Spill yer GUTS out – all about pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo

Death, taxes, and childhood Disney actors turned pop stars topping the charts – these things are certain in life. 

It’s a school that boasts the most prestigious alumni in 21st-century pop; Grande, Gomez, Bieber, Cyrus, and now Olivia Rodrigo. 

Rodrigo has just released her second studio album GUTS, and is currently in pole position in Billboards Artist Charts.

With that in mind, we wanted to take the time to deep dive into Rodrigo’s music, and celebrate her career to date. 

But, for those of you who have been living under a rock for the past few years, here’s a quick refresher on the singer’s background.

Who is Olivia Rodrigo?

Olivia Rodrigo is an American singer-songwriter and actress who gained widespread recognition and fame in the music industry in the late 2010s. Olivia first gained prominence for her role as Nini Salazar-Roberts in the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, which premiered in 2019.

However, it was her debut single “Drivers License,” released in January 2021, that catapulted her to international stardom. The song became a massive hit, topping charts worldwide and breaking several records on streaming platforms. “Drivers License” is a poignant and emotional ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and growing up, and it resonated deeply with listeners of all ages.

Olivia Rodrigo’s music is often characterized by its raw and honest lyrics, which touch on themes of love, heartbreak, and the challenges of growing up. She has been praised for her songwriting skills and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply emotional level.

In addition to her music career, Olivia Rodrigo has continued to act, and she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her success at a young age has made her a role model for many aspiring musicians and artists.

So, let’s check out some of her biggest hits to date. 

 

‘Vampire’

‘Vampire’ is the lead single from GUTS, an anthemic pop track that initially disguises itself as a pop ballad before exploding into a near-perfect disco bop. There are even a few expletives used throughout here, so we’re well and truly off the Disney path.

‘Drivers Licence’

One of the biggest pop hits of the decade so far. ‘Drivers Licence’ was released in January 2021. It explores heartbreak and longing, written from the perspective of teenage first love.

The song achieved immense success, debuting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and resonating with a wide audience, especially young listeners facing similar emotions. The music video features Rodrigo driving through scenic locations, adding to the song’s appeal. This track catapulted Olivia Rodrigo into stardom and set the stage for her successful debut album, SOUR. 

‘Good 4 u’ 

‘Good 4 u’  is a pop-punk and alternative rock-influenced track that stands out for its energetic and angsty sound. It was written by Olivia Rodrigo and her frequent collaborator Dan Nigro. The song showcases Olivia’s ability to blend different musical styles and genres.

The track was a commercial success. It received positive reviews from music critics and quickly became a fan favorite, going on to be certified platinum. 

‘get him back!’

‘get him back!’ is a fantastic pop-punk track, laden with distorted guitars and saturated vocals. One of the standout gems from GUTS!.

‘deja vu’ 

One of the most overtly pop tunes from SOUR, ‘deja vu’ was released as a single in April 2021. Written by Rodrigo and Dan Nigro, the track combines pop with indie-pop elements and features introspective and emotionally charged lyrics. ‘Deja Vu’ received positive reviews from critics, charted well, and contributed to Olivia Rodrigo’s ever-growing popularity.