Big news for the perpetual teenagers (like me): We’re getting a new Olivia Rodrigo album this year.
On Jun. 27, the three-time Grammy winner and new member of the 20something club finally confirmed that OR2 is set to arrive on Sept. 8, and unveiled the title (sorry conspiracy theorists, it’s not “Sweet”): “GUTS”.
“My sophomore album GUTS comes out September 8th. I am so proud of this record and I can’t wait to share it with you all! U can presave it now! Xoxoxoxo,” the Gen Z pop star wrote on Instagram. The post features what seems to be the album’s current cover art, as the image also appears on her official web store housing the sophomore album’s merch, CDs, and vinyls. After the success of her debut effort “Sour,” to say that this record is much-anticipated is an understatement.
Prior to the announcement, Olivia teased “Vampire,” her upcoming song set to release on Jun. 30. The single art shows a black-and-white snapshot of Olivia’s side profile, with two purple Band-Aids on her neck. Another recent Instagram post, with a “How do you lie?” repetition, possibly clues us in on the lyrics.
In a message to her fans, Olivia shared that she’s worked with “Sour” producer Dan Nigro in New York City and Los Angeles for her second album, and that most of the project chronicles her last year as a teenager: “I made the bulk of this album during my 19th year on this earth, a year that, for me, was filled with lots of confusion, mistakes, awkwardness, and good old-fashioned teen angst.”
Universally, the transition to (society-approved) young adulthood really is a lair of canon events. In another statement, the singer-songwriter further reveals the scope of this chapter: “I feel like I grew 10 years between the ages 18 and 20—it was such an intense period of awkwardness and change. I think that’s all just a natural part of growth, and hopefully the album reflects that.”
While we’re a couple of days away from getting a peek into this new era via “Vampire,” I’m sure there are folks like me who are wondering if some of Olivia’s unreleased tracks will find a home in this record. Sure, her recent descriptions about “GUTS” make me think it will feature newer, literally never-before-heard creations, but I can’t help thinking where all her previous gems—mostly borne on Instagram—would end up in.
One of them is “Twilight Song,” which is currently most people’s easy top speculation given the vibe we’re currently seeing with “GUTS”. The lyrics seem to be inspired by the story of “Twilight’s” Bella and Edward—even Ashley Greene, who played Alice Cullen in the vampire fantasy franchise, loved it.
@entertainmenttonight Alice Cullen didn’t see this Olivia Rodrigo song in her future. 😭 #twilight #oliviarodrigo #alicecullen #ashleygreene #twlightsaga #edwardcullen #bellaswan #fypシ ♬ original sound – Entertainment Tonight
Another one I’m wishing for a studio version is “Creature of Habit”. With a clip still existing on Olivia’s TikTok profile, I’d say the lyricism’s air of mystery could also fit the “GUTS” tracklist. In the same page, you’d also find a snippet where she spotlights “L-O-V-E” through a cute romantic story.
@livbedumb“creature of habit” live from my living room floor♬ original sound – Olivia Rodrigo
@livbedumbhi! my first tik tok! my name is olivia and I write songs a lot! hope u like dis one!♬ original sound – Olivia Rodrigo
There’s also “21st Century Girls,” which sounds like a sibling of “Jealousy, Jealousy”—too relatable that there’s already some covers of it on TikTok despite being unreleased.
If “GUTS” is going towards a darker and stranger atmosphere, “Pay Grade” (“With death and taxes, what’s the point of trying to be happy?”) and “White Flowers” (“Losing yourself in someone isn’t heaven, it’s hell”) have potential to blend in, too.
And of course, who’d forget meet-cute anthem “Gross,” which doesn’t only showcase Olivia’s impressive songwriting, but also her clapping skills? (For some reason, the play on the title is giving the same vibe as “GUTS” as well.)
While waiting for her new music, you can relive your “Sour” era with a quiz.
Read more:
The best albums of 2021, according to the Scout team
Our top 5 performances at the 2022 Grammys
QUIZ: What ‘Sour’ by Olivia Rodrigo song are you crying to tonight?
Photos from Olivia Rodrigo’s Instagram