Gracie Abrams released her sophomore album “The Secret of Us,” featuring a collaboration with Taylor Swift on the single “Us.” The song, co-written by Abrams, Swift, and Aaron Dessner, explores themes of lost love and regret. Their friendship, forged during Swift’s Eras Tour, led to this musical partnership, with Abrams set to rejoin Swift on tour.
Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift
Collaboration That Sparks Musical Magic
Rising star Gracie Abrams has released her highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Secret of Us,” featuring a collaboration with pop icon Taylor Swift. The duo’s single “Us” is creating waves in the music industry, marking their first official partnership.
A Deep Dive into “Us”
Released on Friday, June 21, 2024, “Us” showcases the unique blend of Abrams’ and Swift’s musical styles. While Swift’s vocals are subtly woven throughout the track, her songwriting influence is unmistakable. The song paints a vivid picture of a relationship that burned bright but faded quickly.
Lyrics That Resonate
The chorus poses a poignant question: “Do you miss us?” This simple yet powerful line encapsulates the song’s theme of nostalgia and regret. The lyrics continue:
“I felt it / You held it / Do you miss us? / Wonder if you regret the secret of us.”
Swift-like Touch
Fans of Swift will notice similarities to her recent album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” The second verse of “Us” echoes Swift’s signature storytelling style:
“It felt like something old / It felt like something holy, like souls bleeding / So it felt like what I’ve known / You’re 29 years old / So how can you be so cold when I open my home?”
The Creative Process
“Us” is a collaborative effort, co-written by Abrams, Swift, and Aaron Dessner of The National. The production team also includes Jack Antonoff, another frequent Swift collaborator.
Abrams shared insights into the song’s creation with Billboard magazine: “Something caught our ear simultaneously very hard and fast. So we ran to the piano and started writing this song.” She added, “I used to fantasize about that kind of thing as a kid.”
Dessner, who produced most of Abrams’ album, described the collaboration as a magical experience. “It was just enjoyable to watch the chemistry of Gracie and Taylor bouncing off each other,” he told Billboard. “Gracie is in total wonder and awe watching how Taylor records and produces her vocal performances and builds the world.”
Friendship Forged on Tour
The partnership between Abrams and Swift extends beyond the recording studio. Abrams opened for Swift during the first North American leg of the Eras Tour, solidifying their friendship.
An Unforgettable Dinner Party
Abrams recounted a memorable moment from a dinner party at Swift’s Tribeca apartment. In the early hours of the morning, a candle tipped over, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Swift quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher, averting disaster.
“She was such a legend,” Abrams told Billboard. “I don’t know how she knew what to do at this hour or in our state.” The incident left both singers with a lingering cough from the extinguisher fumes, but it’s now a cherished memory of their growing friendship.
Looking Ahead
Fans can look forward to seeing more of Abrams and Swift together. Later this year, Abrams will rejoin Swift as an opening act for the final North American dates of the Eras Tour.
“The Secret of Us,” featuring the collaborative single “Us,” is now available on all major music platforms. This album marks a significant milestone in Abrams’ career and showcases the power of artistic collaboration in the music industry.