The Secret of Us is the kind of album you'd listen to while staring out a rain-soaked window, contemplating your life choices—but in a good way. It's often emotional, sometimes delicate, and always melancholic, with Abrams' straightforward voice weaving through lyrics like a well-worn sweater. There's more to this album than anything else put out by her. "Blowing Smoke" jealously chugs along a reflection of an ex's new girl; "Risk" finds a pep in her step as she pursues a novel love interest for herself. She's generically confessional; her uncomplicated songwriting is like a collection of diary entries. She balances heartbreak with self-empowerment, and while it feels undercooked sometimes, it's never overdone.

There are glimpses of a real pop star in The Secret of Us. On the upbeat "Close to You", a last-minute addition to the album, she yearns for romantic connection, no matter how risky ("Pull the trigger on the gun I gave you when we met / Just let me be close to you"). And in the waltzing "I Love You, I'm Sorry", she imagines with a gentle regret what it'd be like to rekindle an old relationship. Abrams clearly paid attention during English, because while she's no Pulitzer Prize winner, her voice as a songwriter is engaging.

Pulsing like a heartbeat, album opener "Felt Good About You" best encapsulates the vibe The Secret of Us captures: steadily pacing along, but eager to take control of her life, and increasingly assured, to boot. Standout track "Us" sees Abrams soar alongside Taylor Swift buttressed by a glistening, harp-like arpeggio, greeting Abrams as she recalls a past relationship through rose-colored lenses. The Folklore influence here is so clear, it's begging for you to take its hand.

Besides her clear vocals, Abrams' greatest strength is being relatable. She pulls you in with her acoustic indie charm and keeps you with her soft vulnerability, reminiscent of Taylor Swift's earlier works. The album's melodies are low-key but catchy, underpinned by glistening self-harmonizations that elevate Abrams' music beyond her just-average songwriting. The Secret of Us is more than just a collection of sad girl anthems; it's a highly listenable soundtrack to your best "thinking about life" moments.

Favorite song: "us."