The second chapter in Olivia Rodrigo 's musical story began similar to the first: with a big-hearted, full-throated piano ballad about a relationship gone awry.
But the bloodsucking “vampire” was no “drivers license," the song that kickstarted her career. Instead of descending into her loss in the song, Rodrigo stands atop of her anger, reclaiming her agency in the process. The production mirrors this progress: it is a triumphant revenge anthem, textured, theatrical, an explosive introduction to what would become her second full-length album, 2023's “GUTS.”
And just like the first, it is a showstopper. This year, Rodrigo is nominated for six Grammys. The single “vampire” is up for record and song of the year, as well as best pop solo performance. “GUTS” could take home album of the year or maybe best pop vocal album, and finally, her track “ballad of a homeschooled girl” is up for best rock song.
