An Emotional “GUTS” Punch

Ephraim Rosenstock, Staff Writer • September 27, 2023

GUTS, the widely anticipated sophomore album of singer Olivia Rodrigo, was released on September 8, 2023. Expectations following her massive debut, SOUR, were high. They were both met and exceeded. Rodrigo offers more mature, cohesive, and intimate songs, culminating in an overall superior album. Throughout, she explores growing up in the spotlight, love, and heartbreak through emotional pop-rock ballads. While it doesn’t veer too far off the beaten path with regards to SOUR, you should certainly give it a listen. However, if you don’t have time to listen to all of it, the best songs on it are: “All-American B**ch,” “Get Him Back,” “vampire,” “Grudge,” and “Logical.”

GUTS Album Cover. Image via Olivia Rodrigo through Chuffmedia.

Overall, the album was great – perhaps superior to her last. It seems that Rodrigo has a long and amazing career ahead of her! However, it isn’t nearly unique or good enough to compare with the best albums in history – it’ll never be ranked alongside globally heralded pop masterpieces like Thriller, 21, and The Stranger.

Throughout GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo and her co-writers have once again expressed their lyrical talent. From “All-American B**ch” – a song about the social expectations of women – to “vampire” – which talks about an older ex who took advantage of her – to “Teenage Dream” – a wistful song about how she couldn’t always be “your teenage dream.” Lyrically, the album performs.

GUTS is a pop-rock album, like SOUR, and remains as musically interesting as the latter. It’s sonically consistent throughout, and you can listen and enjoy it in one sitting. It also joins the ranks of very few Disney alumni albums that aren’t “robot pop.” The one slightly unfortunate feature of the album is its resemblance to SOUR – while fresh, it isn’t entirely new.

GUTS Rating:

Overall: 7/10

Lyrically: 8/10

Musically: 7/10

About the Contributor

Ephraim Rosenstock, Staff Writer

Ephraim “Ephi” Rosenstock is a freshman at La Jolla High and is thrilled to be beginning his first year on the Journalism team as a staff writer for Hi-Tide. His primary goal whilst here is to serve the community through informing them about important events. He has a keen interest in world politics and events and wants to continue developing his perspective on them. Ephi also hopes that he can build his understanding of the student body via interviews and polls. Throughout the class he wants to improve his writing skills, critical thinking skills, people skills, and storytelling. He is delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the Hi-Tide and hopes to have an amazing school year!