Listening to Gracie Abrams’ debut, minor, is like reading a diary of her most personal and unfiltered thoughts. Each of the seven tracks turns a page, revealing something new and somber about the heartbreak she’s endured from past relationships.
This might be Abrams’ first EP, but she’s been racking up worldwide attention and praise since she began releasing music late last year. She’s been penned as a ‘One To Watch’ in the industry at just 20 years old, winning over fans and critics alike with her introspective and raw lyrics that will surely dampen your mood and have you going to a dark place of when you had your heartbroken, even if you’re currently happy in love.
From the start of the metallic guitar plucking of ‘Friend,’ Abrams slows things down and strips back the layers for a confessional intro track. Keeping the instrumental simple, Abrams lets her refined lyricism shine, writing a line that hits as hard as the 10 Things I Hate About You poem (from the 1999 film) as she sings in the chorus, ‘And I hate the way you love me / And I hate that I still care.’ We all felt that.
Throughout the EP, Abrams keeps things in the more singer-songwriting realm, with the exception of pre-released ‘21,’ the most pop track that’s complete with a thumping bassline. This is juxtaposed against feelings of trying to move on even when you’re heartbroken, singing “Just because you’re hurting doesn’t mean I’m not / If it doesn’t go away by the time I turn thirty / I made a mistake and I’ll tell you I’m sorry ‘sorry’” just to hit you in the gut when you’re trying to have a good time.
More than halfway through the collection of tracks, Abrams puts salt in the wound and somehow manages to present an even darker heartbreaking tune about trying to cut ties with someone when the relationship has run its course (despite not being ready to let go) on ‘I Miss You, I’m Sorry.’ When you’re experiencing heartbreak, often it feels like no one else has even been as sad or has dealt with something so terrible. Abrams knows exactly what you’re experiencing, providing a pillow to cry in whilst reminding even the toughest listeners that vulnerability is a powerful tool.
If you’re going into this EP thinking there will be a silver lining, one hopeful track to hold onto, that love exists, you’ll only be disappointed when you get to the end. The title track closes the project, telling a nuanced tale of being stuck in a relationship that’s turned sour, but not being sure if you want to risk leaving the comfort of something you know so well and creating excuses to delay the end. Abrams lets her vocals shine, letting them rattle as she finds her inner strength and independence.
minor is not for the faint of heart. It brings any hidden emotions to the surface, having you reflect on all your past relationships and experiences. Abrams has crafted a strong breakup EP, but it leaves you yearning for some glimmer of hope. The tracks tend to follow a similar formula, which isn’t a bad thing, but it can feel repetitive – however, minor does what it aimed to set out to do: make you feel something and relate to the potent and refined lyrics.
Rating
Gracie Abraham’s minor is available to stream and download now.
