It’s no secret that everyone, even if they prefer to deny it, needs a good cry at some point. Whether you’ve just failed a test, broken up with your significant other or feel depressed for no reason, there is one remedy that can fill any heart-shaped hole: a melancholic, yet hopeful song. Luckily, Gracie Abrams dropped the deluxe version of her album “The Secret of Us” on Oct. 18 with three bonus live tracks. While many attribute her rise to fame to her father, J.J. Abrams, and his connections to Hollywood (yes, she’s a nepo-baby), there is no denying that her hypnotizing voice and compelling lyrics have made a profound splash in the music industry. So, for anyone needing an emotional revival: put on your favorite comfy sweatshirt, a pair of headphones and listen to this new masterpiece.

Abrams depicts the excitement before and disappointment after a tough relationship throughout the entire album, especially in the opening tracks “Felt Good About You” and “Risk.” “Risk” begins with an upbeat chord sequence and Abrams’ lyrics: “Look at me now, said I wouldn’t do it, but I hunted you down.” Throughout the rest of the song, she describes apprehension over wanting someone who you barely know, which is relatable as an overthinker who’s scared of commitment. “Felt Good About You,” however, is more of a somber reflection over this excitement, especially when Abrams sings “All my friends, they tried to stop me wanting you […] but I was never meant to listen, not until I found a reason.”

The next few tracks, “Blowing Smoke,”  along with “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “us. (feat. Taylor Swift),” are some of my favorites off the whole album. In each song, Abrams’ lyrics are true works of genius, especially the infamous bridge from “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” that make me want to simultaneously scream and jump every time I hear it: “You were the best, but you were the worst, as sick as it sounds I loved you first.” She captures the anger and regret over missing someone you used to know through her emotional tone, which even appeals to people who haven’t been in a relationship. Her collaboration with Swift in “us.” was highly anticipated among listeners, and it delivered in the perfect blend of their voices. Their harmonization and lyrics, combined with Swift’s enormous individual fame, is one the main driving forces behind this album’s popularity.

Towards the end of the album, Abrams has a mix of pop, as well as some slower tempo tracks. “Good Luck Charlie” stood out to me in particular, not just because of its shared title with the Disney Channel sitcom, but also due to how Abrams’ voice is more grave than her previous tracks. She sings about “Charlie” leaving her past and trauma behind, which I noticed when she says: “He made you live out that nightmare, and you nearly lost it.” I found that the shift from one melody to another was a nice way to break up the tracks, which made it more interesting to listen to.

Now, I could not conclude this review without a mention of the two online sensations of this album: “Close To You” and  “That’s So True.” Abrams’ catchy choruses and beautiful bridges are easily the best part of these tracks, with my personal favorite being “That’s So True” when she sings “Made it out alive but I think I lost it, said that I was fine, said it from my coffin.” These particular lyrics capture the essence of hard times and how they still stick with you, creating a personal connection with her listeners. Additionally, her addicting lyrics are perfect for yelling in the car with the windows down or singing with your friends whenever you need a morale boost.

Now that “The Secret of Us” has blown up, there is no keeping Abrams’ music secret for any longer. Her music has captured the hearts of people from all over the nation, and her fandom is growing larger by the hour, with her “Secret of Us” tour now moving to Europe this month. But, her career is only in the midst of its beginning, and this album is one of what I hope is many to come from her.