While in Chicago on the GUTS World Tour, Olivia Rodrigo announced the deluxe version of her sophomore album “GUTS” would release on March 22; the clever title of this extended project being “GUTS (spilled).” Fans could now hear bonus tracks included on the different vinyl variants from the album’s initial release in September 2023. In addition to those four songs, a fifth song called “so american” is the final track of the deluxe edition.
The first track, “obsessed,” has quickly become a fan favorite as she performs it as part of her set on tour. It keeps the same rock sound that is found throughout the rest of the album, while adding an angst that comes with being a 19- or 20-year-old. The premise of the song is simple: she’s obsessed with her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. With lyrics: “‘Cause I know her star sign, I know her blood type” Rodrigo showcases the feeling of being insecure in a relationship because of a past love.
“girl i’ve always been” is a different sound than we’ve heard before. It uses an acoustic guitar and has an almost-folk sound to it. If you’ve seen “The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbird and Snakes,” it’s similar to Lucy Gray’s music. The song expresses how a relationship is ending and her partner is accusing her of changing. In verse two she sings, “So don’t say that I’ve been acting different / I’m nothing if I’m not consistent / You knew everything you’d be getting / I told you right from the beginning.” While this song isn’t my favorite, I like the message of staying true to yourself, especially in a bad relationship.
Rodrigo knows how to write a ballad and that statement stands true with the four-and-a-half-minute song “scared of my guitar”. This song ties back into the relationship she sings about throughout the album. In this track she describes pretending that you’re happy in a relationship that you know isn’t good for you. The chorus goes, “But I’m so scared of my guitar / ’Cause it cuts right through to the heart / Yeah, it knows me too well so I got no excuse / I can’t lie to it the same way that I lie to you.” As a songwriter, playing guitar and writing music is a way of therapy and getting things out; not being able to create because you know it’ll show you the truth is something relatable to many.
“Stranger” chronicles the feeling you have when you realize you’ve gotten over someone completely. She sings reliving the hurt of the breakup and how being hopeful that the pain would relieve itself seemed impossible. There’s no bad blood with the other party, but it’s clear that she wants him far out of her life and mind.
Finally, “so american” seemingly hints at a new relationship, possibly with Louis Partridge. The two have been rumored to be together for a few months now and this track does nothing to falsify those rumors. It’s romantic and catchy, and seeing as Rodrigo hasn’t had the best luck with relationships, a track that shows she’s in a happy and healthy relationship gives hope to us all.
Overall, revisiting “GUTS” to listen to the new songs reminded me how talented Rodrigo is and how amazing the powerhouse duo Dan Nigro and her are. I don’t necessarily think these songs add to the story that is “GUTS”, but as bonus songs they work so well with the album.
Rating: 4/5 stars