Gracie Abrams dives head first into a new era of music with her latest single "Risk"
photo by @abbywaisler
Gracie Abrams does it again! With “Risk,” Abrams releases her frustration and energy in a perfectly balanced combination of intimate lyrics and raw instrumentals that mark the beginning of her next era of heart-breaking yet dance-worthy music.
Abrams’ debut album, Good Riddance, released earlier last year, became an instant classic as she poured her heart and soul into every song to deliver a collection of personal yet relatable songs with powerful instrumentals and poetic lyrics.
After opening for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour, Abrams amassed a dedicated fan base that happily screamed her lyrics back at her every night at each stadium across the country. As Abrams enters her own new era, the anticipation for her sophomore album, The Secret of Us, out June 21st, is higher than ever.
“Risk” begins with a fast-paced and folk-like guitar that blends beautifully with Abrams’ quick opening verse. Abrams has become a master at writing the most heart-wrenching, relatable, and personal lyrics and effortlessly pairing them with contrasting instrumentals that make you want to jump and dance.
“Risk” is no different, but this time, Abrams’ lyrics and vocals are more playful and cheeky, as her voice sounds like she is smirking through the lyrics: “Look at me now/Said I wouldn't do it, but I hunted you down/Know you had a girl, but it didn't work out/Know you bought a house, but you had to move out/And I'm not proud/Guess I'm just scared of you shooting it down/You can just talk, and I'll stare at your mouth/You could be bad, but I wanna find out.” In the first verse alone, Abrams has expressed feelings of doubt and sorrow, with hints of silly delusion, like the feelings you get when you have a crush on someone new. Already, the song gives you butterflies, and the first chorus has not even come in yet.
“Risk” music video directed by @audreyhobert
Aaron Dessner, founding member of rock band The National and frequent music producer for Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, among others, joins Abrams once again on “Risk.” After working with Abrams on her EP This Is What It Feels Like and her debut album Good Riddance, Dessner and Abrams have become an electrifying and brilliant duo. On “Risk,” Dessner’s production compliments Abrams' lyrics and tender vocals, filling the song with a powerful energy that pulses through your veins the more you listen.
The heartbeat of the song is in the drums that build towards the end of the song as Abrams sings of self-doubt and working up the courage to take a leap of faith and follow her heart with lyrics such as “God, I'm jumping in the deep end/It’s more fun than swimming/Heard the risk is drowning, but I'm gonna take it” and “Too soon to tell you, ‘I love you’/You're the risk, I'm gonna take it.” As the drums speed up and grow louder and stronger, so does Abrams’ confidence as the song concludes.
The Secret of Us album cover, shot by @abbywaisler
“Risk” is not only the perfect song to kick off summer, as Abrams sings about following your heart, trying new things, and embracing who you are without thinking twice, but the song also turns the page on a new chapter for Abrams herself.
After going from writing and recording songs in her bedroom to releasing her debut album, touring with Taylor Swift, and a Best New Artist nomination at the 2024 Grammys, Abrams has had a whirlwind few years. Abrams’ lyrics, paired with nostalgic and playful instrumentals on “Risk” promise a summery, earnest, and vibrant sophomore album you will not want to miss.
