By: Zoey Martinez
Fresh off of her three-day run at Radio City Music Hall, Gracie Abrams announced the deluxe
version of her sophomore album “The Secret of Us”, set to be released on Friday, October 18th.
The album included an additional four songs and three live versions of previously recorded
songs.
The last few years have been monumental for Abrams, becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30,
Grammy nominee, Billboard Hot 100, and opening for The Eras Tour. Years that have ultimately
set her up for the success of her newest album. The Secret of Us centers around the highs and
lows of being a woman in your 20s, stories of love affairs, and friendship. Abrams also answered
her fan’s prayers by including “Close To You”, a song she had teased to her fans before but
finally released on The Secret of Us.
- “Cool” showcases the feelings of acting nonchalant towards a man after they choose to
ignore him. However, it is very interesting how Gracie includes various girl names
throughout the verses, never repeating one. It is almost as though she relies on the
similar experiences of these girls to validate her own. This song felt like the
quintessential Gracie. Without a doubt, everyone should take a listen. - “That’s So True” uses a playful echo throughout, which stands out. The story follows the
realization that another girl is doing the same things you once did. This bridge felt the
most entertaining and fun, compared to the others, with standout lyrics being: “I should
go and warn her”. Girlhood! Also, the most catchy. - “I Told You Things” takes on a slower melody. “You’re the golden boy and my worst
regret” sums up her expression of said relationships. Although I really liked this one, it
was the least moving out of the four. - “Packing it Up” also includes an exciting echo effect on the lyrics, which is quite unique.
The most joyful of the four, this story describes the moment you meet someone when
least expecting it. “You push none of my buttons” is possibly the funniest lyric she has
written.
While many deluxe albums tend to feel idle and monotonous, Gracie keeps this album alive and
well with the addition of these tracks. This melodic album encapsulates young women’s feelings
everywhere, from the small details to the life-changing events. To me, these songs become an
escape from my own reality, even though her reality coincides with mine from time to time. She
can take these situations, both good and bad, to create art for everyone to escape into.
4.6/5
