‘Guts (spilled)’ review: Olivia Rodrigo’s bonus tracks elevate the Grammy winner’s original album
- Songs like ‘Obsessed’ and ‘Scared of My Guitar’ tell relatable, vulnerable stories
- ‘So American’ is a public love letter and may be about the singer’s rumoured boyfriend Louis Partridge
Olivia Rodrigo recently dropped the deluxe version of her sophomore album, “Guts”, which includes five bonus tracks. Photo: TNSJust when we thought Olivia Rodrigo’s second album, Guts, couldn’t capture teen angst any further, the Grammy-winning artist dropped the deluxe version of the album, wittingly called Guts (spilled).
The announcement took social media by storm. Rodrigo revealed that the deluxe version of the album would have five bonus tracks: “Obsessed”, “Girl I’ve Always Been,” “Scared of My Guitar,” “Stranger,” and “So American”, as well as a music video for “Obsessed.” Rodrigo had already included “Obsessed” in her concert set list as a teaser for the deluxe album, while the other tracks were released exclusively on vinyl until now.
It’s clear that Rodrigo poured her heart and soul into the tracks, just like she does on every project. The deluxe version of the album elevates the original project and illuminates a side of Rodrigo that her older songs don’t show.
Without further ado, here are our thoughts on the newly released tracks:
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“Obsessed”
This track is an Avril Lavigne-inspired song that channels that crazy inner voice many teens spend time trying to crush. It captures the obsessive, jealous thoughts that roam the back of our heads – even when we don’t want them to – with lyrics like “I got panic rooms inside my head”. Olivia flawlessly details the ugly feeling of being insecure about your partner’s romantic history. It’s a fun, rock 'n' roll track that will be great for karaoke, and the music video – featuring prom dresses and clip-on bangs – is a killer.
Memorable Lyrics:
“I’m staring at her like I wanna get hurt.”
“I’m so obsessed with your ex.”
“The Girl I’ve Always Been”
Rodrigo channels her inner cowgirl in this short but memorable country track. On the surface, this song is a raunchy one about being non-committal and having fun romantically, but it also showcases a girl being unapologetically herself by embracing casual romantic endeavours and not feeling guilty about refusing to be in a long-term relationship. Rodrigo’s lyrics tell a story that will captivate you and make you want to listen to it over and over.
Memorable Lyrics:
“I can’t say I’m a perfect ten, but I’m the girl I’ve always been.”
“Scared of My Guitar”
Just when we thought “The Grudge” was the saddest track on the album, Olivia dropped this heart-wrenching, raw ballad about the fear of being vulnerable and struggling with your feelings. She uses her guitar as a metaphor for her honest, emotional connection with the art she creates. The lyrics strike through your heart, and Rodrigo’s soft, almost broken vocals do nothing to soothe the pain. It’s a deeply personal track that will make you shed a few tears and leave you feeling pensive.
Memorable Lyrics:
“I can’t lie to it the same way I lie to you.”
“Stranger”
This comforting post-break-up song is about that wonderful feeling of finally getting over an ex. It’s about being content with yourself and embracing the small comforts of everyday life, and it reassures you that no matter how bad the heartbreak is, you will be OK.
Memorable Lyrics:
“You’re just a stranger I know everything about.”
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“So American”
Many of Rodrigo’s fans believe this song is a confession of love penned for her rumoured boyfriend, Louis Partridge. It is Rodrigo’s first love song, and as we suspected, she aced it. This tune is exuberant and so, so romantic. “So American” is a public love letter and her way of screaming her feelings from the rooftops.
Rodrigo posted an Instagram story stating that “So American” is her favourite track off the deluxe album, so by the looks of it, this won’t be her last love song.
Memorable Lyrics:
“He’s like a poem I wish I wrote.”