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Pop. Rock. Alternative. Folk. Olivia Rodrigo’s music can only be a described as a blend of musical genres created to express the feelings found in a teenage girl. The powerful and emotive smoothie is shown through her album “GUTS,” that came out Sept. 2023 and hit Billboard’s #1 spot, inspired by young adulthood and the confusing feelings that come along with it.
In the rush of it all, Rodrigo began tour in February to promote her album and announced five new tracks at the Chicago Show.
“obsessed,” Rodrigo’s opening song, follows a pop rock theme built throughout the rest of the album. It explores the idea of Rodrigo’s hyperactive compulsion with her partner’s ex-girlfriend whom she compares herself to. Jealousy is a big part of growing up and can be seen in different ways as a young adult. Rodrigo’s vocals alongside the drums and guitar develop an upbeat punk style utilized to express Rodrigo’s internal infatuation with another girl.
“girl I’ve always been,” Rodrigo’s next track on the album, takes a much lighter tone. The folkier music style is a lot different than the rest of the album. Trading the electric guitar for an acoustic one, Rodrigo sings with an almost “country” manner. The theme of the song follows Rodrigo explaining to an ex partner that she is the same girl even after the relationship.
“scared of my guitar,” follows a slower and poignant theme seen earlier in album. Rodrigo explores complex emotions she sees in her guitar representing fears in a relationship. The guitar is a mirror reflecting true feelings she must confront. She then goes on to express her false image of herself that she puts up for her peers, even though they see right through it. The final message develops her fear of being without a partner even though it is her best option.
“stranger,” brings back the acoustic guitar for more of a folky feel. Rodrigo tells about her past relationship and how she has grown since then. The storytelling motif throughout the song develops her own self-discovery and release of her feelings. Her ex-boyfriend is now seen as a “stranger” and someone who doesn’t affect her.
“so american,” explores a theme that has not yet been seen in Rodrigo’s music. Instead of a story about heartbreak, she creates a lovely song about being in love. The fast upbeat tune depicts Rodrigo’s profound feelings in an almost “love letter” like song.
Rodrigo used to be the 17 year old girl singing about her first heartbreak and dedicating an entire album to that universally relatable experience. Her first bitter debut album of “sour”has been replaced by a now 20 year old girl confused in a new world of adulthood.
“GUTS” has explored diverse music styles perfectly to encapsulate the different emotions felt by young woman in society. As an already fan of the original album, I am so happy that Rodrigo has graciously given us five new songs to spill our “guts” over.
