Gracie Abrams “The Secret Of Us” Album Review
Gracie Abrams has released her very highly anticipated sophomore album "The Secret of Us.” Critics and fans alike have applauded Abrams's evolution on this body of work which delivers a more self-assured and dynamic soundscape compared to her more introspective debut album “Good Riddance”. This shift is attributed in part to the experiences she gained while touring extensively both on her own, opening for Olivia Rodrigo in 2022 and on the worlds hottest ticket right now, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour (45 dates to be exact).
I was lucky enough to be in attendance at the Sour Tour in Denver, The Good Riddance Tour in Atlanta and The Eras Tour Night 2 in Tampa!
Speaking of the world’s hottest tour ticket, as a special bonus, Gracie’s album features a collaboration between her and Taylor Swift on track 5 titled "us." a sure highlight for many die-hard listeners. To many it’s seen as a sign of Abrams's rising talent and adds a layer of excitement to the song.
Beyond the star power, Swift's harmonies blend beautifully with Abrams's vocals, creating a powerful duet that elevates the emotional impact of the track. Thematic connections can also be drawn between the two artists, as they both work with the same producers, further solidifying the collaboration's effectiveness. This team-up not only adds commercial appeal but also serves as a symbolic passing of the torch, with Swift endorsing Abrams as a major force in the industry, having already earned her first Grammy nomination at this year’s ceremony.
"The Secret of Us" is a confident step forward for Gracie Abrams. It demonstrates her ability to expand her sound while staying true to the emotional core that made her debut so wildly successful. It reflects her growth as not only a songwriter but as a performer and artist.
The propulsive drumming, layered guitars, and soaring vocals on tracks like "Let It Happen" and "Blowing Smoke" showcase her newfound vocal confidence. However, the album doesn't abandon Abrams's signature introverted vulnerability entirely. Her strength in relatable and raw songwriting remains a constant as she delves into the complexities of young adulthood, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
The slower ballads like "Felt Good About You" retain a strong sense of intimacy, demonstrating her ability to navigate a wider emotional range within a new sonic framework. The production is polished and layered, adding depth and texture to the songs without overshadowing the raw honesty of her storytelling.
While some may miss the stripped-down intimacy of her earlier work, "The Secret of Us" showcases Abrams's potential to evolve into a major force in the pop landscape. The experimentation with a more expansive sound opens doors for her future creative direction, leaving fans excited to see where she goes next.
This album is definitely worth a listen for anyone who is already a fan of Gracie or similar artists like Phoebe Bridgers in the indie-pop realm.
Gracie Abrams is an artist to watch, and "The Secret of Us" is a promising glimpse into her extremely bright future.
I already know this album will already be on my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year! So be like me and stream “The Secret Of Us” now!
-XOXO Rachel
