Image: YouTube/OliviaRodrigo
On September 8th, Olivia Rodrigo released her sophomore album entitled ‘Guts’ and as a fan, it’s only fitting that I rank my top 5 tracks from the record. I stayed up and listened to the album right when it dropped at midnight and I don’t regret it for a second. For context, I’m in Olivia’s sweet spot as an early twenties, yet teenaged identifying young woman. This album had me reflecting, tearing up, jumping around dancing, and I even let out a few chuckles. This record encapsulates exactly how it feels to be a young woman trying to navigate life, love, and self-image. Rodrigo’s transparency throughout the record made me feel like she was reading straight from my diary, and that’s an incredible skill to have. Needless to say, narrowing down this top 5 list was difficult and you should definitely listen to the full album if you haven’t already.
1. “logical”
Whew. This song took my breath away. Rodrigo talks about how love makes you dumb and reflects on all the things she put up with because of that. So many of us can relate to believing you can change someone, but you can’t. You just end up with your heart and soul crushed. This song describes that feeling. “Why do I do this? I look so stupid.”
2. “the grudge”
Another one that pulls on your heartstrings. Personally, this one means so much to me. This song describes the aftermath of when someone does you wrong and completely alters the way you think. You may be over the situation but that hurt and pain sticks with you. She talks about the strength required to move on and heal. “Now I hear your voice every time I think I’m not enough.”
3. “get him back!”
This is a fun one. I’m absolutely obsessed with Olivia’s 2000s teenage girl sound. Not only is the beat catchy, but the lyrics are funny and relatable. Rodrigo talks about the all-too-relatable feeling of wanting your ex to miss you while also simultaneously missing them. You want them to hurt, but not too much because you still want them. But you know shouldn’t because they suck. “I want sweet revenge and I want him again.” Promise me you’ll listen to this instead of texting him, okay?
4. “pretty isn’t pretty”
This one is for the girls who feel like they’re never good enough. Rodrigo talks about the pain and agony we women put ourselves through because we are constantly chasing perfection. Society constantly tells us we aren’t pretty enough, and this song perfectly describes the emotional toll that takes.
5. “ballad of a homeschooled girl”
Think intro of a coming-of-age film in 2009. This song has such a fun nostalgic beat while also being extremely relatable in its lyrics. Rodrigo talks about the awkwardness that can come from simply interacting with your peers and being yourself. It describes the swings and misses of adolescence and the comedy that comes from it. “Each time I step outside it’s social suicide.”
Now, go enjoy the album for yourself!
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