"That's So True" by Gracie Abrams // Song Review
"That's So True" by Gracie Abrams is so cheeky and fun to listen to, but also so sharply written. I love how endlessly catchy it is too, so many lyrics from this song have been stuck in my head ever since I first heard it. It was released in late 2024 as one of the four bonus tracks on the deluxe edition of her album, The Secret of Us. She had been working on this song for about a year at that point, but didn't end up finishing it until after she already turned in the final version of the standard album. Prior to "That's So True" being released, Gracie performed it several times on her tour, which gained a lot of traction on social media leading up to its official release. Eventually when The Secret of Us (Deluxe) came out, "That's So True" was an immediate fan favorite and even marked her very first time topping the UK charts.
It's no wonder why it has become such a massive viral hit, as it fits the formula to a perfect pop song, while still incorporating so much of her own humor and personality into it. In an interview with Elle UK, Gracie reflected on the process of writing this song and seeing it get so much recognition. She said it is "the cherry on top of having made something that was so fun to make." Gracie continued, "That whole writing process was just a huge laugh, and I think it's always sweet to see that what connects with people sometimes is what you had the best time making, what you felt the most alive doing...it's an honor that people seem to have adopted it into their own lives."
Gracie wrote this song, as well as the rest of The Secret of Us, with her friend and frequent collaborator Audrey Hobert, and co-produced it with Aaron Dessner. Her signature blend of acoustic singer-songwriter and indie pop influences are on full display with the production of this song. "That's So True" largely details her resentment toward an ex that moved on, but also for herself for not having done the same yet. It is written as if she is airing out all of her intrusive thoughts surrounding the situation, while still keeping it really lighthearted. "No, I know, I know I'll fuck off, but I think I like her, she's so fun, wait, I think I hate her, I'm not that evolved", she sings in the second verse. In an interview with NYLON, Gracie talked about the first draft of lyrics being much different than what she eventually released, "It's such an angsty, sarcastic song," she said. "Audrey and I were drunk on the roof, writing it in tears, laughing. The initial lyrics were way gnarlier."
In the same interview with NYLON, Audrey talked about the approach they take when writing together and what she learned from collaborating with Gracie. "She taught me about something called mouthfeel, which is when you see if words feel good all strung together, and I've never forgotten it," she said.
The bridge is especially one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the entire song for that very reason, I love how fast paced it is and the twists and turns it takes narratively. Her delivery throughout the entire song is so raw and emotive, but especially at this part. "Made it out alive, but I think I lost it, said that I was fine, said it from the coffin," she sings. "I'll put up a fight, taking out my earrings, don't you know the vibe? Don't you know the feeling?" I really do love the drama of it all, it is very reminiscent of the very specific style of candid songwriting artists like Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Lorde have mastered, so I love hearing that influence shine through.
The last verse is especially my favorite part of the song, it serves as such a great conclusion to the storyline of these conflicting feelings and inner turmoil being told throughout much of the album. "Ooh, you've got me thinking, 'she's so cool', but I know what I know and you're just another dude, ooh, that's so true," she sings.
I have loved hearing Gracie Abrams continue to find her voice and her sound throughout the past few years. "That's So True" is absolutely the best song she has released thus far and I can't wait to see where she goes from here!
If you're interested in reading more, "That's So True" and the rest of The Secret of Us were both featured on my list of favorite songs and favorite albums of 2024 list. Check out more of my favorite song of the week posts here. ☆ Thanks for reading!
Photo Credit: Gracie Abrams, Abby Waisler, Interscope Records
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