Olivia Rodrigo dropped her sophomore album, “GUTS,” on Sept. 8, 2023. Piercing, reckless and full of angst, this album is the perfect soundtrack for all of the 20-something teenage girls out there. Following her previous artistic endeavor, “SOUR,” Rodrigo continues to seamlessly reflect on her questionable romantic choices over the years in a way that forces you to relate. This 12-song album is 39 minutes of girlhood to its core, ranging from jealous ballads to punk-rock anthems about waking up in your ex’s bed. Again. 

“all-american bitch” kicks off the musical escape, garnering inspiration from Joan Didion’s book “The White Album.” To be an American woman is to be sensual yet virginal, beautiful yet humble, and always appreciative for what you have. Rodrigo explores the impossibility of morphing into what is considered the “perfect girl” in a sea of contradictions. The chorus screams “Forgive, and I forget/ I know my age and I act like it,” clapping back at the familiar phrase “act your age.” As the guitars shred, almost like a tantrum, the musicality immediately reverts back to twinkly acoustic strums, a complete juxtaposition. As the song reaches a climax, Rodrigo builds up frustration: “I know my place, I know my place and this is it/ I don’t get angry when I’m pissed, I’m the eternal optimist.” Women are not supposed to get angry, right? Then, she screams. Not a stylized, musical scream—a full on meltdown. Fed up with having to suppress her emotions, Rodrigo concludes with reciting her affirmations, keeping herself in check: “Oh, all the time, I’m grateful all the time (All the fucking time)/ I’m sexy and I’m kind, I’m pretty when I cry.” 

Another feature of the quintessential girlhood experience is the dreaded hookup with an absolute loser. “bad idea, right?” acknowledges this directly in the title. Opening with a door squeak and a hushed greeting, Rodrigo immediately immerses the audience into the scene of the crime. “I tripped and fell into his bed!” It is amazing how alcohol and delusion can trick your brain into thinking a drunk hookup with your ex will remedy your wounded self-esteem. A flurry of blah blah blahs drown out any sensible thought Rodrigo has in her mind, begging her not to do this. Will you regret this in the morning? “Fuck it, it’s fine.” 

In a complete 180, Rodrigo flirts with the idea of actually getting back together with said ex. “get him back!” is a chaotic mix of eye-rolling and revenge seeking. “He had an ego and a temper and a wandering eye/ He said he’s six-foot-two, and I’m like, ‘Dude, nice try.’’’ Rodrigo begins by recounting her tumultuous relationship, simultaneously dissing and missing the “fame fucker,” coined earlier in the album with lead single “vampire.” The chorus reveals the double entendre that lies within the title: “I wanna make him really jealous, wanna make him feel bad… ’Cause then again, I really miss him, and it makes me real sad.” She even drags his mom into the mix during the bridge—that is when you know it is serious. Channeling her inner Carrie Underwood, the listener can really picture Rodrigo slashing her ex’s tires in a fit of rage. Or writing him love letters. I cannot seem to decide, and neither can Rodrigo. 

Overall,  “GUTS” is the ideal album to scream as you egg your ex’s house. From embarrassing realizations (“love is embarrassing”) to echoey acoustic ballads (“lacy”), there is truly a song everyone can relate to. Accurately embodying the kaleidoscope of emotions that is girlhood, listening to her latest work makes you feel like you have been cheated on in the best way possible.

Photo: MAC SHOOP FOR ROLLING STONE