I always love when Anthony uses food analogies. “It’s crisp and blackened like a grilled cheese you left on the pan for too long, but you only burn the one half so it’s still good.” I’ll never forget when he said the groove on Skate from Silk Sonic was like a “fat piece of chocolate cake.” Never change dude.
This is such a confident album by someone who still has their whole career ahead of them. I love how it went in more of a rock direction than the debut and I loved how snarky some of Olivia’s lyrics were. Fantastic improvement on an album that was already pretty good.
yeah I was called a gifted kid by teachers all through school and I didn't have NEARLY this kind of skill at 20 :P if it's going up from here, then we're truly blessed
so glad all the pretentious music nerds who follow Melon's every move have to swallow the pill that even music critics as involved with music like Anthony can still enjoy fun, teen pop.
Hard agree on this. The best moments of this record were when Olivia told us more about herself and focused less on guys. She presented very detailed and authentic self reflection on this record and it paid off in dividends.
Very very happy about this review! I feel like Olivia is often compared to SO many other artists and songs but honestly she really brings her own influences very clearly to me. You can hear her musical theatre background but she still keeps it very authentic and honest, which is something that I think is very unique and difficult to do. Really loved and am impressed with the musical range on this album as well as the subject matter she covers. It's very refreshing to have such a strong young female voice in the mainstream again!
Olivia truly outdid herself on this album. I remember when drivers license came out, and I figured I was too old to understand the appeal. Then “good 4 u” came out and I was like “wait this is actually shockingly good??” It seems she took the absolute best from Sour (good 4u, deja vu, brutal) and made an entire album where she takes everything up a notch. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Olivia Rodrigo, a young Disney star, might be the most creative mainstream artist I know of right now. I’m feeling a mix of Alanis Morisette & Lilly Allen on this album, and I love that. I think her artistry is actually undervalued because our culture demonizes things made for a predominantly-female teen / YA demographic. I hope she can transcend the teen-pop image because she’s doing the best pop-punk revival I’ve seen from an A-Lister.
@findingsubtext I definitely agree with @emthegem8141 that your post is eloquently written and you definitely have a way with words! 👏 It's interesting that you said you got some Alanis Morisette from Guts because when I first listened to Drivers License, I immediately thought Olivia reminded me of a young Alanis and I felt the pain in her aching melodies which actually moved me to tears. I first heard that phrase "aching melodies" when VH1 use to spotlight new and upcoming artists as part of their You Oughta Know segments and that's where I first got introduced to Brandi Carlile and they described her "aching melodies" in her music. Aching melodies, love that turn of phrase, another one I like is "Beautiful Disaster" the Kelly Clarkson song.
@@DDotDervin I agree, she definitely echoes some of Alanis in her melodies & song structure. I also think "All American Bich" showcases the similarity at it's strongest. Her use of ironic hyperbole is perfect.
in all seriousness, i'm really glad you liked the album, and that guts is getting raves all around. olivia seems to get a level of vitriol from stan twitter (specifically swifties and their "she's paying critics!!!" allegations) that is completely disproportionate. olivia's work is very true to herself, and she's very good at what she does, and i think that deserves respect.
Anyone who calls themself a "stan" is either a literal child or a very weird childish person, and usually filled with hatred and prejudice, they are not worth anyone's time and should only be ignored
Also with the Swifties claiming she copies everyone from Taylor to Miley instead of realizing that every song at this point is used up and nothing is completely original.
@@ravenswood118 For being half Filipina, she could do better.😂 She's no Gigi De Lana, but she's 20. There's room for growth. Curious where she goes from here.
@@astr0sauce Take a walk down to your nearest hood and let me know if you don't hear this shit bumpin' from a 2005 Nissan Altima that's long over due for an oil change
That description is one of the most fitting notes you've put for an album. GUTS is definitely a teenage pop album, but it's a damn good at one at that. I would have loved to hear this songs during my teenage years, and the level of maturity in her lyrics are nice to hear in a pop rock flair. Some lyrics may be cringey, but they add to the spirit of a yelling teenager that feels very genuine and fun in their moments.
@@giodorayEven when I was a young guy, I was too into non-radio music to really get into music like this. I think the likes of Lorde and, later, Billie Eilish, conditioned me to pay closer attention to some of the better music coming out of the pop realm.
It's pretty clever that she says on Get Him Back, "I am my father's daughter so maybe I could fix him." Her dad is a therapist so fixing people is literally his job. I thought that was a cool line after finding that out.
Anthony should make a separate video about the baseless accusations of plagiarism. Both songs use the most common chords and refrains in pop punk music. I think the main reason why people notice it so much is that the people pointing out the similarities are very young and obsessed with TikTok and don’t have a wide taste or knowledge of music theory
They said that Get him back sounds very similar to Loser from Beck. You can see clearly inspiration but more by the fault of her producer Dan Nigro who makes the sounds similar to the music who he grow in the 90s and 2000s. I doubt that olivia take part on the sound...she's only envolved in the lyrics.
music uses 12 notes. western pop is almost exclusively in 4/4 major key so it ALL sounds similar, but because one song sounds like another to your untrained ear that means it’s stolen. i’m so tired of it.
I didn’t finish it. Too many piano ballads. I think Bad Idea is the only song I really enjoyed, but it’s just a glitzier version of what Dream Wife has been doing for years. Like, they want to sell Olivia as punk-adjacent, but I’ve never heard a punk album where every other song is a ballad.
Excellent review! In recent interviews, Olivia has talked about the perception of her as being precocious and wise beyond her years on SOUR and that perception put pressure on her while trying the make GUTS. She relieved the pressure by focusing on trying to make songs that she wanted to hear on the radio and have more fun. While still maintaining the acute self-awareness from SOUR, Olivia definitely accomplished her goal with the pensively pondering, playfully probing and creatively contradictory lyrics on display throughout the GUTS album. After two months of listening to GUTS, though, I find myself almost exclusively drawn to the songs that are not about an "ex" or reconnecting with an "ex" or any relationship drama. Olivia has said that she is proud of the songs that are not about "break-ups" but about herself and her development as a person. I agree. There are six of them (half of the album): "All-American B--h," "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl," "Making the Bed," Pretty Isn't Pretty," "Teenage Dream," and even "Lacy" (which is more about obsession and envy). It can be argued that all of Olivia's songs are deeply introspective in different ways, but I have become more interested in the songs in which Olivia focuses her introspection on different topics (aside from heartbreak) in an effort to understand herself in relation to the outside world, while always holding herself accountable for her actions. I hope she continues to expand her field of interests and explore more topics and employ her keen intellect, sensitivity, and quirky wit to develop even more inventive and revealing lyrics through even more intense self-examinations.
When I first heard drivers license I was really impressed by her potential and clapped back at a lot of friends saying that somebody who was able to write such a poingnant debut single as DL would have a lot to offer... And here we are! Probably the most impressive thing about GUTS is how much the songs grow and sink into you the more you listen. I kinda care for all the 12 tracks here which is very impressive!
Me too, the song sounds almost mirrored to ‘Perfect’ by The Smashing Pumpkins and hearing that sound again in a mainstream pop song is very special to me.
I underestimated that song in the first listen. I realize it's an important song for a certain demo, but I'm a grown ass man, not suppose to be relatable to me. But melodically speaking, it's a bop. She just knows how to make good hooks.
And what's good about this album is in an Alternative Timeline, Avril Lavigne's third record sounded like Hole and Mellon Collie era Smashing Pumpkins instead of bubblegum pop/pop punk and was produced by Don Gilmore, Rick Rubin and Butch Vig instead of Dr Luke. Fingers crossed Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish don't pull a BDT on their third records
I feel like making the bed is such an underrated song on the album. I've seen a few articles and ratings for that song being the lowest on the album, but it's probably a top 3 song for me on the album.
She just did that song on Tiny Desk a couple days ago & that stripped down version, with just her singing & playing piano was a definite improvement in the song.
Not even joking I actually really enjoyed the progression that Olivia has made. She has a great taste for music and puts her own twist on pop. Olivia, Billie, and the new wave of superstar pop artists have really made some great music recently
Probably the only time Olivia Rodrigo and the Butthole Surfers will be mentioned together. I had the same thought, though. Just shows you that it is possible to be a Butthole Surfers fan AND enjoy this album.
The superpower of a Millennial music nerd like myself is that I have no problem blending in with any musical generation. Take me as an example: Day 1 at Hopscotch, I was at the front row of a Pavement set. Day 2, front row at Denzel Curry's set. Day 3, front row at Japanese Breakfast's set. Earlier this year, I was at a Hootie concert, and in a couple months, you'll see me at an Eagles show. Sandwiched somewhere in between there was Black Midi and Beyonce. All of that seems irrelevant to your comment, except that it shows how a similar personality, around 6 years my senior, can find those kind of cross-generational comparisons.
The thing that stuck out to me about GUTS was how supremely confident the album feels. Olivia Rodrigo leans into all of the best qualities of SOUR and created an album that is both really good and *knows* it's really good.
I absolutely loved this album. I'm in my 30s and it brought back the feelings I had listening to Avril Lavigne and Weezer when I was 13 while still sounding like it was written by a 20 year old in 2023. And speaking of 2023, this year has been fire for rock or rock-related releases: KGLW, Geese, Squid, Boygenius, Foo Fighters, Wednesday, and, who would have thought, someone as mainstream as Olivia Rodrigo.
Seeing older men in the comments who aren't in the target demographic being able to simply enjoy certain songs off this album is refreshing. I sob to "The Grudge" every time, but I think about my parents. We don't talk anymore, but I still think about them often. The lyrics dredged up so many unresolved emotions, the same ones of pain & resentment from abuse coexisting with conflicted yearning for my parents...even now as I'm older. I shed tears over the song. I hear the pain in olivia's voice. Idgaf how pathetic I sound. "I doubt you ever think about the damage that you did But I hold on to every detail like my life depends on it My undying love, now I hold it like a grudge And I hear your voice every time that I think I'm not enough I try to be tough, but I wanna scream How could anybody do the things you did so easily? say I don't care, say that I'm fine But you know I can't let it go, I've tried, I've tried, I've tried For so long It takes strength to forgive, but I don't feel strong The arguments that I have won against you in my head In the shower, in the car & in the mirror before bed Yeah, I'm so tough when I'm alone and I make you feel so guilty I fantasize about a time you're a little fucking sorry And I try to understand why you would do this all to me You must be insecure, you must be so unhappy And I know in my heart, hurt people hurt people we both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal" ...I think these lyrics can resonate with many people. If you have issues of abuse/neglect from parents especially.
@@Otherzideit's the same with Taylor Swift fans. After leaning into folk everyone thought she was Bob Dylan or something. Then Fantano criticizes artists like Ashnikko for having overly edgy lyrics but finds nothing to say when Rodrigo throws out expletives in an attempt to sound more convincing, like at the end if vampire or even the drop of "fucking" in the lyrics quoted above. I'm not against people listening to average music, but when both critics and the general public praise something like this it is mind boggling to me and makes me irrationally irritated lmao
I never thought I’d ever something like this but the instrumental of “get him back” reminds me of the flaming lips. The drum loops, distorted bass, and floaty backup vocals in the first verse along with the gliding synths riddled throughout the track make for such a “melty” listen as you put it.
Goddamn love the Flaming Lips so when I read this I couldn't help but think there ain't no way but just re-listened to get him back and that description is spot on for the sound they had around Yoshimi lmao
I personally barely enjoyed this album but im happy to see "music enjoyers" realizing Fantano can enjoy teen pop, hope yall keep rocking with this record meanwhile
@@Plan-ETs tbh idk, I can listen to anything but the thing is that if it isn't in album format I might ignore it Probably some of my favorite artists would be daft punk,nine inch nails and some bands from my country or near
I think GUTS feels substantial even when considered independently of SOUR. While it follows pretty much the same style, Olivia feels more expressive and comfortable with the style she's dialing in on. I hope we get to hear some creative twists on the pop-punk genre in her next album.
I’m glad this got a very fair and honest review. Olivia is so young and has already garnered an immense audience. Her tour for this album is going to be extremely successful.
Fantano's script was particularly good this time around. Lots of inventive, funny similes and aces deadpan delivery. This album isn't in my wheelhouse at all, but I do always love seeing creatives who're fighting an uphill battle to prove themselves as "legitimate" for one reason or another succeed with flying colors. It's a hell of an accomplishment, especially with how brutal the critic apparatus can be these days.
While I preferred some of the gentler moments of Sour I think Olivia really proved herself on this project as a writer and performer. Bad Idea Right, Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl, and Vampire are fantastic tracks. Really, there isn’t a weak one here. Excited to see what she does in her 20s!
I Geniuenly think Guts is one of the best "Girly teenage pop" records i've heard, but Olivia really needs to get insanely creative and getting out of her comfort zone if she wants her 3rd Studio album to be even better and not forgettable. Also think Guts its a solid 8
ballads are great but the rock songs were definitely my favorites so heres a playlist of the rock songs: all american b bad idea right ballad of a homeschooled girl get him back love is embarrassing pretty isnt pretty you can also add good 4 u from first album that one rocks. i havent listened to sour yet tho so there might be more great songs there
I'm impressed at how much better her songwriting has gotten. It really shows on logical & making the bed. It felt more hopeful than SOUR which shows growth. GUTS is def the perfect sequel to SOUR and one of the best records of the year.
It's a bop! Thoroughly enjoyed it! As a 28 yo dude, I like to appreciate i can get down with the hip teen music. haha, it really gives me nostalgia vibes of the early 2000s though and I love it. I loved the song good 4 u off Sour and this album films like a whole album of tracks like that.
Olivia was popping up all over my algorithm so I tried Guts recently. I admit it was more of a background noise to my house cleaning so I owe it a relisten, but all I got was MGK sounding tunes with far better vocals and a little less cringey song writing
Idk if anything hits the same heights as songs from Sour, but this album certainly felt more consistent and diverse. A solid second effort that shows she has staying power in the mainstream.
So many great songs in this one... vampire is a 10/10 song to me, and lacy really might her best written song ever!! I love sour, so im still kinda undecided on which one i prefer, but guts is obviously a great great album, aoty contender at the grammys for sure
Yeah me too, I think I still have to listen to this album again. On one hand I feel sour is more ballsy and raw while guts is more refined. Also maybe more stand outs on sour like jealousy jealousy, driver’s license, good for u, and brutal. You know bangers, In your face jams! But maybe more consistency on Guts. Anyways that’s just what I find personally🤷♂️ And to be honest I’m supprized Anthony enjoyed this album that much more than sour but probably because it’s from a critics standpoint and yes guts is more refined and maybe more well written as far as pen game goes overall. And maybe Olivia did try and improve on this album overall in performance and writing.
I like how I watched this in 10 minutes and not 40. Usually the short reaction videos aren’t good, or not understandable for the normal person. So short and sweet and understandable. Subscribed for that
So true!! As a social anxious person myself, I was literally laughing with ballad of a homeschooled girl, specially with the final verses 😂 "Can't think of a third line Lalalalalalalalala" 😂❤
I’ve been listening to this album for a couple of days, as a 52 year old looking to round up what’s going on in pop music. I like it. I really like some bits of it, Bad Idea, Right? Is an absolute banger, the little 'fuck it, it’s fine' as she goes into the chorus cracks me up every time. Vampire has some brilliant lyrics and I love the soaring chorus. Pretty isn’t Pretty is a low point for me, the rest is decent. There’s been a few pop records of the last 10 years that I’ve really loved, Pure Heroine by Lorde was one and I think Harry’s House by Harry Styles is one of the best albums of any kind I’ve heard in a long time. This album doesn’t scale those heights but I feel pop is in pretty safe hands with Harry and Olivia.
I'm so happy for the love for Olivia Rodrigo. As a guy in his 20s I listened to this album with my newly minted 21 year old sister. So impressed, like SOUR slighlty better. You can tell she's got great taste with homages to The Cure, Neutral Milk Hotel, Beck, Alvvays, and Pop punk princesses from the 2000s imo. She is truly a generational talent and can't wait to see what she does next
There's something a little inauthentic in logical that isn't present in Olivia's other ballads. Looking at the credits, I see that someone other than her producer co-wrote it with her. Great that the album has such a high score, because the rest of the tracks range from 8-10 for me. Her vocal performance really sold the whole thing.
Interesting to hear your take on the overproduction of love is embarrassing because that's exactly how I feel whenever I listen to making the bed, and yet I really enjoyed love is embarrassing
Im glad he likes it, i was wondering if he'd review this album. Im not much of an olivia fan but i liked the more 2000's pop rock songs off of Sour, and when i heard Guts i was really happy to see an expansion on that. And i love that he talked about all the songs i enjoyed, and the ones he said were weak were ones i didnt enjoy much which was funny 😂 i dont have as much of an affinity for olivia's ballads as i do for her more rock adjacent songs (though i do like a couple), and although ive grown to like love is embarrassing id agree its not as strong a contender as others like bad idea right or ballad of a homeschooled girl and such. All round great review
Really loving this one. Excellent vocals, punchy production, immensely catchy. A lot of this album gives me early Weezer vibes and I mean that in the best way possible.
Easily one of the best pop albums of 2023. I do hear some Billie Eilish influence on the album but Olivia brings her own sound to it as well. Hard to believe she's only 20 and putting out stuff this good. Can't wait to see what her future stuff entails
I do not think this album is that good. I think the slow cuts are painfully boring, and I think the critical failure of the album is in the song order. the bad person and potential predator from vampire and the grudge simply can't be the same person from bad idea and get him back, but those songs are thrown together like they're all part of the same story. I also think Rodrigo is a pretty lackluster lyricist most of the time and has a few spectacular fails alongside I still enjoyed it well enough, it wasn't terrible or anything, but I couldn't possibly give it more than a light 7 at the most generous
I like it, it was a 7 for me, really like some tracks, it was surprising overall given i haven't given her a chance until this release, so yeah it's a good album
Anyone else picking up the super strong Wet Leg vibes and influence on "Bad Idea Right?" Not a critique just an observation, and since Anthony didn't mention that, I was curious if others picked up on it.
The only reason I ever knew who Oilvia Rodrigo was because of my sister who would play her on the way to school and made me watch the high school musical show with her in it... her music is catchy and actually good idk if id ever listen to it by myself but if it ever comes on in the car at least i'll know the lyrics... So the album gets a memories out of 10
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
10 years later I still get chills from this
so we just saying things now huh
who else still listening in 2033⁉️👀
stop trolling.
it's 2043.
Y'all rockin with it⁉️
Can’t believe Melon’s dead 😢
So glad to see Olivia and Rodrigo collaborating on a project.
No funny.Didn’t laugh
@@povzombi3 i laughed, so... 🤷
this better not be a top comment
W
Pierre and Bourne have great chemistry!
So glad Anthony admits finally that he is a teenage girl like the rest of us💕💕💕
Our all American bitch ❤❤❤
Big moment
What are you, 30? Working at Walmart?
@@DS-nw4eq bro ?
@@DS-nw4eqobviously you’re on your period.
I always love when Anthony uses food analogies.
“It’s crisp and blackened like a grilled cheese you left on the pan for too long, but you only burn the one half so it’s still good.”
I’ll never forget when he said the groove on Skate from Silk Sonic was like a “fat piece of chocolate cake.”
Never change dude.
It’s why i watch him his rambling is just top tier description
Fantano x DougDoug crossover when
Not food related but I’ll remember him calling chance the rappers album a “40 minute torture chamber”
Chocolate cake was racial, he was thinking about his wife
well, he is a melon...
This is such a confident album by someone who still has their whole career ahead of them. I love how it went in more of a rock direction than the debut and I loved how snarky some of Olivia’s lyrics were. Fantastic improvement on an album that was already pretty good.
yeah I was called a gifted kid by teachers all through school and I didn't have NEARLY this kind of skill at 20 :P
if it's going up from here, then we're truly blessed
@@blarghblarghbecause you’re gifted academically 💀 unless you also are vocally
so glad all the pretentious music nerds who follow Melon's every move have to swallow the pill that even music critics as involved with music like Anthony can still enjoy fun, teen pop.
It’s a dark day for music elitists and fun-haters 😔💔
I feel like that ship has sailed at least since 2015 when Anthony was positively reviewing artists like Carly Rae, but, yeah, very glad for this too.
they'd have to be pretty new Melonheads to not know that
They been dealing w that for a long time lol
it’s a shit album. fantano has always sucked. he likes death grips.
Hard agree on this. The best moments of this record were when Olivia told us more about herself and focused less on guys. She presented very detailed and authentic self reflection on this record and it paid off in dividends.
Fantano in his hot girl era
Very very happy about this review! I feel like Olivia is often compared to SO many other artists and songs but honestly she really brings her own influences very clearly to me. You can hear her musical theatre background but she still keeps it very authentic and honest, which is something that I think is very unique and difficult to do. Really loved and am impressed with the musical range on this album as well as the subject matter she covers. It's very refreshing to have such a strong young female voice in the mainstream again!
Olivia truly outdid herself on this album. I remember when drivers license came out, and I figured I was too old to understand the appeal. Then “good 4 u” came out and I was like “wait this is actually shockingly good??” It seems she took the absolute best from Sour (good 4u, deja vu, brutal) and made an entire album where she takes everything up a notch. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Olivia Rodrigo, a young Disney star, might be the most creative mainstream artist I know of right now. I’m feeling a mix of Alanis Morisette & Lilly Allen on this album, and I love that. I think her artistry is actually undervalued because our culture demonizes things made for a predominantly-female teen / YA demographic. I hope she can transcend the teen-pop image because she’s doing the best pop-punk revival I’ve seen from an A-Lister.
Good 4 u was not shockingly good
@@joshentertainment2 imo, it was considering her previous output. Now, I'd say it's probably been dethroned by most of the songs on "Guts"
Hey this was really well written - you should be proud of your ability to illustrate feelings and ideas so well with words! Also totally agree as well
@findingsubtext I definitely agree with @emthegem8141 that your post is eloquently written and you definitely have a way with words! 👏 It's interesting that you said you got some Alanis Morisette from Guts because when I first listened to Drivers License, I immediately thought Olivia reminded me of a young Alanis and I felt the pain in her aching melodies which actually moved me to tears. I first heard that phrase "aching melodies" when VH1 use to spotlight new and upcoming artists as part of their You Oughta Know segments and that's where I first got introduced to Brandi Carlile and they described her "aching melodies" in her music. Aching melodies, love that turn of phrase, another one I like is "Beautiful Disaster" the Kelly Clarkson song.
@@DDotDervin I agree, she definitely echoes some of Alanis in her melodies & song structure. I also think "All American Bich" showcases the similarity at it's strongest. Her use of ironic hyperbole is perfect.
If the opening track was All-American Bald you would’ve gave it a 10
😭
what is blud whafflin' bout⁉️⁉️
given
Usually these comments suck, but this one got me😂
@@goofy9125not funny
in all seriousness, i'm really glad you liked the album, and that guts is getting raves all around. olivia seems to get a level of vitriol from stan twitter (specifically swifties and their "she's paying critics!!!" allegations) that is completely disproportionate. olivia's work is very true to herself, and she's very good at what she does, and i think that deserves respect.
Stan Twitter is honestly so toxic and filled with people who NEED to touch grass
stan twitter makes me want to die
Anyone who calls themself a "stan" is either a literal child or a very weird childish person, and usually filled with hatred and prejudice, they are not worth anyone's time and should only be ignored
They are giving olivia the same treatment Taylor got at her age. And when sh** claps back, they bring out Swift's Spotify streams
Also with the Swifties claiming she copies everyone from Taylor to Miley instead of realizing that every song at this point is used up and nothing is completely original.
No one's talking about the fact that her vocals have improved drastically.
they were great to begin with
yeah I noticed this when I first heard vampire
@@ravenswood118 For being half Filipina, she could do better.😂
She's no Gigi De Lana, but she's 20. There's room for growth. Curious where she goes from here.
@@WhackashitCollaborationsWeird assessment but ok
Who is a better singer...j Bieber or Olivia rodrigo
Lacy is legitimately one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a hot minute.
So true, amazing track
The harmonies are off the chain.
YESSS EXACTLY
lol
its so pretty, gave me fleetwood mac vibes
"pretty isn't pretty" is a certified hood classic. That opening Cure-esque guitar is great
this shit will never ever be played in the hood
@@astr0saucedo you not know what "certified hood classic" meme is??????
@@astr0sauce I'm a young six foot caramel Latino from Philly and we deadass been bumpin that jawn in the hood all the time no cap
@@astr0sauce Take a walk down to your nearest hood and let me know if you don't hear this shit bumpin' from a 2005 Nissan Altima that's long over due for an oil change
100% agree on the Cure-esque guitars. That shit made me ascend to heaven
That description is one of the most fitting notes you've put for an album.
GUTS is definitely a teenage pop album, but it's a damn good at one at that. I would have loved to hear this songs during my teenage years, and the level of maturity in her lyrics are nice to hear in a pop rock flair.
Some lyrics may be cringey, but they add to the spirit of a yelling teenager that feels very genuine and fun in their moments.
I've been listening to this album so much. I'm not at all the target audience, but it makes me nostalgic for when I was, long ago.
I'm a six foot buff chocolate man but when pretty isn't pretty comes on I be singin dat shit with my chest out idgaf
I'm a giant, centuries old Manticore with razor sharp teeth, and when bad idea right comes on idgaf I'm on that bop. Big W
I've been saying this to everyone who asks me why I enjoy her music. Makes me feel young again. :')
Ballad of the Homeschooled Girl tickled a part of me that I thought died in 07'.
@@giodorayEven when I was a young guy, I was too into non-radio music to really get into music like this. I think the likes of Lorde and, later, Billie Eilish, conditioned me to pay closer attention to some of the better music coming out of the pop realm.
It's pretty clever that she says on Get Him Back, "I am my father's daughter so maybe I could fix him." Her dad is a therapist so fixing people is literally his job. I thought that was a cool line after finding that out.
Oh, neat. Definitely a different line than I thought it was then
Anthony should make a separate video about the baseless accusations of plagiarism. Both songs use the most common chords and refrains in pop punk music. I think the main reason why people notice it so much is that the people pointing out the similarities are very young and obsessed with TikTok and don’t have a wide taste or knowledge of music theory
eh, dipshits be dippiin
They said that Get him back sounds very similar to Loser from Beck. You can see clearly inspiration but more by the fault of her producer Dan Nigro who makes the sounds similar to the music who he grow in the 90s and 2000s. I doubt that olivia take part on the sound...she's only envolved in the lyrics.
@@Itzzy515 yep and Beck took inspiration from the Beatles, Son House, and Chuck D
music uses 12 notes. western pop is almost exclusively in 4/4 major key so it ALL sounds similar, but because one song sounds like another to your untrained ear that means it’s stolen. i’m so tired of it.
The 8/10 was deserved. This album was fire
I would almost give it a 9
@@XER0GRAVITY i would give it a strong 2
@@kanyewestgaming5043Strong 2 to a light 3.
@@kanyewestgaming5043that's what i would rate ratye's catalog.
I didn’t finish it. Too many piano ballads. I think Bad Idea is the only song I really enjoyed, but it’s just a glitzier version of what Dream Wife has been doing for years.
Like, they want to sell Olivia as punk-adjacent, but I’ve never heard a punk album where every other song is a ballad.
Excellent review! In recent interviews, Olivia has talked about the perception of her as being precocious and wise beyond her years on SOUR and that perception put pressure on her while trying the make GUTS. She relieved the pressure by focusing on trying to make songs that she wanted to hear on the radio and have more fun. While still maintaining the acute self-awareness from SOUR, Olivia definitely accomplished her goal with the pensively pondering, playfully probing and creatively contradictory lyrics on display throughout the GUTS album.
After two months of listening to GUTS, though, I find myself almost exclusively drawn to the songs that are not about an "ex" or reconnecting with an "ex" or any relationship drama. Olivia has said that she is proud of the songs that are not about "break-ups" but about herself and her development as a person. I agree. There are six of them (half of the album): "All-American B--h," "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl," "Making the Bed," Pretty Isn't Pretty," "Teenage Dream," and even "Lacy" (which is more about obsession and envy). It can be argued that all of Olivia's songs are deeply introspective in different ways, but I have become more interested in the songs in which Olivia focuses her introspection on different topics (aside from heartbreak) in an effort to understand herself in relation to the outside world, while always holding herself accountable for her actions. I hope she continues to expand her field of interests and explore more topics and employ her keen intellect, sensitivity, and quirky wit to develop even more inventive and revealing lyrics through even more intense self-examinations.
It’s kind of ironic you mention she wanted these songs to be played on the radio, considering the singles were rejected by radio listeners.
When I first heard drivers license I was really impressed by her potential and clapped back at a lot of friends saying that somebody who was able to write such a poingnant debut single as DL would have a lot to offer... And here we are!
Probably the most impressive thing about GUTS is how much the songs grow and sink into you the more you listen.
I kinda care for all the 12 tracks here which is very impressive!
hope that ur ok, 1 sf 3 sb, and the grudge are those songs for me. Theyre not half bad songs tho
i really enjoyed this album, glad to see it got the yellow flannel treatment
If GUTS stood for “Go uimp T Sutterfly” you would’ve given it a 10
You all ever get bored of using the same joke over and over?
@@lucasvanhook2173 No
@@lucasvanhook2173 and why you typing "You All" lol just say yall
This fact that this comment is such a stretch makes this overused joke so much funnier
@@neeko2198*C O M E D Y G O L D*
Pretty much improves upon everything she went for on Sour. Pretty isn’t pretty is my fav
Same I’m in love with that song. Would love to hear more of that vibe from her
Me too, the song sounds almost mirrored to ‘Perfect’ by The Smashing Pumpkins and hearing that sound again in a mainstream pop song is very special to me.
I underestimated that song in the first listen. I realize it's an important song for a certain demo, but I'm a grown ass man, not suppose to be relatable to me.
But melodically speaking, it's a bop. She just knows how to make good hooks.
And what's good about this album is in an Alternative Timeline, Avril Lavigne's third record sounded like Hole and Mellon Collie era Smashing Pumpkins instead of bubblegum pop/pop punk and was produced by Don Gilmore, Rick Rubin and Butch Vig instead of Dr Luke.
Fingers crossed Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish don't pull a BDT on their third records
The melody is soooooo good
I feel like making the bed is such an underrated song on the album. I've seen a few articles and ratings for that song being the lowest on the album, but it's probably a top 3 song for me on the album.
She just did that song on Tiny Desk a couple days ago & that stripped down version, with just her singing & playing piano was a definite improvement in the song.
The rarest of all things: yellow flannel for a mainstream pop album. Been waiting all weekend to see this reality.
Not even joking I actually really enjoyed the progression that Olivia has made. She has a great taste for music and puts her own twist on pop. Olivia, Billie, and the new wave of superstar pop artists have really made some great music recently
I’d say Olivia, billie and lil nas x are the big superstars and they have a ton of potential
Probably the only time Olivia Rodrigo and the Butthole Surfers will be mentioned together. I had the same thought, though. Just shows you that it is possible to be a Butthole Surfers fan AND enjoy this album.
The superpower of a Millennial music nerd like myself is that I have no problem blending in with any musical generation. Take me as an example: Day 1 at Hopscotch, I was at the front row of a Pavement set. Day 2, front row at Denzel Curry's set. Day 3, front row at Japanese Breakfast's set. Earlier this year, I was at a Hootie concert, and in a couple months, you'll see me at an Eagles show. Sandwiched somewhere in between there was Black Midi and Beyonce.
All of that seems irrelevant to your comment, except that it shows how a similar personality, around 6 years my senior, can find those kind of cross-generational comparisons.
The thing that stuck out to me about GUTS was how supremely confident the album feels. Olivia Rodrigo leans into all of the best qualities of SOUR and created an album that is both really good and *knows* it's really good.
Her sense of self is pretty incredible for how young she is
I absolutely loved this album. I'm in my 30s and it brought back the feelings I had listening to Avril Lavigne and Weezer when I was 13 while still sounding like it was written by a 20 year old in 2023.
And speaking of 2023, this year has been fire for rock or rock-related releases: KGLW, Geese, Squid, Boygenius, Foo Fighters, Wednesday, and, who would have thought, someone as mainstream as Olivia Rodrigo.
I'm almost 30 and this is one of those albums I wish I had as a teenager. A nostalgic masterpiece and my eyes and so fun to listen to 💘🤘
listen to sleater kinney
Glad you liked it Anthony! My mom used to put this album & it stuck with me during my childhood
Stop making up stupid comments for attention. You don’t have a mom, you’re not fooling anyone.
at first I hated this album’s “guts,” but now that you’ve given it an 8 I can tell everyone it’s the aoty. Thanks melon!!!
Much like Sour, I really enjoyed this album. Glad to have Olivia making great pop music!
Seeing older men in the comments who aren't in the target demographic being able to simply enjoy certain songs off this album is refreshing. I sob to "The Grudge" every time, but I think about my parents. We don't talk anymore, but I still think about them often. The lyrics dredged up so many unresolved emotions, the same ones of pain & resentment from abuse coexisting with conflicted yearning for my parents...even now as I'm older. I shed tears over the song. I hear the pain in olivia's voice. Idgaf how pathetic I sound.
"I doubt you ever think about the damage that you did
But I hold on to every detail like my life depends on it
My undying love, now I hold it like a grudge
And I hear your voice every time that I think I'm not enough
I try to be tough, but I wanna scream
How could anybody do the things you did so easily?
say I don't care, say that I'm fine
But you know I can't let it go,
I've tried, I've tried, I've tried
For so long
It takes strength to forgive,
but I don't feel strong
The arguments that I have won against you in my head
In the shower, in the car & in the mirror before bed
Yeah, I'm so tough when I'm alone and I make you feel so guilty
I fantasize about a time you're a little fucking sorry
And I try to understand why you would do this all to me
You must be insecure, you must be so unhappy
And I know in my heart, hurt people hurt people
we both drew blood, but, man, those cuts were never equal"
...I think these lyrics can resonate with many people. If you have issues of abuse/neglect from parents especially.
@@Otherzideit's the same with Taylor Swift fans. After leaning into folk everyone thought she was Bob Dylan or something. Then Fantano criticizes artists like Ashnikko for having overly edgy lyrics but finds nothing to say when Rodrigo throws out expletives in an attempt to sound more convincing, like at the end if vampire or even the drop of "fucking" in the lyrics quoted above. I'm not against people listening to average music, but when both critics and the general public praise something like this it is mind boggling to me and makes me irrationally irritated lmao
I don’t think her (pop) rock is made for my taste
I've listened to it twice today and I can already say everything is catchy from first listen and kept me coming back to it
I never thought I’d ever something like this but the instrumental of “get him back” reminds me of the flaming lips. The drum loops, distorted bass, and floaty backup vocals in the first verse along with the gliding synths riddled throughout the track make for such a “melty” listen as you put it.
Goddamn love the Flaming Lips so when I read this I couldn't help but think there ain't no way but just re-listened to get him back and that description is spot on for the sound they had around Yoshimi lmao
an 8/10 is the perfect rating for this album imo, its one of the best albums released this year
That "situationship" in the beginning actually made me laugh out loud
If olivia included the hidden track "obsessed"... it will be 10 for sure!
Its a crime its not in the standard album. Should be a single.
Its gonna be on the deluxe
@@donovanlarson3075had there been an announcement on when it comes out??
that's what I thought. I hope she releases an audio/lyric video on UA-cam
isn't it like 20 seconds long?
👍.
I personally barely enjoyed this album but im happy to see "music enjoyers" realizing Fantano can enjoy teen pop, hope yall keep rocking with this record meanwhile
Just curious what kinda music is more ur speed?
@@Plan-ETs tbh idk, I can listen to anything but the thing is that if it isn't in album format I might ignore it
Probably some of my favorite artists would be daft punk,nine inch nails and some bands from my country or near
Olivia is so damn good. Between Sour and GUTS there’s like, 3 songs total that I don’t really care for. And even those aren’t bad
Thank GOD you finally came out with this review Anthony! A few days have passed and I was scared I would have to end up forming my own opinions!
I thought it was pretty good, I'm glad to know that I wasn't wrong.
@@phothewin6019I don’t like her pop rock
I think GUTS feels substantial even when considered independently of SOUR. While it follows pretty much the same style, Olivia feels more expressive and comfortable with the style she's dialing in on. I hope we get to hear some creative twists on the pop-punk genre in her next album.
I’m glad this got a very fair and honest review. Olivia is so young and has already garnered an immense audience. Her tour for this album is going to be extremely successful.
Love is embarassing is one of the most fun and definitely the most blissful song on the album imo
I agree! It gives me Sky Ferreira vibes and the high parts of the hook is great. And I LOVE the bridge!
YES KING WE STAN OLIVIA FOREVER
@aidenw714 nothing worse than a roblox pfp
Fantano's script was particularly good this time around. Lots of inventive, funny similes and aces deadpan delivery. This album isn't in my wheelhouse at all, but I do always love seeing creatives who're fighting an uphill battle to prove themselves as "legitimate" for one reason or another succeed with flying colors. It's a hell of an accomplishment, especially with how brutal the critic apparatus can be these days.
Amazing to see this get so much praise. Glad you covered this
Get outta here, Bradley
Bradley, Guts by Olivia Rodrigo sucks
While I preferred some of the gentler moments of Sour I think Olivia really proved herself on this project as a writer and performer. Bad Idea Right, Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl, and Vampire are fantastic tracks. Really, there isn’t a weak one here. Excited to see what she does in her 20s!
Wtf Anthony? Now I actually have a reason to listen to the album
It’s actually so good
@@charliemanning3416 i agree but that 8 surprised me im ngl
Give it a shot! Hope you enjoy!
I Geniuenly think Guts is one of the best "Girly teenage pop" records i've heard, but Olivia really needs to get insanely creative and getting out of her comfort zone if she wants her 3rd Studio album to be even better and not forgettable. Also think Guts its a solid 8
I'm not even a pop fan, but I really fuck with this album
Absolute banger
ballads are great but the rock songs were definitely my favorites so heres a playlist of the rock songs:
all american b
bad idea right
ballad of a homeschooled girl
get him back
love is embarrassing
pretty isnt pretty
you can also add good 4 u from first album that one rocks. i havent listened to sour yet tho so there might be more great songs there
I'm impressed at how much better her songwriting has gotten. It really shows on logical & making the bed. It felt more hopeful than SOUR which shows growth. GUTS is def the perfect sequel to SOUR and one of the best records of the year.
Her vocals have improved and matured wonderfully, the song writing is stronger, and the music is much better. I love this album.
It's a bop! Thoroughly enjoyed it! As a 28 yo dude, I like to appreciate i can get down with the hip teen music. haha, it really gives me nostalgia vibes of the early 2000s though and I love it. I loved the song good 4 u off Sour and this album films like a whole album of tracks like that.
I’m glad to see Anthony is back to making videos after his breakup with Drake. So proud ❤️
Olivia is one of the best female artists working right now
(In the mainstream)
That’s depressing for female artists
@@TheIntenseLime Paint The Town Red has broken the record for the biggest single day streams for a female rap song. The predecessor being WAP.
Still not as good as any of the male artists
@williamhornabook ok bud js say you hate women and move on bud
the live version of All American B!tch is so incredibly impressive. Her vocal control cannot be overstated.
Damn tony you got some GUTS to score this album this high (I have not listened to it)
Love is Embarrassing is my favorite song of the album. Its so much fun, so fucking catchy and so energetic and electric.
sameeee i have the “I GIVE UP EVERYTHING IM PLANNING OUT MY WEDDING WITH A GUY IM NEVER MARRYING” part on repeat
love that song too
Absolutely blissful
her best song!
why his least fav songs are always my favs……
Olivia was popping up all over my algorithm so I tried Guts recently. I admit it was more of a background noise to my house cleaning so I owe it a relisten, but all I got was MGK sounding tunes with far better vocals and a little less cringey song writing
Mr. Needledrop you have to review the brand new modern jazz album from breakout Icelandic artist Laufey called 'Bewitched', it's amazing.
I love Olivia’s music and this just helped me understand some stuff that I couldn’t even tell when listening. Loved the breakdown
Idk if anything hits the same heights as songs from Sour, but this album certainly felt more consistent and diverse. A solid second effort that shows she has staying power in the mainstream.
So many great songs in this one... vampire is a 10/10 song to me, and lacy really might her best written song ever!! I love sour, so im still kinda undecided on which one i prefer, but guts is obviously a great great album, aoty contender at the grammys for sure
Yeah me too, I think I still have to listen to this album again. On one hand I feel sour is more ballsy and raw while guts is more refined. Also maybe more stand outs on sour like jealousy jealousy, driver’s license, good for u, and brutal. You know bangers, In your face jams! But maybe more consistency on Guts. Anyways that’s just what I find personally🤷♂️
And to be honest I’m supprized Anthony enjoyed this album that much more than sour but probably because it’s from a critics standpoint and yes guts is more refined and maybe more well written as far as pen game goes overall. And maybe Olivia did try and improve on this album overall in performance and writing.
I’m 25 and I can’t stop listening to this record
I like how I watched this in 10 minutes and not 40. Usually the short reaction videos aren’t good, or not understandable for the normal person. So short and sweet and understandable. Subscribed for that
I love her voice and lyrics, and I am glad you give her a thumb up. Let's see how she evolve in the future.
Great vocals and her humor in the lyrics is so funny and comes across as very genuine
So true!! As a social anxious person myself, I was literally laughing with ballad of a homeschooled girl, specially with the final verses 😂
"Can't think of a third line
Lalalalalalalalala"
😂❤
@@Otherzidehumor*
@@Otherzidestop. Get some help.
@@Otherzideyou sound like such a reddit moderator rn bro
You will LOVE her Bizaardvark EP
It's great of Anthony to have the guts to review the album in spite of his recent breakup with Olivia.
I’ve been listening to this album for a couple of days, as a 52 year old looking to round up what’s going on in pop music. I like it. I really like some bits of it, Bad Idea, Right? Is an absolute banger, the little 'fuck it, it’s fine' as she goes into the chorus cracks me up every time. Vampire has some brilliant lyrics and I love the soaring chorus. Pretty isn’t Pretty is a low point for me, the rest is decent. There’s been a few pop records of the last 10 years that I’ve really loved, Pure Heroine by Lorde was one and I think Harry’s House by Harry Styles is one of the best albums of any kind I’ve heard in a long time. This album doesn’t scale those heights but I feel pop is in pretty safe hands with Harry and Olivia.
I'm so happy for the love for Olivia Rodrigo. As a guy in his 20s I listened to this album with my newly minted 21 year old sister. So impressed, like SOUR slighlty better. You can tell she's got great taste with homages to The Cure, Neutral Milk Hotel, Beck, Alvvays, and Pop punk princesses from the 2000s imo. She is truly a generational talent and can't wait to see what she does next
Deserves a light 9 imo. Really excited for her future!
so ur saying this was better than caroline or paramore album ?
@@firstofawllit's on par with Paramore, Caroline's is a 10 tho
@@pxachillesovean blvd CLEARS those albums
2nd half of the album was just not good enough.
@jakec.5736 No way is better than This is why
My favorite anime character is Guts from Berserk.
You just KNOW I had to give this new Olivia Rodrigo album a 10/10
So happy you acknowledged Dan Nigro. He is a huge part of her success
I like this guy. He can enjoy Burzum and Olivia Rodrigo and he doesn't see any issue with that.
There's something a little inauthentic in logical that isn't present in Olivia's other ballads. Looking at the credits, I see that someone other than her producer co-wrote it with her.
Great that the album has such a high score, because the rest of the tracks range from 8-10 for me. Her vocal performance really sold the whole thing.
i completely agree. i was surprised on how olivia improved so much, and 8 was my conclusion
WE NEED A BEWITCHED ALBUM REVIEW FANTANO (thank you)
Interesting to hear your take on the overproduction of love is embarrassing because that's exactly how I feel whenever I listen to making the bed, and yet I really enjoyed love is embarrassing
Im glad he likes it, i was wondering if he'd review this album. Im not much of an olivia fan but i liked the more 2000's pop rock songs off of Sour, and when i heard Guts i was really happy to see an expansion on that. And i love that he talked about all the songs i enjoyed, and the ones he said were weak were ones i didnt enjoy much which was funny 😂 i dont have as much of an affinity for olivia's ballads as i do for her more rock adjacent songs (though i do like a couple), and although ive grown to like love is embarrassing id agree its not as strong a contender as others like bad idea right or ballad of a homeschooled girl and such. All round great review
Nice to see someone made an album about the main character of Berserk.
Everytime Fantano says my favorite track on the album is a highlight (this time it was Get Him Back), I feel like the teacher gave me a gold star
Sameee and I knew he’d like this one
Really loving this one. Excellent vocals, punchy production, immensely catchy. A lot of this album gives me early Weezer vibes and I mean that in the best way possible.
I can’t believe this got a yellow shirt. I threw it on once otw to my 9-5 and said okay sure light 5. But not a yellow shirt
Now music nerds can listen to O Rod without shame
Easily one of the best pop albums of 2023. I do hear some Billie Eilish influence on the album but Olivia brings her own sound to it as well. Hard to believe she's only 20 and putting out stuff this good. Can't wait to see what her future stuff entails
Caroline Polachek and her have the best pop albums of 2023, sadly grammys will prefer the cliche popularity of Midnights
She had that on last album too
mad props to the songwriting. not just the lyrics, but it's melodies along the tracks are some of the most engaging I've seen in the last couple years
GUTS is one of the best albums of the year for sure Olivia Rodrigo is a great artist.
It's a good record. 7/10. A grab your hits and leave type of record. Doesn't move smoothly together since the songs are so dominant. Just my opinion.
I do not think this album is that good. I think the slow cuts are painfully boring, and I think the critical failure of the album is in the song order. the bad person and potential predator from vampire and the grudge simply can't be the same person from bad idea and get him back, but those songs are thrown together like they're all part of the same story. I also think Rodrigo is a pretty lackluster lyricist most of the time and has a few spectacular fails alongside
I still enjoyed it well enough, it wasn't terrible or anything, but I couldn't possibly give it more than a light 7 at the most generous
I like it, it was a 7 for me, really like some tracks, it was surprising overall given i haven't given her a chance until this release, so yeah it's a good album
Anyone else picking up the super strong Wet Leg vibes and influence on "Bad Idea Right?" Not a critique just an observation, and since Anthony didn't mention that, I was curious if others picked up on it.
I see what you're getting at but I wouldn't say so as Wet Leg have this vulgarity in their lyrics which in my mind really separates them.
I just mean the overall sound not lyrics@@pickledirick8338
About time Anthony reviews manga 🔥🔥🔥 Beserk is amazing
I’m glad to see that Olivia Rodrigo was able to drop an album better than MBDTF. Thank you Anthony.
The only reason I ever knew who Oilvia Rodrigo was because of my sister who would play her on the way to school and made me watch the high school musical show with her in it... her music is catchy and actually good idk if id ever listen to it by myself but if it ever comes on in the car at least i'll know the lyrics... So the album gets a memories out of 10
So glad to see Olivia bring an ode to the Black Swordsman.