What does Olivia Rodrigo and Ariana Grande have in common? (You know, besides being mega-talented pop stars of course).
Well, following the highly-anticipated drop of Olivia's sophomore album 'GUTS', the numbers are in. It has officially debuted at the coveted No.1 spot on the Billboard 200 Charts! Olivia is the first woman to achieve this astounding feat of two initial chart placements in nine years. And you guessed it: the last woman to do this was the one and only Ariana Grande, who obtained this with 'Yours Truly' in 2013' followed by 'My Everything' in 2014.
And don't get us started on THAT recent VMAs performance of "vampire"? The "get him back!" music video? The 'GUTS' World Tour announcement with the Breeders supporting? PinkPantheress, Remi Wolf and Chappell Roan?
Damn Olivia – it's only been a week or so! It's no wonder that she has accumulated high praise and shoutouts from legends like St. Vincent, Jack White (The White Stripes), Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), and more.
It's Olivia Rodrigo's world. We're just living in it.
From crying to "lacy" to rocking out to "ballad of a homeschooled girl", there is something for everyone in this blockbuster record – with its kaleidoscopic sounds reminiscent of beloved film soundtracks like 'Freaky Friday' and '10 Things I Hate About You'.
Fiery anthems like "all-american bitch" and "bad idea right?" immediately take us back to the racuous sounds of '90s and '00s à la Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, Avril Lavigne, and more. In addition to that, the tender tracks like "making the bed", "vampire" and "teenage dream" remind us of the poetic sensibilities of artists like Lorde, Mazzy Star, Gracie Abrams, and more.
Looking for more vinyl to listen to after embarking on the emotional rollercoaster that is 'GUTS'? Well, we have just the list for you – '90s nostalgia, beautiful voices and killer songwriting galore!
1/ 'The Runaways' by The Runaways (1976)
The Runaways were rock 'n' roll pioneers with their self-titled album being a battle cry. "Cherry Bomb" is a timeless classic that'll make you feel like an absolute rockstar, even if that means screaming into your hairbrush in your bedroom!
2/ 'Daydream Nation' by Sonic Youth (1988)
'Daydream Nation' by Sonic Youth is basically a sonic (pun intended) masterpiece. It's an avant-garde rock journey that's like a wild rollercoaster ride that winds through hard-hitting reflections on youth, alienation and society. A seminal classic.
3/ 'Goo' by Sonic Youth (1990)
Sonic Youth's 'Goo' is like a chaotic art exhibit in musical form. It's noisy, dissonant, and utterly cool. "Kool Thing" is a standout track that takes a stab at pop culture and race relations.
4/ 'So Tonight That I Might See' by Mazzy Star (1993)
'So Tonight That I Might See' by Mazzy Star is like a warm, starry night in musical form. "Fade Into You" is a slow dance favorite – the soundtrack for all your yearning and moody moments.
5/ 'Pablo Honey' by Radiohead (1993)
Radiohead's debut album, 'Pablo Honey', might not have the experimental sound they're known for now, but it gave us "Creep." That one song has become a timeless anthem for anyone who ever felt like an outsider. Angsty lyrics and grungy sounds galore.
6/ 'Gran Turismo' by The Cardigans (1998)
The Cardigans took a detour into electronic territory with 'Gran Turismo'. It was like they traded their cozy sweater for a leather jacket. "My Favourite Game" is an adrenaline rush that you can't help but love.
7/ 'Tragic Kingdom' by No Doubt (1995)
'Tragic Kingdom' catapulted No Doubt to stardom with their ska-pop explosion of sounds. The album's themes of love, heartbreak, and female empowerment are mirrored in hits like foot-stomper "Just a Girl" and heartbreaker "Don't Speak".
8/ 'Dig Me Out' by Sleater-Kinney (1997)
Sleater-Kinney's 'Dig Me Out' is a punk-rock explosion. It's like a blast of pure energy, and "Little Babies" is your anthem for feeling fierce and unstoppable.
9/ 'Celebrity Skin' by Hole (1998)
Exploring the ups and downs of Hollywood culture, 'Celebrity Skin' by Hole is a grunge-glam '90s classic. Courtney Love's rockstar persona glistens on tracks like "Malibu" and the title track.
10/ 'Let Go' by Avril Lavigne (2002)
Avril Lavigne's 'Let Go' was THE pop-punk soundtrack of the early '00s. "I'm with You" "Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi" became anthems of teen rebellion. Avril was punk with a streak of hot pink, and we loved it!
11/ 'Fever To Tell' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs (2003)
'Fever To Tell' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs was the soundtrack to every wild night out in the 2000s. Their explosive debut made waves with their punk-infused rock, led by Karen O's dynamic vocals. From the raw "Y Control" to the tear-jerker "Maps", this record captured the vulnerabilities of the glaring youth at the time.
12/ 'Jagged Little Pill Acoustic' by Alanis Morissette (2005)
'Jagged Little Pill Acoustic' offered a stripped-down version of Alanis Morissette's iconic album. While uncovering the classic track in a whole new light, one thing still remains. Alanis' killer vocals and emotive storytelling.
13/ 'Uh Huh Her' by PJ Harvey (2004)
Written, recorded and produced over a two-year period by the indie-rock legend herself, PJ Harvey's 'Uh Huh Her' is a raw and introspective album that puts love and identity under the microscope – particularly shown on tracks like "The Letter" and "Shame".
14/ 'Riot!' by Paramore (2007)
Paramore's 'Riot!' is like a strong caffeine shot. Hayley Williams' fiery vocals and the catchy hooks of "Misery Business" and "That's What You Get" turned the beloved band into pop-punk icons.
15/ 'Dreams: The Collection' by The Cranberries (2012)
The Cranberries' compilation album 'Dreams: The Collection' is a retrospective of the Irish band's influential career. With their ethereal rock sound, highlighted by Dolores O'Riordan's haunting vocals, they tackled themes of love, loss, and societal issues. Hits like "Linger" and "Zombie" became timeless anthems of the '90s alternative music scene.
16/ 'Pure Heroine' by Lorde (2013)
Lorde's debut album 'Pure Heroine' bottled the very essence of being a teenager – in all its fluorescent highs and lows. She was only 16 when she dropped this gem! With tracks like "Ribs" and "Team", she painted a poignant picture of suburban life and the struggle to find your identity in a world obsessed with image. Her mega-hit "Royals" earned her two GRAMMY awards, crowning her the queen of alt-pop.
17/ 'Bury Me At Makeout Creek' by Mitski (2014)
'Bury Me At Makeout Creek' announced Mitski as an indie-rock force. From "Francis Forever" to "First Love/Late Spring", the poet of heartbreak tackles headfirst into tales of identity, love, and longing – and tugs right at our heartstrings.
18/ 'Puberty 2' by Mitski (2016)
Listening to 'Puberty 2' is like boarding on a submarine ride to the darkest depths of the ocean. Uncompromisingly raw outlooks on subjects like mental health, self-discovery, and alienation echo throughout standout tracks like "Your Best American Girl" and "I Bet On Losing Dogs". Like pages torn from a diary of a young adult navigating life's ups and downs.
19/ 'Fetch The Bolt Cutters' by Fiona Apple (2020)
Fiona Apple's 'Fetch The Bolt Cutters' was her rebel yell – a sprawling masterpiece that dives into topics like self-discovery, bullying, and the struggle for autonomy. She recorded it in her own home, keeping background noises of dogs barking and using unconventional instruments like a metal butterfly! The GRAMMY-winning record features tracks like "Shameika" and "I Want You To Love Me" – all reflective of Fiona's ever-evolving lyrical brilliance.
20/ 'Happier Than Ever' by Billie Eilish (2021)
Exploring her complex relationship with fame, mental health and toxic relationship, Billie Eilish's 'Happier Than Ever' is like a diary of growing pains. From the cheeky "Therefore I Am" to the broody "NDA" and to the thunderous title track, this album absolutely hits home when you're in your feelings.
21/ 'lately I Feel EVERYTHING' by WILLOW (2021)
WILLOW's 'lately I Feel EVERYTHING' is a modern twist on punk. From "t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l" featuring the legendary Travis Barker (blink-182) to "Lipstick", she's unapologetically herself throughout this jagged record.
22/ 'Wet Leg' by Wet Leg (2022)
Wet Leg burst onto the scene with a dose of British wit and catchy tunes. Their debut album is as fresh as a seaside breeze, and "Chaise Longue" is an absolute crowd favorite.
23/ 'Superache' by Conan Gray (2022)
It's no wonder that Olivia and Conan are best friends! Like Olivia, Conan is also a master at speaking directly to anyone who has ever been both scorned and hit by cupid's arrow. From the heart-breaking "Yours" to the cathartic "People Watching", Conan's sophomore record is the perfect soundtrack for late-night drives with friends, deep conversations about love, and dancing around your room in your PJs.
24/ 'Good Riddance' by Gracie Abrams (2023)
Gracie Abrams' 'Good Riddance' is an introspective collection of songs that feel like a deep and meaningful conversation with your best friend. Her soothing voice and heartfelt lyrics shine in tracks like "Amelie" and "Where do we go now?" make it the perfect album to unwind to.
25/ 'the record' by boygenius (2023)
Julien Baker. Phoebe Bridgers. Lucy Dacus. Need we say more? With 'the record', the indie-rock supergroup delivered a glaringly honest depiction of the complexities of human relationships and the inevitability of change – echoed on tracks like "Not Strong Enough" and "Cool About It".
(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)