Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS - Gutsy (pun intended) sophomore album or more mediocrity?

 Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS

 "Sour" was one of these records that I knew were extremely popular, but it took me a long while to actually pay a listen to. It certainly wasn't the worst thing I've heard, but it also failed to leave much of an impression. Lyrically it seemed like just one break-up song after another, whereas only the two main singles were catchy enough for me to return to them. 

"Driver's License" has that stunning chorus, but over time I actually began enjoying "Good 4 U" even more. It's just pure teenage pop-punk fun and I couldn't care less that she ripped-off Paramore (eventually giving them a writing credit). I was never a fan of that band.

"When am I gonna stop being great for my age and just start being good?"

Is "GUTS" more interesting then? Yes, and on many levels. For one thing, the tracks are a lot more consistent without any real duds. What's more, along with the break-up songs we now have themes like lost teenage years, self-discovery, and how Rodrigo is handling her fame. The proportion of punk to ballad also seems much better balanced than on "Sour". It's a sophomore record that expands on her debut and takes a few risks while not venturing too far off the beaten track. It's more aware and allows itself to have fun.

"Vampire" was the first single off this album and you can see why. This chorus was bound to get on the radio and the lyrics are fine as well, depicting a relationship with a boyfriend who was lying to Rodrigo and only dated her because of the newfound fame. "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl" is where "GUTS" peaks pop-punk wise with the ultra-catchy "it's social suicide" as the artist speaks about struggling to socialize with her peers due to her unique lifestyle.

"I'm so tired of being the girl that I am"

"Making the Bed" is perhaps the strongest ballad effort with self-deprecating energy and the realization that the issues Rodrigo's facing are mostly her own fault. "Teenage Dream" is the album closer. While not particularly interesting sonically, this is the most to the point she gets about trying to find herself despite having to deal with such extreme popularity.

"Get Him Back!" and "Bad Idea Right?" are supposed the be the light-hearted, fun tracks. Both serve their purpose quite nicely. Rodrigo also tries to coin herself an "All-American Bitch" in the album's opener, which is a cool phrase (apparently lifted from Joan Didion's book "The While Album), but it never really reaches its full potential.

"I'm planning out my wedding with some guy I'm never marrying"

Some weaker moments? "Lacy" is forgettable and that two-track run of "The Grudge" and "Pretty Isn't Pretty is far from strong as well. The latter track at least has some great high notes in the chorus ("I could change up my body"), but is generally a rather lame attempt at a body positivity anthem. It's a very strong vocal effort though and I love the lazy manner Rodrigo sings in at the beginning of the verses, sort of reminiscent of No Vacation's Sab Mai.

A track that's not getting enough attention is "Love is Embarrassing". Lyrically you could say it's a return to the themes you would encounter on "Sour" and I can't deny that it's not particularly exciting. But I'll be dancing and singing to that chorus in the shower/bathroom/wherever. Sue me. Rodrigo's music, at least at this point of her career, is definitely the most fun when you don't take it 100% seriously. 

But overall, I'm really impressed. It's a solid pop record that deserves to be out there on the radio and isn't cringeworthy. It's a touch more ambitious than her debut and is a much better listening experience as a whole. Excited to hear more as quality radio pop isn't something we have in abundance at the moment.