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The 10 Most Essential Olivia Rodrigo GUTS Songs (Including The New 'Spilled' Tracks)

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Olivia Rodrigo’s sophomore album, GUTS, is not just a collection of songs; it’s a raw, unfiltered diary entry that expertly navigates the turmoil of young adulthood. Released in late 2023, the album immediately shattered expectations, proving that her debut, SOUR, was no fluke, but merely the first chapter in a powerful musical narrative. As of late 2025, the album continues to dominate charts globally, cementing its status as a generation-defining record.

The conversation around the album became even fresher and more intense with the release of the deluxe version, GUTS (spilled), in March 2024, which added five brand-new, highly-anticipated tracks. This expanded edition has given fans and critics alike a deeper look into the emotional complexity of Rodrigo's songwriting, blending angsty pop-punk anthems with gut-wrenching ballads. The album has surpassed 8.7 million total equivalent sales worldwide and continues to hold strong on Billboard and Official Charts.

Olivia Rodrigo: A Brief Profile and GUTS Album Overview

Olivia Isabel Rodrigo, born on February 20, 2003, is an American singer-songwriter and actress who first gained prominence with her roles on Disney television shows. Her music career exploded in 2021 with the release of her debut single, "drivers license," followed by the critically acclaimed album SOUR. This work established her as the voice of Gen Z, known for her candid lyrics about heartbreak, insecurity, and teenage angst.

GUTS, released on September 8, 2023, and later expanded with GUTS (spilled) on March 22, 2024, is a deliberate, louder, and more rock-infused evolution of her sound. The album successfully breaks the dreaded "sophomore album curse" by tackling themes of societal pressures, self-loathing, and the overwhelming confusion that comes with transitioning into a young adult.

The record’s success is a testament to its relatability and musical craftsmanship, earning multiple Grammy nominations, including nods for the tracks "Vampire" and "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl."

The 10 Essential Tracks That Define the GUTS Era

From the raw opening salvo to the reflective closing notes of the deluxe edition, these ten songs are the emotional and musical pillars of the GUTS experience.

1. all-american bitch (Track 1)

This explosive opener is arguably one of Rodrigo's best songs to date. It masterfully chronicles the impossible dichotomies and pressures placed upon young women in America. The song shifts dramatically between a soft, acoustic melody and a cathartic, grunge-rock chorus, embodying the internal conflict of trying to be "everything all the time." It sets the tone for the entire album: raw, angry, and deeply insightful.

2. vampire (Track 3)

The album's lead single is a dramatic, piano-driven ballad that quickly became a global hit and received multiple Grammy nominations. The lyrics use the metaphor of a "vampire" to describe a manipulative, older love interest who drained her emotionally and financially. It’s a powerful showcase of her vocal range and her ability to craft a cinematic narrative around personal betrayal.

3. ballad of a homeschooled girl (Track 5)

A fast-paced, pop-punk anthem that perfectly captures the anxiety of social awkwardness and feeling perpetually out of place. This track also received a Grammy nomination, highlighting its sharp, humorous, and deeply relatable lyrics about overthinking every social interaction.

4. bad idea right? (Track 2)

This is the album's most playful and self-aware track, featuring spoken-word delivery and a garage-rock sound. It details the internal, back-and-forth argument about going back to an ex, even though she knows it’s a terrible decision. The song’s infectious energy and conversational style make it a standout earworm.

5. lacy (Track 4)

A haunting, acoustic track that dives into the complex emotions of jealousy, obsession, and comparison towards another woman. The song explores the feeling of inadequacy and the toxic cycle of comparing oneself to an idealized, beautiful rival, a theme that resonates deeply with the pressures of social media and public life.

6. making the bed (Track 6)

A more introspective ballad about the feeling of being overwhelmed by her own success and the pressures that come with it. It’s a moment of reflection where she acknowledges that her current situation, whether good or bad, is largely a result of her own choices—a mature realization for a young artist.

The Essential Five: New Tracks from GUTS (spilled)

The deluxe version, released in March 2024, took the original album’s themes and "spilled" them out with five new tracks. These songs were originally B-sides from the album’s vinyl releases and offer a deeper, more candid look into her creative process.

7. obsessed (Track 15, Deluxe)

This track is a fan favorite from the deluxe edition. It's an upbeat, catchy song that details the emotional rollercoaster of being obsessed with an ex-boyfriend’s new partner. The song is unflinching, showcasing her hallmark approach to songwriting with hard-to-witness vignettes of her worst impulses.

8. girl i’ve always been (Track 17, Deluxe)

A more laid-back, country-tinged track that serves as a defiant statement against the media and public perception. Rodrigo sings about not needing to change for anyone, asserting that the "girl I've always been" is still underneath the pop star façade. This song is a refreshing shift from the heartbreak and anxiety, offering a moment of confident self-acceptance.

9. scared of my guitar (Track 18, Deluxe)

This acoustic, soft ballad is a poignant moment where she admits that her guitar is the one place she can't lie to herself. The song explores the fear of confronting her true emotions, which only come out when she's alone and writing music. It’s a beautiful insight into the vulnerability of her songwriting process.

10. so american (Track 20, Deluxe)

Often speculated to be about her relationship with British actor Louis Partridge, "so american" is the first song in her discography that is purely about being in love and happy. It's an upbeat, joyful track that contrasts sharply with the angst of the rest of the album, celebrating a simple, sweet romance and her American identity in contrast to her partner's British one.

The Topical Authority of GUTS: Why the Album Endures

The enduring popularity and critical success of GUTS stem from its ability to perfectly articulate the messy, contradictory experience of coming of age. The album oscillates between the high-energy, pop-punk sound of artists like Avril Lavigne and the raw, emotional depth of classic singer-songwriters. This duality is what makes her work feel both nostalgic and entirely current.

The themes of the album—from the inadequacy explored in "lacy" to the social anxiety of "ballad of a homeschooled girl" and the media scrutiny in "pretty isn't pretty"—create a powerful topical authority. Rodrigo isn't just singing about teenage heartbreak; she's dissecting the systemic pressures of modern life for young women. Her lyrical honesty, coupled with a more mature and varied musical palette than her debut, has secured her place as a major artistic force in the music industry. The ongoing success of the vinyl editions and its continued presence on global charts highlights that fans are still actively engaging with and purchasing the music, demonstrating its long-term cultural impact.

olivia rodrigo guts songs
olivia rodrigo guts songs

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