What makes Guts by Olivia Rodrigo notable?

Guts debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Rodrigo's status as a leading voice in contemporary pop music. Its critical reception has been largely positive, with praise for its lyrical depth and emotional authenticity, reflecting both personal and universal themes of growing up. Released on September 8, 2023, Guts is Olivia Rodrigo's sophomore album following her acclaimed debut, Sour. After achieving massive success with her first record and multiple Grammy nominations, this album marks her continued evolution as a singer-songwriter navigating the complexities of young adulthood.

Guts works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, catchy melodies for sing-alongs and relatable themes of youth.

How many songs are on Guts?

Guts has 13 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Guts

Olivia Rodrigo · 2023

41 min · 13 tracks · indie pop

A vibrant exploration of youthful angst and self-discovery, blending pop melodies with candid, introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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vampire — This track showcases Rodrigo's knack for storytelling, combining haunting melodies with a narrative about betrayal that resonates deeply with listeners.
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bad idea right? — The song captures the impulsive nature of youth through catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about making questionable decisions for love.
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lacy — In 'lacy', Rodrigo explores themes of insecurity and comparison, employing vivid imagery that invites listeners into her personal struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar pop templates.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo with upbeat tracks, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower songs.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
catchy melodies for sing-alongs
relatable themes of youth
mid-tempo reflective listening
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on September 8, 2023, Guts is Olivia Rodrigo's sophomore album following her acclaimed debut, Sour. After achieving massive success with her first record and multiple Grammy nominations, this album marks her continued evolution as a singer-songwriter navigating the complexities of young adulthood.
Stylistic neighbors: Gracie Abrams· Phoebe Bridgers· Billie Eilish