“Guts” serves as a profound embodiment of the teenage girl experience in 2023.

Following the widespread success of Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, many fans wondered whether her sophomore release would fall short. But Rodrigo unequivocally solidified her position as one of the standout artists of the 2020s. The songs on this album explore the sentiments of being an outsider, navigating through romantic breakups, accepting responsibility for one’s choices, and enduring the heart-wrenching ordeal of losing a cherished friend.

The album commences with the track “All American Bitch,” a composition that offers something for everyone. This is a song you can dance around to yet also cry to. And with its seamless transitions from gentle melodies to impassioned vocal outbursts, it authentically conveys the essence of girlhood, especially from a young woman’s perspective.

In her ballad “Lacy,” positioned as the fourth track, Rodrigo candidly expresses the significance of female adoration. The lyrics, exemplified by “Aren’t you the sweetest thing on this side of Hell?” reveal her intense fascination with Lacy, painting her as an object of idolization. The verse also hints at Lacy’s perceived angelic qualities. Lacy is the idea of an ideal woman–a sentiment that resonates with many young women who constantly measure themselves against others, given the ubiquity of social media.

In “Lacy,” Rodrigo also addresses the pressure to conform to current beauty standards, describing women with flawless skin akin to puff pastry and eyes that radiate like daisies. These kinds of ideals often trigger feelings of inadequacy, elucidating why she feels a sense of inadequacy when comparing herself to them.

The track “Making The Bed” delves into the proverbial saying, “You made your bed, now lie in it,” emphasizing personal accountability. The song conveys a sense of distress about the current state of one’s life, with no one else to blame but oneself. The expression is deepened by Rodrigo’s lyricism in the line “pull the sheets over my head,” symbolizing someone hiding from the fear of the consequences of their actions and their reluctance to take responsibility.

For those who have experienced the challenge of harboring romantic feelings for someone who is not romantically interested, “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” resonates deeply. The song defies its title, offering a compelling three minutes and 24 seconds that vividly captures the sensation of perennially being on the outside looking in. The song is very rock-heavy, with the guitar prominent throughout. 

It provides solace to those who have perpetually felt like misfits. Rodrigo’s performance allows listeners to share in these emotions, fostering a sense of connection and reducing feelings of isolation. This song has been embraced by many neurodivergent individuals as an anthem that acknowledges their experiences, providing an opportunity to dance and be heard without judgment.

Ultimately, “Guts” takes us on a journey through various aspects of what girlhood means in 2023.