Gracie Abrams' bold breakthrough album – The Fordham Ram

Abrams' latest album has many emotional layers. (Courtesy of Instagram)

Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams presented her third album “The Secret of Us” back in June. Ahead of the album's release, Abrams teased that the record was “more extroverted” than her previous, gentler releases such as “Good Riddance” (2023) and “This Is What It Feels Like” (2021). As someone who has been listening to Abrams since the release of her EP Minor in 2020, I was eagerly awaiting what I knew would be my album of the summer; I wasn't disappointed.

Although I consider The Secret of Us a no-skip album, unfortunately I have a word limit, so let me talk about some of my favorite tracks. The album's leading single “Risk” features upbeat production and an urgent build to the bridge, drawing the listener into Abrams' sense of desperation. The track's loud vocals and lyrics perfectly capture the insecure, often manic, inner monologue of someone falling in love with him, as Abrams sings, “God, I'm actually invested, haven't even met him yet.” Pay attention “that this is the wrong thing, classic.” Abrams couldn't have chosen a more appropriate title for this album's lead single, as it takes on a bolder sound and tackles a subject that (finally) isn't heartbreak.

Abrams' personality and unfiltered lyricism shine in “Blowing Smoke.” The track begins with a gentle acoustic guitar as Abrams criticizes an old flame who has moved on. Although the track is relatively slow at first, the rhythm picks up as Abrams thinks about her ex's new girlfriend. The second verse of the song juxtaposes the gentle guitar with the blunt lyrics: “You look stupid when you go out. “If she has a pulse, she’s up to your standards now,” to which I had to rewind to make sure I heard correctly on the first listen. While Abrams paints a picture of heartache, she also mocks their previous affair and reminds him that she knows him better than his new girlfriend. In the chorus, Abrams sings angrily, “Are your conversations cool, are you even interested?” I know what you are, brighter than the stars. Tell me if it takes you far,” and ends the song almost teasingly by singing “I know” over and over again. What can I say, I love a good, angry ballad.

“Tough Love” is an ode to female friendship and Abrams' recognition that romantic affairs are no guarantee of an intellectual or meaningful relationship. Unfazed by her lover and with new clarity, Abrams sings: “No way I'm wasting my twenties on any men, none of them tougher than all my friends.” And I hate to leave him bleeding, but I know, know, wherever I go.”

In 2017, Abrams released a 20-second snippet of an unreleased song titled “Close to You.” Seven years later, Abrams gave in to fans' years of begging for the song's release and announced “Close to You” as the album's second single. When I played “Close to You” to my dad, he said, “That’s a hit, I don’t know why she didn’t release it sooner.” Well said, Brian. Although she considered including the song on her previous album, Abrams ultimately decided against it because the sound didn't match that of “Good Riddance.” I couldn't wait to listen to the song in its entirety rather than just a short snippet on TikTok. After finishing my shift at 1 a.m., I immediately put on headphones to romanticize my walk home to “Close to You” on repeat. An upbeat pop-synth track that's pleasantly similar to Lorde's “Green Light,” the song stands out from typical Abrams releases and explores similar themes to “Risk.”

While it's probably the most heartbreaking, “I Knew It, I Know You” is my absolute favorite on the album. The track features Abrams' signature gentle guitar as she mourns a relationship where the connection inevitably falters. The song's tempo slows toward the bridge as Abrams sings apologetically, “And we don't even know each other now” and “You had the wrong idea about me.” And all I ever did was think about you , until all I could think about was me.” In the song's final chorus, Abrams' voice rises and she gently sings “down” in the background, a reference to “Long Sleeves” from her EP, where she repeats the song with Singing “I’m coming down” concludes.

While every song on the album showcases Abrams' talent, my honorable mentions include “I Love You, I'm Sorry,” “Let It Happen,” and “Free Now.” As a girl in her early 20s, it often feels like Abrams draws inspiration from my diary for her music, and “The Secret of Us” is no exception. Abrams' signature vulnerability and connection are evident throughout the album as she sings about emotions ranging from heartache to friendship to the psychosis that comes with a crush. It's comforting to know that Abrams has experienced the same niche emotions that I have, and I'm grateful that she chose to sing about them.