It’s a simple fact that certain songs “hit harder” than others. Not every song can be screamed in a car. This element transcends genres and moods. It’s not an exact science, but I believe it boils down to how relatable the song is.
Gracie Abrams, whom I’ve been listening to for years now, has two albums and two EPs (extended plays) full of these hard-hitting songs. Her newest album, The Secret Of Us, is no exception. Good Riddance, her first album, came out in early 2023, but the wait for her next project felt like forever despite only being a year and a few months.
So, when the album and its first single were announced on April 29, I was elated. Releasing on May 1 and June 7 respectively, “Risk” and “Close To You” were the two lead singles from the album, and when I say they were both on repeat, I mean it.
Finally, June 21 arrived, and the album was released; for about a month, it was literally the only thing I listened to. I was obsessed. After a summer filled with Abrams’ voice and months to reflect on each song, I would consider myself to be an expert on this album if such a thing even exists. Then, to corroborate my obsession, Abrams released the deluxe edition of the album on Oct. 18.
Felt Good About You
As an opening track, “Felt Good About You” is fantastic, but when it stands alone, it’s not as strong. It’s very simple in both lyrics and production; essentially, Abrams had a good feeling about a relationship, and then she no longer felt that way. Still, I love this track, simplicity and all.
Risk
This song was the soundtrack to my volleyball practice carpools until the season ended, and luckily I was not driving (thank you, Emmy) because this song makes me want to drive off of a cliff—not necessarily because it’s sad, but because it feels, sonically, like a cinematic climax where the main character is spiraling. Her vocals are packed with emotion, and the lyrics detail obsession and describe a crush so accurately that it hurts.
Blowing Smoke
I was slightly caught off guard when I first heard this track. The tone is more intense and critical than many of her other songs, and it works well with Abrams’ style. She expresses contempt for an ex, who it is implied that she broke up with, and conveys her belief that their relationship was genuine and sincere, whereas his new flings are shallow and based on nothing of substance. Her disdain is obvious, and lyrics like, “If she’s got a pulse she meets your standards now,” describe how Abrams deplores his new relationships while simultaneously containing some sarcasm that makes the song even more resentful.
I Love You, I’m Sorry
The bridge of this song is one that TikTok heard and then ran with. “You were the best but you were the worst / As sick as it sounds, I loved you first / I was a d***, it is what it is,” probably sounds familiar. Abrams first teased this song in early April, and I remember being floored, mostly because of the connection to one of her first songs, “I miss you, I’m sorry.” Both of these tracks are some of her best, and Abrams’ raw emotions are heard throughout this entire song, especially through lyricism and vocals.
us. (feat. Taylor Swift)
Like many others across the world, my heart leaped out of my chest when I first saw the tracklist and this feature. Abrams and Swift share many fans, and I have been hoping for this collaboration for a long time. What I was not expecting, however, was that this would (kind of) be the title track of the album. I say kind of because I don’t know if a song can truly be considered a title track if they don’t share the exact same name; Abrams and Swift sing the words, “The secret of us” multiple times throughout the song. This track is arguably the best written on the album, which may have something to do with Swift’s co-writing credit, not to say that Abrams isn’t extraordinarily talented in her own right.
Let It Happen
I have a suspicion that Abrams peeked into my diary as she wrote this song. It kind of feels like a personal attack on my life, but that only makes the listening experience more enjoyable, so I have no complaints. The lyrics signify the beginning of Abrams’ feelings for someone. She has hurt herself with her own unrequited love again, and as she beautifully sing-yells her way through the bridge, I find myself not-so-beautifully screaming alongside her.
I Knew It, I Know You
At first, this song failed to stand out to me, but after a couple of months, I have come to appreciate it immensely. The standout part of this song is undoubtedly the outro, coming directly after a dramatic bridge. The lyrics focus on Abrams’ perspective and handling of a relationship, and she seems caught between unapologetic closure on what she had to do while also being aware that she is writing a song about it, implying she feels some remorse, potentially. It’s blunt, simple, and candid, and consequently emotional.
Free Now
This is the best song on the album. I don’t see any other way to put it. I ascend to another level of consciousness every time it plays, and then the bridge comes. Twelve lines of impressive songwriting that elicit inexplicable pain and sentiment in the listener. All of it comes to a peak as the drums come in, and she sings, “Every page that I wrote, you were on it / Feel you deep in my bones, you’re the current.” I’ll never quite be able to put into words how these lyrics make me feel; fittingly, I feel them deep in my bones.
Close To You
As a single, “Close To You” gave off strong summer vibes and, along with “Risk,” made me endlessly excited for the full album. As a part of the whole album, however, it’s not very cohesive, which may be why Abrams put it at the end, even though the song “Normal Thing” gives off more of a finale energy. It’s catchy, it’s relatable, and it’s pop.
That’s So True
Most fans, including myself, already knew this song and were ecstatic to know that they could now add it to their playlists outside of podcast format with the release of the deluxe. In a short couple of weeks, I know every word and sing them—embarrassingly off-tune—at the top of my lungs every time I drive anywhere. Again, Abrams utilizes a scornful tone, and the bridge is when the song really hits its stride. I know it may sound like all the songs are similarly structured and, therefore, similar and repetitive, but the opposite is true: every song feels like its own, “That’s So True” included.
Packing It Up
From the first listen, this song shot up to one of my favorites out of all of the songs, not just the deluxe tracks. Gentle in both vocals and production, Abrams sings about finding love, which wraps up every emotion covered in this album with a blue bow. “Packing It Up” is the perfect title for the closing track as well, denoting closure and a finale. Reminiscent of “The Blue,” one of my favorite tracks on her prior album Good Riddance, Abrams says this love came out of nowhere when she least expected it, giving the tune a hopeful tone.
I have a confession: I believe Good Riddance is overall a stronger, deeper album, but that doesn’t really diminish my love for The Secret Of Us. If I were to summarize the entire album into one word, it would be “emotional.” Not in the sad sense but in the sense of Abrams’ raw, relatable, powerful lyrics and vocals, which drive the message of each and every song home.
