‘The Secret of Us,’ A Gracie Abrams Album Review
design: Revati Mahurkar
Our favorite nepo-baby musician has released her sophomore album.
by RHYLEE HUDSON ★ JULY 14, 2024
On the 21st of June, Gracie Abrams’ sophomore album ‘The Secret of Us' was released, and it is definitely setting the tone for the summer. The album contains 13 tracks, with one featuring Taylor Swift — who Gracie has opened for on the famous Eras Tour. Weeks before the album was released, fans went crazy when Abrams posted snippets of various songs, but now that the album is officially out, people have a lot to say.
"Risk" is one of my favorites off the album; her guitar and the choppiness of her voice add to the overall sound. But this bridge, guys, this bridge is the BEST part. That, along with the chorus, make this song even better. Abrams is so open, especially on this track. In recent interviews, she has talked about how her time performing on the Eras tour gave her the confidence to be expressive in her songwriting.
Track three, arguably the most make-or-break track on any album, is “Blowing Smoke.” The extremely shocking lyrics: “Tell me, is she prettier than she was on the internet? / Are your conversations cool? / Like, are you even interested?” make this track TikTok trending. I was gagged. She then proceeds to sing, “If she’s got a pulse, she meets your standards now,” like, Gracie, please, who hurt you? The devastation is on another level.
Another standout is the fourth track, “I love you, I’m sorry,” which pays homage to a song from her debut EP, 'minor.' While “I miss you, I’m sorry” dealt with her feelings in relationships, the newer track focuses on her personal growth. It’s a profound reflection on self-awareness and accountability, themes that resonate deeply with listeners.
Track five, “us,” features Taylor Swift, and if you are a Swiftie like me, you know how important track fives are to Taylor. This collaboration has been long awaited ever since the duo played “I miss you, I’m sorry” together last summer during the Eras Tour. We do know that the writing process for this song was extensive after seeing Gracie’s Instagram post of the process (I want to be in the room where it happens).
Moving along to songs, a viral song, or, one of my top three songs is “Tough Love.” Not only is there already a TikTok trend (thank you, CapCut!), but this song reminds me of girlhood and how friends are so important. “No chance I’d waste my twenties on random men / Not one of them is smarter than all my friends” is something we all needed to hear. This song sends the message that meaningless relationships should not be the prize or the reward when we have so much more to look forward to or enjoy. I am a sucker for a song that reminds you of friends and the love that you have for them, so if you are wanting to feel uplifted, listen to track seven.
Relief and freedom display themselves in “Free Now.” My interpretation: Gracie is freshly out of a relationship that was not healthy, but it is more of a right person, wrong time situation (can someone make a La La Land edit to this song and send it to me?). I love the transitions in this song, starting off softer, like the beginning of a relationship, and then moving faster is genius. The drums come in at the best time before the lyrics, “If you find yourself out, if there is a right time / Chances are I'll be here, we could share a lifeline.”
Finally, “Close To You” is a song that fans have been eagerly waiting for, having been teased by Abrams for years. Written over seven years ago, it captures the nostalgia of young love and the bittersweet feeling of unrequited affection. The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an ideal song for summer nights. Overall, ‘The Secret of Us’ is a perfect addition to Abrams’ discography and a great way for her to beat the untalented nepotism baby allegations.