Gracie Abrams: “The Secret Of Us” Review After First Listen!

By Kayla Harper

Singer/songwriter, Gracie Abrams, announced her sophomore album, The Secret Of Us, earlier this year and has since released two singles, “Risk” and the highly anticipated (we’re talking fans have been waiting for seven years), “Close To You”.   Additionally, she has teased many songs from the albums tracklist on her social media pages (However, I have not been listening because I hate spoilers and could not tell you which ones), and has a collaboration with idol and role-model, Taylor Swift, called “Us”.

Abrams gained a lot of popularity this past year after opening for many shows on the U.S. leg of Swift’s Eras Tour.  However, she also has many dedicated fans who have been around since her Minor bedroom sessions back during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown (it’s me, I’m fans).

Although, I’m usually too excited and awestruck after listening to one of my favourite artists brand new albums, I am going to do my best to give my honest review, reaction and general thoughts on the album after my first listen!

Upon first listen it was clear to me that The Secret Of Us demonstrates Abrams’s growth as a songwriter and musician, while still maintaining her signature sound, as she works with frequent collaborator Aaron Dessner of The National on most of the album.  This makes the album sound fresh and new, while still comparable to Abrams’s previous work.

One of the most anticipated songs from The Secret Of Us was the collaboration with Abram’s friend and mentor, Swift, on track five, “Us”.  The collaboration did not disappoint as Swift was vocally and lyrically present, but did not overshadow Abrams in any way.   Abrams shared that the song was written the same night Swift showed her “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived ” and “But Daddy I Love Him” from her recent album, The Tortured Poets Department, before it’s release.  The two wrote “Us” together the same night, inspired by an instrumental track Dessner had sent them.  During the creation of this masterpiece of a song, a candle set Swift’s kitchen on fire, making it a memorable night.

 

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Aside from the exciting collaboration, some other tracks that stood out to me on the first listen were, “Blowing Smoke”, “Let It Happen”, “Gave You I Gave You I” and “Free Now”.

Abrams maintains and expands on her clever way of writing relatable lyrics that paint a picture, bluntly say it as it is, tell a story and evoke emotion, while also upholding her brutal honesty and ability to pin the blame on herself.  All sung in a delicate, but strong voice over Dessner’s signature acoustic style.

Other songs such as “Tough Love”, “Felt Good About You” and “Close To You” reveal a musical side of Abrams we don’t see often that feels most reminiscent to her 2020 EP, Minor.  Nonetheless, these songs are not completely foreign and still comparable to others in her discography such as, “The Bottom”, “21”, “For Real This Time”, “Mess It Up” and “Difficult”.

In summation, I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Of Us, it was what I expected, while still leaving me pleasantly surprised. It was genuine to Abrams, while still utilizing the opportunity to grow and expand.  I cannot wait to listen to it over and over again, falling in love with it more each time!