Olivia Rodrigo is ready to drop some more new music. On June 2, the Grammy winner drew her fans’ attention to a countdown clock on her website via email, which was counting down to June 30. And less than two weeks later, Rodrigo announced her first single of the year, “Vampire,” on Instagram. But that’s not all that she shared.
Rodrigo doubled down on the exciting news with confirmation that her second album will be released this fall. She shared the album artwork on Instagram on June 26, which features her laying down in a purple top and holding up her hand. On it, she wears letter rings that spell out “Guts” — which is the album title. “My sophomore album GUTS comes out September 8th,” wrote Rodrigo. “I am so proud of this record and I can’t wait to share it with you all! u can presave it now! xoxoxoxo.”
Another album update arrived on July 31 when Rodrigo shared a cryptic video on social media, in which she seemingly dropped hints about the project’s song titles, leaving clues around her bedroom. Fans spotted words like “Bad idea right,” “Stranger,” and “Obsessed” scattered about. The one-minute clip ends with the singer sitting on her bed and writing a message on a blue typewriter: “GUTS tracklist,” though the actual titles weren’t shown. However, Rodrigo followed up with another clip on social media the next day, unveiling the names of all 12 tracks on her forthcoming sophomore album.
Then, on Aug. 11, Rodrigo dropped her album’s second single, “Bad Idea Right?” with a fuzzy-style music video featuring friends Tate McRae, Petra Collins, Iris Apatow, and Madison Hu. The rocking, guitar-heavy track details the singer’s dilemma with a former boyfriend, singing lyrics like, “Seeing you tonight — it’s a bad idea, right?” and “Yes, I know that he’s my ex / But can’t two people reconnect? / I only see him as a friend / The biggest lie I ever said.”
Rodrigo previously hinted at her “Guts” album when announcing “Vampire.” According to a press release obtained by Variety, “‘Vampire’ is the sound of an artist firmly in control, imbued with a sense of maturity and a bold confidence . . . With ‘Vampire,’ she is poised to begin an exciting new chapter.” Rodrigo wrote the song alongside her “Sour” collaborator Dan Nigro.
“Vampire” sees Rodrigo reflecting on a past relationship, singing, “I’ve made some real big mistakes / but you made the worst one look fine.” She laments of her ex, “The way you sold me for parts / you suck your teeth into me / bloodsucker / fame f*cker / bleeding me dry like a goddamn vampire.” In the accompanying music video, Rodrigo performs on a flaming stage as an awards show audience looks on. Covered in blood after being hit by a spotlight, Rodrigo eventually flees from cops outside of the theater.
In January, exactly two years after the arrival of her breakthrough single “Drivers License,” Rodrigo shared a video of her and Nigro, the producer behind her debut album, “Sour,” jamming out on a piano on her Instagram Stories. She captioned it, “working on so many new songs I’m excited to show u! thank u for everything.” Rodrigo didn’t offer any other details at the time, but it wasn’t the first time she teased new material.
In a previous interview with Billboard, the outlet’s 2022 woman of the year honoree confirmed that her sophomore album was on the way, featuring production from Nigro. She also confirmed that she’d already picked out a title for the forthcoming project. No additional updates followed then, however, Rodrigo told her fans in November 2022, via a special Spotify Wrapped video message, that new music was still on the horizon.
“Hey, it’s Olivia! I just wanted to say thank you so much for listening to my music this year,” she said, per Billboard. “I really, truly couldn’t be more grateful and I’m so excited for next year, and all of the new things and new music that 2023 will bring. So I’m sending so much love your way and thank you again! Bye!”
With only a single album under her belt, Rodrigo has already blazed an incredible trail in music. Last year, the 20-year-old singer picked up trophies at the Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards for her chart-topping “Sour” album. She also released an introspective documentary on Disney+ titled “Olivia Rodrigo: Driving Home 2 U (A Sour Film),” which won an honor at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards.
It’s clear Rodrigo has plenty more in store for her fans, and they’re eagerly waiting to hear what else she’s been cooking up in the studio. While we wait for more album updates, keep scrolling to listen to Rodrigo’s singles and see the full “Guts” tracklist.
“Guts” Tracklist
On Aug. 1, Rodrigo revealed the song titles off her 12-track album.
- “All American B*tch”
- “Bad Idea Right?”
- “Vampire”
- “Lacy”
- “Ballad Of A Homeschooled Girl”
- “Making the Bed”
- “Logical”
- “Get Him Back”
- “Love Is Embarrassing”
- “The Grudge”
- “Pretty Isn’t Pretty”
- “Teenage Dream”
“Guts” Release Date
Rodrigo’s second album arrives on Friday, Sept. 8.
“Bad Idea Right?” Music Video
“Vampire” Music Video