Vulnerability is the best aspect of an artist’s career. 

Grammy award-winning singer Olivia Rodrigo is the best representation of emotional vulnerability who people, like me, are drawn to. Her songs have always resonated with my emotional connection to people and are sometimes dramatic renditions of events in my life. Her relatability to the masses through her lyrics is why she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. 

On Sept. 8, Rodrigo released her second studio album ‘GUTS’ with 12 songs on the tracklist, two of them singles. Despite my love for her songs, such as “happier” and “deja vu,” from her debut album ”SOUR” in 2021, I was skeptical. Not only would it be hard to follow up such an explosive debut, but her originality could’ve diminished over the years. 

However, after listening once through “GUTS,” I was proven sorely wrong. 

“GUTS” begins with very strong tracks. Though it’s not what I would usually listen to, I did love the progression of “timid” girl stereotypes into aggressive rage, representing the stereotypical image that girls have to break out of. The opening song sets a tone for the brutally honest themes of “GUTS” and also segues perfectly into her next two tracks. 

“Vampire” and “bad idea right?” are contrasting styles, one being a ballad and the other being a 2000’s inspired pop rock. “Vampire” is a piece I thoroughly enjoyed because of the harmonic chord progressions and minor keys. However, “bad idea right?” grew repetitive and, though interesting in concept, bored me after a few listens. 

Experimentation is definitely a huge theme in “GUTS” due to the intense, polarizing nature of her source material. Her third track, “Lacy,” is believed to be about jealousy to the point of obsession, and it has an ethereal, haunting ambience. On the other hand, songs such as “Love is Embarrassing,” “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” and “Get Him Back!” have loud, aggressive beats, often satirizing or reminiscing on her old relationships and awkward teenage years. 

“GUTS” is an opportunity for Rodrigo to share the many aspects of herself that she felt made her herself, whether it be tackling fame at 19-years-old, harsh beauty standards or growing up. Though I have mixed feelings about the entire tracklist and only love a few, I do appreciate Rodrigo’s desire to push the envelope and put herself out there. These days, it’s desperately needed to have passionate and authentic music, even under scrutiny —- Rodrigo was just one of the few to have the “GUTS” to do it.