“The Secret of Us,” released on June 21, is the newest album from the growing pop star Gracie Abrams. As Abrams has grown in the music industry over the last few years, the latest addition to her discography brings a new sophistication to her brand.

Throughout the songs in the album, the lyrics paint a picture of a sweet relationship turned sour. The way the story is told portrays a letter-like script to a past relationship and brings anger, mourning, grief, reminiscence, resentment, and reluctant acceptance. The way Abrams demonstrates the endless emotions that can come with heartbreak is shown with such devotion and fondness that is contrasting from her old music. 

The music itself becomes stronger and more defined as the album moves along and characterizes the emotion. In many of the songs, Abrams adds a low harmony or a certain breathiness to her delivery of the lyrics, setting a mellow atmosphere to the album. She keeps her strong vocals as the focus, adding harmonies and backing tracks that give an experimental feel to her vocal abilities.

Early in the album, the song “I Love You, I’m Sorry” starts the timeline of the relationship progressing. The song is breathy and has very light and soft backings. The lyrics are apologetic and acknowledge Abrams’ mistakes in the relationship but also portray the idea that her partner hurt her too, which allows her listeners a glance at the two perspectives. It introduces the reason for the breakup and the initial thought of longing for true acceptance of the separation.

On social media, the song “That’s So True” has become notably popular for its bridge, being

described as a journey running away in the rain, which permeates a feeling of intense power throughout the track. Although the lyrics aren’t necessarily outstanding, the prior build-up and amplification of the percussion make it fierce andpowerful. The sudden cutoff of the music at the end of the bridge and then the strong vocals and instrumentals starting back up again at the chorus undeniably highlight the resentment of the former partner finding someone else.

Overall, her use of lyrics, backing tracks, harmonies, and control of the instrumentals accentuate her power as an artist, while showcasing her extraordinary vocal abilities and songwriting skills. The album brings a new focus on Abrams’ brand, and shows a maturity that her former image hasn’t reached before.