Olivia Rodrigo has officially returned with the release of her sophomore album, GUTS. With punky anthems like "bad idea right?" and complex emotional ballads like "lacy," this genre-spanning album seems to bring out all the feels for teenagers, who are in their twenties.
The new album, written and produced with longtime collaborator Daniel Nigro, focuses on entering adulthood and coming-of-age, while highlighting emotions of insecurity, envy and longing.
It's been two years since her ground-breaking debut album SOUR, which landed her seven GRAMMY nominations and three wins — the latter for Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance ("drivers license") at the 2022 GRAMMYs.
To mark the arrival of GUTS, the three-time GRAMMY winner posted a heartfelt Instagram letter to her fans.
"Hey guys! Today is the day my sophomore album GUTS is out everywhere!" she wrote. I feel so many feelings, I feel excited, nervous, proud but mostly I feel so grateful. I feel grateful for everyone on my team who believes in me & supports me so unwaveringly.
"I feel grateful for my collaborator Dan who pushes me & inspires me and without whom this album wouldn't have been possible," she continued. "I feel so immensely grateful for everyone who has so generously supported me over the past few years."
Rodrigo also posted behind-the-scenes content of the making of GUTS, including songs recorded in her notes app, recording sessions and Nigro playing numerous tambourines.
"For me, this album is about growing pains and trying to figure out who I am at this point in my life," Rodrigo told Variety. "I feel like I grew 10 years between the ages of 18 and 20 — it was such an intense period of awkwardness and change. I think that's all just a natural part of growth, and hopefully the album reflects that."
Most listeners seem to agree that Rodrigo is inspired by the early 2000's main character trope, due to the nostalgic feel of the album. Fans worldwide are obsessing over GUTS' pop-rock elements and sharing their reactions over social media.
How it feels being an Olivia Rodrigo fan over the age of 25 pic.twitter.com/MeftoSQxoT
— Joe (@popgoesjoe) September 8, 2023
olivia rodrigo is so good at her sound😭 every song genuinely sounds like it could be on the soundtrack for a coming of age film like this is crazy
— big ceo (@korysverse) September 8, 2023
teenagers in their twenties when they listen to GUTS by olivia rodrigo pic.twitter.com/jOTYxq3DNL
— jake without the gyllenhaal (@unfortuhnate) September 8, 2023
olivia rodrigo has a way of writing the girlhood experience in a way that feels like she’s lived your exact life and is giving you a hug and saying she understands with her music
— bell⋆ 🍉 (@spiderlingdaya) September 8, 2023
Lacy is probably one of Olivia Rodrigo best songs…like my chest hurts rn
— Nicolas is a cowboy (@niggaolas) September 7, 2023
olivia rodrigo just knows how to get that teeny beat DOWNNNN . i literally feel like i’m the main character in a 2005 teen movie
— ⭐️ (@hescutelatino) September 8, 2023
Fans also reacted to a possible tour announcement Rodrigo hinted at in her 'making the bed' As the lyrics appear on screen, a GUTS world tour ticket appears on the right side. Fans are thrilled for this potential tour teaser, while also speculating when she'll announce the tour dates.
To longtime Rodrigo fans, this new album era feels like "deja vu." Keep a lookout for upcoming news about Rodrigo — as well as those tour dates.
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