Gracie Abrams' highly anticipated third album, "Daughter From Hell," has been released, drawing attention for its exploration of early adulthood and rebellious teenage years. The album's title is a nod to Abrams' past, marking a shift in her sonic and lyrical landscape.
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter has been known for her introspective and confessional pop music since the late 2010s. Her career gained significant momentum with the 2023 release of her debut album, "Good Riddance," which coincided with her supporting Taylor Swift on the Eras tour and earning a Grammy nomination for best new artist. In 2024, Abrams achieved her first UK number one with the single "That's So True," from the deluxe edition of her second album, "The Secret Of Us."
Anticipation for "Daughter From Hell" began building last year when Abrams performed two new songs, "Death Wish" and "Cold Goodbyes," on tour. These tracks hinted at a darker, more gothic aesthetic, characterized by lyrics dealing with ghostly figures and existential crises. "Cold Goodbyes," in particular, featured an unsettling synth drone, a departure from the gentler ballads of her earlier work.
However, critics suggest that "Daughter From Hell" largely maintains the understated musical style of Abrams' previous releases. The album is described as featuring low-key, whisper-soft, and self-interrogating music, with muted pianos and drums that sound distant. While the orchestra is mixed deep into the background to foreground Abrams' vocals, the overall production is considered by some to be largely inconsequential, a contrast to the incisive and witty lyrics presented on the album.
