Olivia Rodrigo – “Guts”

With Guts, Olivia Rodrigo makes it clear that she has little interest in smoothing out her edges or chasing the kind of hyper-polished pop stardom many expected after Sour. Instead, she leans into imperfection, volatility and emotional messiness, embracing contradiction rather than trying to package herself as universally relatable. The result is an album that feels louder, angrier and more self-aware while still maintaining the melodic instincts that made her debut resonate so strongly.

A big part of that shift comes from Rodrigo’s mindset going into the album. Rather than attempting to recreate the lightning-in-a-bottle success of Sour, she allows herself to sound unflattering at times, emotionally reactive and even petty. There is an honesty in that choice that gives Guts its backbone. Rodrigo is not trying to be likable on every track. She is trying to be truthful to where she is emotionally, even when that truth is uncomfortable.

Dan Nigro returns as producer, but the sonic palette here is noticeably different. While Sour flirted with alternative influences, Guts dives headfirst into a 90s alt-rock-inspired sound. Distorted guitars, crunchy bass lines and dynamic shifts take center stage, giving the album a rawer and more aggressive feel. The production is still clean, but it never feels overproduced, allowing the songs to retain their bite.

Rodrigo has often been compared to Alanis Morissette, and that influence is far more apparent on Guts than it ever was on her debut. She sounds more confrontational, more sarcastic and more willing to weaponize her frustration. The album thrives on that tension, especially when she balances bitterness with humor rather than self-pity.

Lyrically, Guts is about growing up in real time under a microscope. Rodrigo grapples with sudden fame, the expectations placed on her, romantic disappointment and the anxiety of entering adulthood without a roadmap. There is a constant push and pull between confidence and insecurity, often within the same song, which makes the album feel emotionally restless in a way that suits its title.

“All-American Bitch” sets the tone perfectly. It opens with a piano intro that briefly recalls the intimacy of Sour before exploding into a snarling chorus, signaling that this album is not interested in playing it safe. “Love Is Embarrassing” is one of the album’s sharpest moments, with Rodrigo leaning fully into self-depreciation as she dissects the humiliation of falling too hard for someone who did not deserve it. “Vampire,” the lead single, is a masterclass in restraint, slowly building tension before unleashing a cathartic second half that flips the song on its head.

One of Rodrigo’s greatest strengths continues to be her razor-sharp wit. Tracks like “Get Him Back!” showcase her ability to play with language and double meanings while delivering lines that feel both cutting and playful. Vocally, she sounds more confident and versatile than ever, moving seamlessly between vulnerability and fury without losing control.

Even the softer moments on Guts feel purposeful. Ballads and mid-tempo tracks are placed thoughtfully and never come across as obligatory cooldowns. They provide emotional contrast without diluting the album’s intensity, reinforcing the sense that every song earns its place.

Ultimately, Guts succeeds because it refuses to sand down its rough edges. It is messy, confrontational and occasionally unflattering, but that is exactly what gives it staying power. Rodrigo proves she is not just reacting to fame, but actively shaping her voice within it, and in doing so, she delivers a sophomore album that is bolder and more assured than anyone could have reasonably expected.

For Fans Of:

• Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill

• Paramore – After Laughter

• Avril Lavigne – Under My Skin