I could not be more excited for the new Gracie Abrams album
"Close to You" was finally released on June 7 after being teased on TikTok. The new album The Secret of Us drops June 21
It’s a lovely Friday to talk about my favorite nepo baby.
When I first heard a clip of the unreleased song “Close to You” I genuinely thought it was an old Lorde, Pure Heroin track. While I hear less of Lorde now on the official release, the song is still a pristine sad-pop track, what the girls want and what ladies like Lorde, Clairo, and Gracie are delivering (maybe with the occasional help of Jack Antonoff).
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But Gracie’s commitment to the sound she’s branded herself with helps her stand apart from the rest. It wasn’t “Close to You,” truthfully, that sold me on her upcoming album The Secret of Us coming out on June 21. The first single, “Risk,” released May 1, caught me by surprise. It’s playful, catchy, and real, just as many of her songs are. But something about it stood out. Maybe it’s the message all of us heartbroken 20-somethings need in the discouraging age of online dating. Or maybe it’s just different enough from other pop songs out there. Whatever it is, both releases have me excited for more.
What else is new? (Or I should ask what isn’t new)
Every Spotify refresh today has led me to a new release. I had Charli XCX pre-saved along with “Close to You.” But a new Zach Bryan? A new Shallow Alcove? I took my time getting through every new track while getting work done until, low and behold, an Instagram-scrolling session during my lunch break brought me to a new Sabrina Carpenter—and can you guess who produced it?
What I’m listening to
“Pink Skies” by Zach Bryan
The new Tiny Habits album
“Dogear” by Sarah Gross
“Sexy to Someone” by Clairo
“End of Beginning” Triple J cover by The Beaches
“Birthday Baby” by joe p
“Waiting for Tulips” by Shallow Alcove
“Close to You” by Gracie Abrams
“Cozy” by the girls (Jeremy Zucker, Lauv, Alexander 23)
“Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter
BRAT album by Charli XCX