Gracie Abrams released “The Secret of Us” Deluxe Version on Oct. 17, 2024, adding four new tracks and three live versions to her previously phenomenal album.
These additions were highly anticipated by fans and did anything but disappoint when released. Abrams shared four new songs titled “Packing It Up,” “That’s So True,” “Cool” and “I Told You Things.” Along with these, three live from Vevo versions of her loved songs “Free Now,” “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “I Knew It, I Know You” were added.
Abrams’ music is extremely vulnerable, as the rest of the album shows, but the live versions of some of her most emotional songs bring a new level of honesty and heartbreak to the tracks. The live versions allow listeners to hear the emotion in Abrams’ voice in a different way; the best way to describe it would be “raw”. They magnify the beauty of the lyrics and add a new reality to each song.
One thing I love about listening to these is being able to hear her sharp breaths, or the emotional shake of her voice when singing a meaningful line. The most praised aspect of the live versions, however, are the several note changes that have become popular on published videos of the performances, specifically in the outro of “I Love You, I’m Sorry” when she belts “lay on the horn to prove that it haunts me.”
“Cool” was the first deluxe track that I listened to, and it definitely shocked me with how different the tone and vibe are from the majority of the album. But, I’ve grown to love this song after listening to it a few times, and have noticed the double meaning of the title. While she uses the song to express being relaxed and “chill” about a situation she isn’t actually happy about, the song also takes on a very icy mood, displaying the relaxed and hidden anger that Abrams feels.
“Packing It Up” is a surprise inclusion to the album, standing out as one of the only positive love songs. Its refreshing vibe makes it a feel-good track. In this song, Abrams admits to having been ready to “pack it up”, or give up on relationships, but “that’s right when you happened.” She brings up the idea that some of the best things come at the least expected times; although this person was a surprise to her, she “hope(s) that you get everything you could ask for.” I think fans were very relieved to hear this song, as it is hopeful and describes Abrams being at a peaceful point in her life.
“I Told You Things” is another great addition to the album, adding to the overlying themes of betrayal and disappointment in someone she trusted so much. The title is self-explanatory, implying that she has “Told you things that I never said // to anybody else, I regret them.” What I love so much about this song is the calm tone and instrumentals that it includes, and how peaceful it is to listen to. While it is so heartbreaking, it’s also very beautiful and fits in perfectly with the remainder of the tracks.
My favorite, and a fan-favorite as well, is “That’s So True,” an upbeat song that strikes on ideas such as jealousy, insecurity and realization. “That’s So True” starts off similarly to “Risk”, another high-energy track on the album. Abrams is comically honest, switching frantically between missing him (the ex she is addressing) and being jealous of his new girlfriend, to realizing “You’re an idiot, now I’m sure // Now I’m positive, I should go and warn her.”
Famously for Abrams, the bridge is the highlight of the song. It becomes even more upbeat before switching to a slightly angry tone, singing “Made it out alive // But, I think I lost it.” This song is a reflective piece and a necessary addition to the album, wrapping many common themes into a very fun song.
“The Secret of Us” Deluxe Version was a revival of the extremely emotional and heartbreaking album, inviting fans back to not only their long-time favorites, but to additional tracks that did not disappoint.
