An introduction to the ‘best’ of Gracie Abrams.

Gracie at ‘An Evening with Gracie Abrams’ 13th July 2024.

I’ve created a list of Gracie Abrams’ 10 best tunes, from quiet bedroom folk to pop hits. For anyone looking to get into the rising star’s music, especially with her third album set to release soon on July 17th, this is the place to start.

10. That’s So True – Live From Radio City Hall

This song is a prime example of “it’s popular for a reason”. It’s pop perfection, gained masses of attention shortly after its release, and helped grow her fanbase. In this live recording, the delivery is stripped-back, and Abrams takes the opportunity to change several notes, including belting the high note towards the end, which is goosebump worthy.

9. I miss you, I’m sorry – minor

Part of her first EP, this song is one of the first examples of Abrams’ compelling songwriting talent. It demonstrates unfiltered heartbreak that feels like a diary entry. As the song progresses, small details gradually reveal information about the relationship as if they’re secrets. The minimalistic opening notes are instantly recognisable and immediately make the listener feel emotional.

8. Cedar – The Buccaneers: Season 1 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack)

“Cedar” is one of Abrams’ best songs because it captures emotional turmoil that sounds exactly how it feels. The trembling vocals make every line feel urgent, and the pulsing production feels like a panicking heartbeat. The chorus particularly stands out, capturing emotional tension and unspoken fear, saying so much in very few words.

7. I Love You, I’m sorry – Live From Vevo – The Secret of Us (Deluxe)

Revisiting the emotional arc from her previous work, “I miss you, I’m sorry”, Gracie deepens the story by expanding it into a multifaceted narrative in “I Love You, I’m Sorry”. We see her viewpoint change as she reflects on the relationship years later. This evolving storytelling shows intentional craft and strong emotional awareness. I’ve selected the live recording because Gracie’s voice cracks and extended key notes make every word much more powerful and harder hitting.

6. Best – Good Riddance

In this song, Gracie Abrams’ self-reflection and self-deprecation make her songwriting impactful because they create authentic emotional depth. She lets listeners into her unfiltered inner world by admitting her flaws, insecurities, and mistakes. What’s great about it is how it has a rare, honest feel, rather than seeming performative.

5. Camden – This Is What It Feels Like

One of the best things about this song is how raw and relatable it is, particularly to Abrams’ primarily young female fanbase. She reflects on mental health struggles, uncertainty of her future, and body image. It captures the feeling of desperation for someone to understand, through the repetitive bridge, but also feeling unable to talk about it. Paired with quiet, stripped-back production, her soft vocals take focus.

4. Free Now – The Secret Of Us

This is one of Gracie’s best songs because it perfectly portrays emotional uncertainty and slowly realising you can’t love someone who isn’t ready. The guitar section builds with urgency into one of the best bridges of all time, then drops back to her quiet acceptance, leaving us feeling the same as her—“free”.

3. Difficult – Good Riddance

Part of her debut album, “Difficult” stands out as one of Abrams’ best songs because it pairs deeply personal, confessional lyrics with unexpectedly lively, upbeat production. She writes about a complicated relationship and feelings of self-doubt with brutal honesty. Meanwhile, the catchy melody and beat create contrast, making the emotional weight more impactful, and turn her vulnerability into something irresistible.

2. I told you things – The Secret of Us (Deluxe)

“I Told You Things” is one of Abrams’ best songs because of the immaculate pacing that she uses to further the emotional impact of the lyrics. The song is confessional, as she sings directly to the subject, starting faster, before suddenly slowing down. The pauses between each word increase their weight and make you really listen carefully to her vulnerable admissions.

1. Right now (Good Riddance)

My pick for Gracie Abrams’ best song of all time. “Right now” tells the story of moving out, and all the emotions that come with it, so beautifully. Abrams describes little details of things that she misses and paints a picture that listeners can see so clearly. The song explores nostalgia, homesickness, and self-discovery, which most people will find relatable at some stage in life. If you listen to one song from this list, this should be it.