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Miel Paek

Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS: Plunging into the abyss of artistic growth

In the fast-paced world of pop music, sophomore albums often serve as a litmus test for an artist's staying power and creative evolution. Enter Olivia Rodrigo, once a Disney prodigy, now a global sensation, with her latest opus, GUTS. It's not a mere piggyback ride on her past triumphs; it's a daring plunge into the abyss of artistic growth.

Rodrigo's first single, ‘all-american bitch,’ ushers in a paradigm shift in her musical universe. Drawing inspiration from a Joan Didion anecdote, she treads the path paved by artists like Lana Del Rey, infusing her melodies with literary gravitas. Here, Rodrigo delves into the intricate web of Asian-American diasporic identity, set against the backdrop of unbridled empowerment. This track is a testimony to her evolving artistry, fusing newfound depth with the buoyant pop sensibilities reminiscent of SOUR classics like ‘brutal’ and ‘jealousy-jealousy’.

Among the gems in GUTS, ‘vampire’ shines the brightest. A heart-rending ballad on heartbreak, it boldly leads the charge as the album's opening salvo. Maintaining a semblance of continuity with her previous work, it also reveals a seismic sonic shift. It's a pivotal moment, a calculated response to past critiques of her work's perceived shallowness. ‘vampire’ exudes complexity and depth, with its multi-layered instrumentals and intricate melodies. The track's crescendo, with synths building to an explosive bridge, paints a vivid musical tapestry. It's a declaration of Rodrigo's commitment to sonic exploration, a testament to her maturing sound, and a showcase of her strengthening vocal range and stability.

While GUTS delves into introspection, Rodrigo hasn't relinquished her knack for infectious hooks and relatable storytelling. ‘ballad of a homeschooled girl’ is a prime example. Its infectious chorus and relatable lyrics about social awkwardness resonate universally, making Rodrigo a voice for all youth alike, everywhere.

Lyrically, Rodrigo continues to excel, delving into the intricate emotions of young adulthood. Tracks like ‘logical’ and ‘the grudge’ explore the nuances of relationships and the accompanying uncertainty. Stripped-down acoustic guitar or classical piano melodies provide poignant backdrops to Rodrigo's soul-baring lyrics.

Production-wise, GUTS exudes sophistication. The lush instrumentation and intricate arrangements, led by longtime collaborator Dan Nigro, propel Rodrigo's songs to new heights.

In a genre often criticised for its shallowness, GUTS is a breath of fresh air. With vulnerability and captivating melodies, GUTS cements Olivia Rodrigo's status as the it girl of our generation—a perfect blend of relatability and otherworldly allure. This album will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark and serve as a musical moment to remember for years to come. Although, unless you are living under a rock, you will have heard a song from GUTS somewhere, I implore you to go have a real listen!


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