LH Album Review: GUTS

Olivia Rodrigo’s long-awaited GUTS is finally here, and she did not hold back

By Kaitlyn Brown

From Disney channel actress to pop and indie rock superstar, Olivia Rodrigo never fails to amaze with her relatable lyrics and catchy songs. Released on September 8th, 2023, GUTS is Rodrigo’s debut in indie rock following her iconic album SOUR, and the soundtrack proves her ability as an artist to make honest music in any genre she tries.

First tracks can make or break an album, and Rodrigo started out strong with “all american b****” an intense and captivating rockthemed song. While the strong use of instruments can feel overwhelming at some points, she never fails to keep her listeners engaged and singing along due to the incredibly candid lyricism. Grasping her audience with “i’m as light as a feather i’m as stiff as a board,” the classic reciting of our childhood entanglements with ghosts. The subtle connections between the title and her word choice (i.e. “just like a godda*n kennedy,” and “i’m the eternal optimist”) start the album on the right track.

timeabout, by YUKIKA

Many listeners recognized the middle of the soundtrack, with previously released singles “bad idea right?” and “vampire” added to the strong foundation. Songs like “lacy” step back into her original era defined as “bedroom pop” with their soft lyrics and instrumental intros. Each of her songs set the next in motion with their simplistic transitions, connecting the album like glue. Whether it’s found within the guitar synchronization between the end of “ballad of a homeschooled girl” and the start of “making the bed,” or if it’s a simple connection back to lyrics, Olivia Rodrigo’s music pulls listeners through a bumpy yet unforgettable journey.

Rodrigo’s experimental mentality can be seen throughout the album, its vibrant dimension over

Halle’s Black girl anthem: Angel

many sub-genres makes every song likable in their own ways. In various respects it can be linked to her acknowledged idols, icons like Taylor Swift, and yet even with these inspirations she has made a voice of her own. A personal favorite song on the album “the grudge,” appears like it could be just another teenage heartbreak song, but she manages to share her experiences so vividly that listeners can feel what she feels.

Furthering her dynamic relat- ability, Rodrigo named her tracks after what someone would see within texts between teenagers. Messages I know I have sent myself, phrases like “get him back!” and “love is embarrassing,” which not only connect listeners to the songs but to Rodrigo herself. Overall, the album really showcases her growth as an artist and Rodrigo ended GUTS on a great note, with the perfect description of the album itself, it really is a “teenage dream.”

LH Album Review: Get Up

By Helena Echa

From her YouTube cover days to movie stardom, Halle Bailey has come a long way and has now debuted as a solo singer with her song, “Angel.” Halle started her music career by making song covers with her older sister Chloe, which mainly included songs by Beyoncé. Through their covers, Chloe and Halle soon became discovered by Beyoncé, and later on, the starlets were signed under her label Parkwood Entertainment. Recently, Chloe and Halle have ventured into their own solo projects. Chloe was the first of the two sisters to venture into her solo career and earlier this year, Chloe released her first studio album In Pieces

Halle’s solo projects include her role as Princess Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid From fins to legs, Halle has now begun her journey as a solo artist and released her newest single, “Angel.”

“Angel” is a personal loveletter to Black women around the world from Halle herself. Through its gentle sound, “Angel” has touched the hearts of many people, including me. The first time I heard this song, I felt seen and felt that my beauty as a Black girl was appreciated, and I’m sure that other girls with my skin complexion can relate as well. “Angel” is a self-empowering piece that delves into the experience of growing up as a Black woman in this world. With her role as Ariel, Halle constantly spoke about being a figure for the Black youth, and how representation like that is extremely important. With “Angel,” she continues to preach that message through her lyrics.

As a Black girl, I think “Angel” is inspiring and uplifting, and I believe that this song is going to help a lot of people through their personal battles. I hope when people listen to this song they understand how beautiful Black women and girls are. They are resilient, strong, and brilliant, and it shows from their unmatched beauty.

By Wisdom Konu

HYBE x ADOR girl group, NewJeans, has taken the K-Pop world by storm with their unique concepts and execution as a group. After much anticipation, they released their second EP, Get Up, this July.

Get Up begins with “New Jeans,” a UK garage inspired beat that is a chill track that contains simple yet repetitive lyrics. The music video was a collaboration between The Powerpuff Girls and NewJeans and while the video was unique, the track is not necessarily something special. Another track on the EP, “ASAP,” is the same thing. Repetitive and simple with a good beat behind it but nothing special.

“Super Shy” is another UK garage inspired track that proves to be addictive with its percussion and bassline. Jersey club rhythms and breakbeats are also prominent within the song as well. The song is the most popular on the EP, trending across multiple different mediums. Non-Kpop listeners as well as celebrities have shared their addiction to the track across social media.

“ETA” is an experimental song from the R&B group with its loud and lively instrumental. The song’s lyrics contain a warning from the 5 girls to their friend about her cheating boyfriend, and the lyrics are perfect for the upbeat catchy song.

“Cool With You” brings back their R&B laidback sound and continues using UK garage beats where their vocals shine the brightest, with the song containing beautifully layered harmonies of the 5 girls.

“Get Up,” the track, is the shortest track in the EP. It’s a dreamy R&B interlude and is a teaser of the group’s upcoming music, as specified by the members.

Get Up is a short but sweet EP, full of addictive tracks and it does its job showcasing that NewJeans is here to stay.