Gracie Abram’s second studio album, “The Secret of Us” was released on June 21. Abrams spent two years writing, recording songs, and collaborating with artists like Taylor Swift who’s featured on track five “Us.” Abrams started her tour on Sept. 5, titled after her newest album “The Secret of Us (2024).” The tour is scheduled to start in Portland, and it’s scheduled to end on May 17, 2025, in Perth, Australia.
Track 1: “Felt Good About You”
8/10
This track sets the tone for the album perfectly. The song starts with a soft melody, and it slowly builds up to the bridge of the song. The song is about a relationship that feels like it’s going well and having high hopes for it to turn out well until it unravels to disappointment.
“I felt good about you ’til I didn’t/Crossed lines, past lives, clear vision”
9/10
“Risk” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. I love the strum pattern throughout the song, and the way Abrams’ vocals gradually build up, similar to her other songs on the album. “Risk” has more upbeat instrumentals that compliment the lyrics. The song is about going for something regardless of the outcome. The upbeat tune gives an uplifting mood to the album before transitioning to the other songs that are a lot softer.
“Heard the risk is drowning, but I’m gonna take it”
8/10
This track starts with soft guitar strums, as well as vocals. The song is about the internal struggles that come when getting over a previous relationship. The song describes feelings of jealousy, and a haunting presence of her passed relationship. Abram’s questions her previous partner’s current relationship throughout the song, and wonders if it was the same as when they were together.
“Are your conversations cool? Like, are you even interested?”
Track 4: “I Love you, I’m Sorry”
10/10
“I Love you, I’m Sorry” has a soft melody that’s complimented by the guitar in the background. This song is my personal favorite on the album. This track is a parallel to Abrams’ single “I Miss You I’m Sorry” released back in 2020. Abram’s captures moments of regret she feels guilty of a past relationship. The song is about exploring the hardship that comes with being in a relationship, and making mistakes.
“A habit to kick, the age-old curse/I tend to laugh whenever I’m sad”
Track 5: “Us (Ft. Taylor Swift)”
9/10
This track starts off with a majestic melody that builds up at the beginning of the song before Abrams’ starts singing. The song is about questioning if a previous partner misses their relationship the way she does. This is the first song Swift collaborated on with Abrams. Jack Antoff, and Aaron Dessner worked alongside Swift and Abrams to produce this song.
“You never read up on it, shame, could’ve learned somethin’“
8/10
This track is about the start of a new relationship, and not knowing how its going to turn out. Abrams uses higher vocals throughout the song as she sings about the excitement of meeting a new person and building a relationship. I like that this has an upbeat melody, and how it compliments the lyrics well. This song feels very youthful, and fun – definitely continues the mood of the album, and the different ways relationships form.
“I might barely know you, but still/Don’t love you yet, but probably will”
9/10
In this song, Abrams starts singing with very soft, and quiet-like vocals. As the song progresses she starts singing louder, and higher pitched vocals. This song has a very fun, and playful vibe throughout the lyrics. I like the way this song is about self discovery, and focusing on personal goals rather than prioritizing relationships that aren’t working out.
“I laughed the second he tried to call my bluff/I guess it’s always funny until it’s not”
Track 8: “I Knew It, I Know You”
10/10
The melody starts off slow, with guitar in the background. This song is another one of my personal favorites, and it gives a very somber feel because its about ending a friendship with someone you were close with. Another message in this song is about leaving a relationship or a friendship where the other person is not giving enough or the same effort. This track was definitely one of the more melancholy, and heartbreaking songs on the album.
“And we don’t even know each other now/And I’d blow all my plans if you’d meet me out”
Track 9: “Gave You I Gave You I”
6/10
This song has synth-pop instrumentals, while Abram’s sings with soft vocals. This song is about feeling used, and betrayed by another person. “Gave You I Gave You I” has a lot of anger, and sadness behind the lyrics because even though the singer feels betrayed, she is confused why their previous partner did what they did.
“You went off running away from something/That I have nothing to do with now”
8/10
Similar to Track nine, “Normal Thing,” has a synth–pop vibe complimented with a slower and quiet melody that builds up to the bridge of the song. This song is about being self aware of things someone does while being in a relationship. Another message of the song is putting yourself in someone else’s perspective, and acknowledging why the relationship has to end. I like this song and the feel of closure, and acceptance that comes when something good comes to an end, but there are no hard feelings.
“And you changed my life, but I guess I’ll see ya/‘Cause it’s over now, so I guess I’ll see ya”
6/10
“Good Luck Charlie” starts of with a low melody, with soft guitar instrumentals. The song is about a third party observing their friends relationship with another person. The song is about wishing positive outcomes for close friends, after they end a relationship. This song is melancholy, and sorrowful which is similar to the song “Gave You I Gave You I.”
“I hope you’re ready/’Cause this isn’t what you wanted”
7/10
“Free Now” is about looking back and reflecting on a past relationship. I like the instrumentals, and the melody of this song, and the upbeat vibe it creates as the song progresses. This song definitely uplifts the mood of the album, and wraps up all of the emotions before the final song.
“Every page that I wrote, you were on it”
10/10
“Close To You” is a great track to end the album. It has an uplifting and fun melody from the beginning to the end of the song. I love the switch between upbeat, and softer tracks that also build up in this album. “Close To You” is about longing for a new relationship, and the excitement behind it. I love Abram’s vocals in this song, and gives the album a great way to end on a positive note.
“And you don’t even know my name/If you asked me to/I’d give up everything”
Abram’s powerful lyrics, and styles throughout the songs made this album stand out. The album has a range of indie, pop, and folk throughout the 13 tracks. All of the songs are very unique, but tie in to the theme of heartbreak, starting over, and closure in relationships.
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