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Photo: Abby Waisler

Gracie Abrams’ long-awaited sophomore album The Secret Of Us has arrived just in time for the girls who are freshly out of—or perhaps have freshly entered—their summer situationships. From reflecting on heartbreak to yearning for a love that may or may not be one-sided, The Secret Of Us feels like Abrams’ most cathartic, theatrical, and euphoric body of work thus far. 

Throughout The Secret Of Us, Abrams explores the relatable hypocrisies of heartbreak: being the person to break up with someone but also wanting them back, being thankful to be out of a relationship but also stalking their new girlfriend a little too hard, finding a new person to obsess with but the person in question is an unattainable movie star. We’ve all been there. With each track, Abrams moves through the motions and reflects in the way she knows best—through songs that feel like a FaceTime call with your best friend. 

Sonically, The Secret Of Us feels like an elevated version of Abrams’ traditional synth-pop production, one that can only be described as “chaotic indie-pop perfection.” In its euphoric moments, she utilizes fast-paced, finger-plucked strings and quick-witted delivery, and in its somber moments, she tones everything down to just the right amount of backing vocals and subtle synths to create a whirlwind of emotions. The project is self-referential, most notably in “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” the counter piece to “I miss you, I’m sorry” from Abrams’ debut EP minor, and includes a full circle feature from none other than Taylor Swift, who Abrams opened for on Swift’s Eras Tour, on “Us.” 

With this project, Abrams is unabashedly herself, unafraid of writing with the slightest ounce of satire and hyperbole. Standout track “Risk” explores themes of desire and obsession, risking it all for someone who doesn’t even know you exist. Similarly, Abrams finds herself craving someone’s attention in “Let It Happen,” stuck in a state of limerence as she admits, “I might barely know you, but still / Don't love you yet, but probably will.” “Tough Love” is another representation of Abrams having fun with her writing, where, in essence, she fully realizes that the person she was dating is not worth an ounce of her tears. She speaks for us all when she says, “No chance I waste my twenties on random men.” 

Situationship anthem “Gave You I Gave You I” tells an all too familiar tale—coming to understand someone was using you for emotional support. They wanted your attention until they didn’t, and now, they are back with their ex, and you are left heartbroken. Abrams sings, “And I can't lie and claim to be confused when I know just what happened / You got bored and I felt usеd, now I'm all sad about it.” On the flip side, “Free Now” offers a sense of relief now that a relationship has been lifted from Abrams’ shoulders. Equal parts sad as it is sweet, the track reflects on the album’s themes as a whole, crescendoing into an uplifting message—it was never that serious. The narrative is reflected in the instrumentals; towards the song's bridge, you're left wanting to smile while shedding a tear. 

Overall, The Secret Of Us offers a tasteful variety of Abrams’ typical songwriting and production. Especially in tracks like “Risk” and “Close To You,” it feels like we are witnessing Abrams let go of expectations, enjoy the process, and see where the writing takes her, and we are so here for it. 

Listen to The Secret Of Us below: