Olivia Rodrigo has defied the second album curse with her acclaimed release "Guts," hailed by critics as the best new album of 2023. This messy, intimate, and coming-of-age record, filled with punk-pop anthems and poignant ballads, claimed the top spot in a "poll of polls" compiled by BBC News.
In an interview with the BBC, Rodrigo described "Guts" as a "happier" and "more playful" album compared to her debut, "Sour." Inspired by her upcoming tour, the record embraces a rockier sound. Rodrigo expressed the cathartic experience of singing these songs in a live setting.
Released in September, "Guts" achieved chart-topping success in both the UK and the US. It garnered six Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year. Renowned publications such as Rolling Stone praised it as "another instant classic," while AllMusic commended Rodrigo as an artist with a distinctive voice and powerful storytelling.
While "Sour" primarily explored a tumultuous relationship, "Guts" delves into themes of fame, pain, ambiguous connections, self-sabotage, and the complexities of entering adulthood. The tracks, including "Vampire," addressing a parasitic relationship, and "All-American Bitch," tackling societal expectations on women, showcase Rodrigo's lyrical depth.
The album's production, marked by loud melodies and clever tricks, complements Rodrigo's powerhouse vocals, capturing the sarcasm and resentment of a teenager. "Guts" earned the top spot on 25 "end-of-year" lists from various outlets, including NME, Rolling Stone, the Times, Australia's Double J, and France's Les Inrockuptibles magazine.
Critics assigned points to records based on their positions in these lists, with "Guts" securing widespread acclaim for its authenticity and musical prowess.
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