The artist’s sophomore album finds her more confident as a musician and a person.

On Sept. 8, singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo released her second album, titled “GUTS.” The 20-year-old previously released “Sour” in May of 2021. It received millions of streams and dozens of awards.

“For me, this album is about growing pains and trying to figure out who I am at this point in my life,” said Rodrigo in a statement to Pitchfork Media. “I feel like I grew 10 years between the ages of 18 and 20 – it was such an intense period of awkwardness and change. I think that’s all just a natural part of growth, and hopefully the album reflects that.”

A common phenomenon in music is the ‘sophomore slump,’ in which an artists’ second album is mediocre compared to their first one. It often just isn’t able to live up to the standards originally set. With “GUTS,” Rodrigo easily beats those allegations. She crafts an unskippable triumph of a record that, come awards season, will likely be a powerhouse. 

The first track, “all-american b*tch,” is an unexpected start. The first minute or so is soft and melodic before it erupts into heavy drums and guitar. It explores themes that are present on the rest of the album, and is a really good opener that lets you know what you’re getting into. 

It wouldn’t be an Olivia Rodrigo album without a ballad, and of course, there are a few good ones. The seventh track “logical” quickly became a fan favorite, and both it and “the grudge” sound like they walked off of “Sour.” Another ballad, “making the bed” speaks to a negative mental state and the singer’s habit of self-isolation. It’s deep and heavy and masterful.

However, where the album shines is on its pop-rock songs, the ones that are more upbeat. The second single, “bad idea right?”, and track eight, “get him back!”, could easily be on a 90s’ high school rom-com. The vocals, production, and heavy instrumentation are so fun. “Oh, I want sweet revenge and I want him again,” Rodrigo chants like a cheerleader in the chorus. The title itself is a double entendre, proven by the lyrics.

The second to last song, “pretty isn’t pretty,” is a good representation of Rodrigo’s skills, a happy, pop-y track with weighty, sad lyrics. Once again, it’s about a negative mental state, and more specifically, bad self-image, which can resonate with a lot of listeners. The instrumentals are soft and light-hearted and reminiscent of a sunny car ride with the windows down. 

Finally, the ending track is titled “teenage dream,” and it’s one hell of an ending track. “Got your whole life ahead of you, you’re only 19,” she sings. If 22 belongs to Taylor Swift, and 17 belongs to Abba, then Rodrigo now owns the age 19. She explores the personal growth she’s had under a spotlight and her residing self-doubts in such a sweet wrap-up to the album. 

“GUTS” showcases all of Rodrigo’s talent as a singer-songwriter, and her ability to create such a theme, or aesthetic. It’s a spectacular record absolutely worth a listen to anyone.