After a few days of settling into Olivia Rodrigo’s second album “Guts,” the sophomore album feels more like an extension of Sour. Rather than diving into more mature topics and sounds, the teenage angst, punk rock sound continues. In this “deluxe” version of her first album, was two years worth the wait?

While the album does have its strong songs, Rodrigo didn’t really change that much. The color scheme is still purple, she still is heartbroken and still very “sour.” The world waited two years for this, and we haven’t really gotten much besides 12 new tracks.

The Other Side

Rodrigo hits all the right notes in 'Guts'

The standout tracks on the record are “vampire,” “making the bed” and “teenage dream.” Those tracks show how she has grown up over a couple years and show where she is going. The musicality of “vampire” makes it a very strong third track. From the soft piano ballad to the heavy, rock infused ending, the song does a good job at showcasing how she’s been hurt. As for the other two, the songs flow really well and have more mature ideas and concepts of growing up and being 19.

It would be a crime comparing track one on “Guts” to track one on Sour. “Brutal” really set the tone for who Olivia is as an artist. “all-american b****” seems a little too similar soundwise, and doesn’t set a good tone for the record. Similarly, “get him back!” is a very childish song. The song could fit on Sour really well. The two tracks don’t show who Olivia is now. Is she still 17?

“Guts” is definitely a grower, but it has really catchy melodies and hooks like in “love is embarrassing” and “bad idea right.” Also the singles she’s released so far are very strong. The album as a whole just doesn’t hit. 

While “Guts” flows better, and lyrically is better, it’s nothing new. It needs to be more unique to show how she’s grown, instead of sounding like “Sour” 2.0. Hopefully, in the future she will change up her sounds, themes, and styles. If not, her career might not last.