Olivia Rodrigo penetrated the music scene about as successfully as any artist could dream. Her 2021 debut single, “drivers license,” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks. Four months later, she released her debut album, “SOUR,” which soon became the longest-running debut album in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 in the 21st century.
On Sept. 8, 2023, she followed up her initial release with her sophomore album, “GUTS,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Similarly to Rodrigo herself, her music has only matured in sound and strength.
“all -american bitch”
The leading track off of “GUTS” kicks down the door upon its arrival. With a title that cleverly juxtaposes two common labels that women receive, “all-american bitch” balances outward poise and guttural rage. Rodrigo paints the idealistic picture of the American sweetheart with tonal and lyrical precision. This depiction contradicts the turbulent headspace that such high expectations create for young women.
Holding a soft note, Rodrigo assures her listeners, “I make light of the darkness / I’ve got sun in my motherfuckin’ pocket.” This hint of animosity in the first verse employs explicit language in a seemingly sweet line to foreshadow the repressed ire Rodrigo chokes down daily in order to meet society’s standards. The expletive prepares the listener for the essence of the song: Rodrigo, in all her perfection and grace, contends with inner bitterness. The song portrays this contradiction cleverly. Rodrigo sings just as serenely as she describes herself in the verses, but in the chorus, she unleashes her pent-up attitude: “I’m a perfect all-American bitch.”
Listeners hear Rodrigo’s acrimony more than ever in the bridge. The singer revels, “I scream inside to deal with it, like ‘Ah’” — screaming in a high-pitched tone into the next line. The music keenly mirrors Rodrigo’s warring personas. The gentle verses engage only an acoustic guitar, which further represents the splendid good girl image that Rodrigo effuses. Meanwhile, the chorus and bridge boast an electric guitar riff and slamming drum beat. The instrumental variation illustrates the ongoing battle that Rodrigo and young females face in the quest to attain that quintessential American girl charm.
“logical”
Behind the “bitch” persona hides a deeply sensitive young girl, as Rodrigo showcases in “logical.” Rodrigo recounts a past relationship where her partner’s manipulation tactics were so effective that she second-guessed herself into delusions that a solution to their issues existed. Despite the relationship’s notable toxicity, Rodrigo recalls, “But you convinced me, baby / It was all in my mind.”
Her partner’s gaslighting prompted Rodrigo to question basic logic. She doubted herself in order to continue loving her partner. If she hadn’t, they wouldn’t have had a chance. Upon reflection, however, Rodrigo is finally able to see “The way it all unraveled / And all the things [he] did to [her].” Her faith in his words makes Rodrigo question her own intelligence when she considers the events that unfolded. She deems herself “stupid” and admits, “I know I’m half responsible.”
Despite all the lies and schemes she endured, Rodrigo holds herself accountable for not ending things before they grew rotten. This is a bold statement coming from someone who was misled and verbally abused. If Rodrigo still believes she bears some blame for the wounds of this relationship, she must still be healing.
This track is striking in its stripped appearance — sonically and metaphorically. Rodrigo supplements her touching voice with only a piano. As a result, she achieves a moving ballad full of heartbreak and deranged hope. The song is beautiful in its conclusion that “Love is never logical.”
“get him back!”
Rodrigo resorts to vengeance in the following track, “get him back!” She begins the song with a certain nonchalance in her voice as she details a short-lived romance that had its ups and downs. Her tone conveys annoyance as she retells the trends of the relationship — almost like she’s catching up with a close friend. At the same time, she acknowledges the compulsion she still has toward her ex, pointing out his positive traits. The bittersweet structure of their relationship establishes a double meaning in the song’s title.
Rodrigo claims, “I wanna get him back.” Initially, this thought signifies retaliation. She concedes, “I wanna make him really jealous, wanna make him feel bad.” Listeners prepare to hear Rodrigo elaborate on her retribution arc. However, after another consideration of the titular phrase, Rodrigo yearns for the restoration of the relationship: “‘Cause then again, I really miss him, and it makes me real sad.”
Simultaneously, she desires justice for her heart and a return to the familiar relationship. In the same breath, she remarks, “I want sweet revenge and I want him again.” She fantasizes about a way to attain both.
The bridge displays this dualism adeptly. Rodrigo wishes to “kiss his face,” that is, “with an uppercut.” She aspires to hurt him and then watch him run back into her arms for consolation. Rodrigo has had just enough distance from the relationship to grow capable of loathing. At the same time, she still misses the highs from their time together. This turbulent period of recovery is all too familiar to most, as mixed feelings about a past relationship are a necessary part of reconciliation. Once again, Rodrigo shares a narrative that listeners can relate to. This, in addition to the infectious cool-girl drum and guitar combo, drives listeners to listen again and again, until they too can recite Rodrigo’s multidimensional lyrics.
Unsurprisingly, “GUTS” is already making strides. According to Billboard, the album “is currently outselling the rest of the top 10 combined.” Such domination is indicative of the probability that “GUTS” will surpass the ranks of “SOUR,” which is no small feat. With her sly lyrics and captivating beats, Rodrigo continues to excel in her creation of chart-topping songs. Most listeners would agree that producing a third album in the coming years wouldn’t be too bad an idea. Whatever is next for Rodrigo, there’s no doubt that she will only multiply her stardom in the music industry and expand her creative output.
