Album Review // Olivia Rodrigo // GUTS

Geffen/Interscope

4/5 stars

Olivia Rodrigo's sophomore album unleashes all the potential she showcased on SOUR with megaton fury.

At first look, GUTS appears to be a borderline retread of Olivia's previous project: the album covers share similar stylistic elements, the singles bounce between singer-songwriter and pop punk aesthetics, etc. However, the real success of GUTS is how it takes these elements and advances them to the nth degree.

A clear example of this improvement is the album's lead single "vampire," detailing a situation in which a boy took advantage of her, where Olivia showcases the artistic maturation she's undergone in just two short years. The lyrics are more vivid and biting than ever before, and the production is a feast with every listen, revealing another layer. The track is a perfect piece of anger-tinged heartbreak.

This level of improvement is present throughout all of GUTS. The album alternates styles seamlessly, flowing from one track to the next. The soft acoustics of "lacy" fits perfectly next to the reverb guitars on "ballad of a homeschooled girl." Every song builds to Olivia's "teenage dream," reflecting on the complex journey of growing up under the spotlight. GUTS is a clear sign that Olivia's pop dominance will continue to reign supreme for some time.