Gracie Abrams’ “The Secret of Us” is like that sequel you didn’t ask for, but ended up enjoying more than you expected. Sure, the lyrics punch through with some catchy hooks, and the choruses stick like that one song you can’t shake from your head, but let’s be honest—it’s comfortably average. Even then, I find myself liking it, despite my usually harsh critiques.
Abrams takes us on a rollercoaster where the peaks are thrilling, and the drops are, well, predictable. But that’s not a knock, there isn’t a moment on this album that drags it down. Instead, it’s a smooth ride with maybe a few standout moments that make you want to hop back on. Tracks like “Blowing Smoke,” “us. (feat. Taylor Swift),” and “Close To You” are pure joyrides, the kind of tunes that make you roll down the windows and sing along, even if you swore you wouldn’t. If her 2023 “Good Riddance” was a timid wave goodbye, this album is a bold, slightly messy, but endearing hug.
There’s an unmistakable pop sheen to these tracks, the kind that nudges the album from “meh,” to “hmm, not bad.” And let’s not overlook the Taylor Swift feature—because, honestly, who could? Abrams may only have five years in the game, but pulling in a heavy hitter like Swift shows she’s playing for keeps. With a bit more polish on her lyrics and production, she’s got the potential to craft something truly remarkable.
Visually, “The Secret of Us” is a treat. The album cover and photoshoot unexpectedly stand out, especially for a mainstream artist like Abrams. There’s a certain finesse in her expressions, the kind that’s hard to pull off unless you’ve really got it. And guess what? She’s got it.
The confessional tone of the album feels raw and immediate, like she’s singing her diary entries in real time, with a tracklist that flows as easily as the story she’s telling. It’s this authenticity that makes the album stick, even if the lyrics don’t dig as deep as they could. There’s something about Abrams—a certain spark—that makes me believe she’s on the cusp of something great.
I often found myself really appreciating the little moments in the songs because I know there’s always more where that came from. I wish that she had taken that jump to do something different, but sometimes safe is smart, especially on a sophomore album. The subject matter may skim the surface, and the production might sound familiar, but it fits her voice like a glove. In doing what she knew was best fit for her, she met the mark. I hope for next time she exceeds that and takes it somewhere beyond the traditional Gracie Abrams sound, whatever that may be.
