Review: The Secret of Us by Gracie Abrams
8.2/10 - TOP NEW MUSIC
Gracie Abrams’ sophomore album examines the confusion that comes with dating in your twenties with sensitive maturity and sparkling authenticity.
Gracie Abrams isn't an outlier in the music industry; rather, she's firmly established within its inner circle. Known for her close friendship with Taylor Swift, she has shared stages with artists like Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA, and Olivia Rodrigo. Abrams isn't a newcomer either—since 2019, she's been steadily releasing music, progressing from singles to EPs and LPs. Unlike some artists who gain overnight fame on TikTok or produce catchy pop tunes for mainstream outlets like H&M and McDonald's, Abrams has taken a more deliberate path. She honed her craft by learning from her talented peers while bringing her own surprisingly mature and authentic perspective to a familiar soundscape.
In her debut single, "Risk," she explores the strange and exhilarating experience of having a crush and yearning for someone. The track begins with a subtle sound that gradually expands, mirroring the growth of those feelings. Even as the music swells, Abrams' delicate vocals remain captivating. This quality is even more pronounced in her second single, "Close To You," arguably the album's standout track. Interestingly, it's the only song on the album not produced or co-written with her frequent collaborator Aaron Dessner (known for his work on Taylor Swift's *Folklore* and *Evermore*). These singles showcase Abrams' potential to command the large arenas and stadiums she'll be touring this fall.
The album balances these grand moments with deep introspection, paired with poetic lyrics that set her apart from many contemporary pop artists. On the track "us.," Abrams and Swift explore a lost relationship with the nuance and depth of two English literature majors dissecting their past loves. Jack Antonoff joins the production, adding his signature touch to create a sound that feels both cathartic and profound. As the album progresses, we encounter tender moments and an unexpected low point with "I Knew It, I Know You," only for Abrams to rebound with the final tracks, demonstrating even more creativity and returning to the themes that define the album's first half.
While artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan dominate the club scene, I believe Gracie Abrams' The Secret of Us finds its home on headphones and laptop speakers, offering solace and reflection when you return from the chaos of the world outside.
