibe, particularly when the guitars take on a playful and fuzzy quality, as heard in the delightfully self-deprecating “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl.” Olivia Rodrigo manages an almost impossible feat here—maintaining a sense of ease and nonchalance about following up on an album that spent an entire year in the top 10 charts of both the US and the UK, all while consistently delivering clever and skillful songs that undoubtedly secure her a permanent spot on pop’s A-list.
What do you think of the new album? Stay tuned to MusicOnTheRox.com for all your music news and reviews.