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Us (Gracie Abrams song)

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"Us"
Song by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift
from the album The Secret of Us
ReleasedJune 21, 2024
Recorded2023
StudioLong Pond Studio, Hudson Valley, New York
GenreFolk-pop
Length4:02
LabelInterscope
Songwriter(s)Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner
Producer(s)Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff

"Us" (stylized as "us.") is a song by American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, featuring American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It was released on June 21, 2024, as a track from Abrams' second studio album, The Secret of Us. The song was written by Abrams, Swift, and Aaron Dessner, and produced by Abrams, Swift, Dessner, and Jack Antonoff.

Background

"Us" marks the first collaboration between Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift. The collaboration originated during Abrams' time as an opening act for Swift on the North American leg of her Eras Tour. Abrams has frequently cited Swift as a major influence on her music.[1] The experience of touring with Swift significantly influenced Abrams' writing process for her new album.[2]

The song was co-written and produced with longtime collaborators Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff. Additional contributions to the track include Rob Moose, Laura Sisk, James McAlister, and Jonathan Low.[3]

During the writing session for "Us," a candle accidentally started a fire in Swift's apartment, which the two extinguished together. The incident, captured in a humorous video shared by Abrams, added a memorable and chaotic twist to their collaboration.[4] The track was ultimately recorded at Dessner's Long Pond Studios in Hudson Valley, New York, a location known for its serene and inspiring environment, which contributed to the song's reflective nature.[5]

Composition

"Us" is a folk-pop song that features introspective lyrics and a mellow, acoustic-driven production. The song explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth. Abrams and Swift's vocals intertwine throughout the track, creating a harmonious blend that underscores the emotional depth of the lyrics.[6]

The lyrics are reflective, addressing the complexities of a past relationship and the lingering feelings of loss and yearning. Notable lines include "If history’s clear, someone always ends up in ruins," and "Do you miss us?" which emphasize the nostalgic and contemplative nature of the song.[7]

Musically, the track features a mix of fingerpicked guitar, subtle strings, and a gentle piano, elements characteristic of Aaron Dessner's production style. This instrumentation provides a delicate backdrop for the poignant lyrics and the harmonious vocal interplay between Abrams and Swift.[8]

Aaron Dessner played multiple instruments on the track, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, piano, synthesizer, drum programming, and mellotron. Jack Antonoff contributed with cello, drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, percussion, synthesizer, and programming. Rob Moose added layers of richness with his performances on viola and violin.[9][10]

Critical reception

Upon release, "Us" received positive reviews from music critics. Rolling Stone described the track as a standout on the album, noting its "emotional resonance and beautifully crafted melodies".[11]

Billboard described the track as "an anthemic folk number, with a polished pop production."[12] Nylon noted that their voices "reflect on past relationships and question if their exes miss the connection as much as they do."[13]

Critics also highlighted the production work of Dessner and Antonoff as key elements that enhance the song's emotional impact.[14] The New York Times commended the song's lyrical depth, noting how the reflective and introspective lyrics resonate with listeners.[15]

In a review from Variety, the publication described the song as a "lush and introspective ballad" that effectively combines the strengths of both artists.[16] Billboard noted that the song's polished production and harmonious vocals make it a standout track on Abrams' album.[17]

Commercial performance

Upon its release, "Us" quickly gained attention on streaming platforms, becoming the best-performing song from The Secret of Us on Spotify within a day of its release.[18] The song's success was also noted in an article by Forbes, which emphasized its immediate impact on the charts and its significant streaming numbers.[19]

Personnel

  • Gracie Abrams – vocals, piano, producer, songwriter
  • Taylor Swift – vocals, producer, songwriter
  • Aaron Dessner – producer, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, piano, synthesizer, drum programming, mellotron, songwriter
  • Jack Antonoff – producer, cello, drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, percussion, programmer, synthesizer, mellotron
  • Rob Moose – viola, violin, recording engineer
  • James McAlister – drum programming, sound effects, programming, recording engineer
  • Laura Sisk – recording engineer
  • Jonathan Low– recording engineer
  • Bella Blasko – recording engineer
  • Oli Jacobs – additional engineer
  • Jack Manning – additional engineer
  • Bryce Bordone – mix engineer
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing
  • Randy Merrill – mastering engineer

References

  1. ^ Ryan, Elise (June 21, 2024). "Music Review: An uninhibited Gracie Abrams finds energy in the chaos on 'The Secret of Us'". Associated Press. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  2. ^ Wilkes, Emma (June 1, 2024). "Gracie Abrams says Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' "completely altered" her writing process for new album". NME. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  3. ^ Strauss, Matthew (June 21, 2024). "Taylor Swift Joins Gracie Abrams for New Song "Us."". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  4. ^ Chinman, Luke (June 21, 2024). "See Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher the Night They Wrote New Song 'Us'". People. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  5. ^ Arnold, Chuck (June 21, 2024). "How Taylor Swift became Gracie Abrams' secret weapon with new duet: 'Us' song review". New York Post. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Bannikov, Igor (June 20, 2024). "Gracie Abrams – The Secret Of Us". Clash. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  7. ^ Zoladz, Lindsay (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift's Tortured Duet, and 8 More New Songs". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  8. ^ Paul, Larisha (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift Know Heartbreak All Too Well on First Collaboration 'Us'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  9. ^ Willman, Chris (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams Drops New Duet With Taylor Swift, 'Us'". Variety. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Strauss, Matthew (June 21, 2024). "Taylor Swift Joins Gracie Abrams for New Song "Us.": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  11. ^ Rossignol, Derrick (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift Team Up for Heartfelt Duet 'Us'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  12. ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams Shares 'Us' Featuring Taylor Swift: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  13. ^ Mlnarik, Carson (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams & Taylor Swift's "Us" Lyrics Meaning, Explained". Nylon. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  14. ^ Strauss, Matthew (June 21, 2024). "Taylor Swift Joins Gracie Abrams for New Song "Us."". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  15. ^ Zoladz, Lindsay (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams and Taylor Swift's Tortured Duet, and 8 More New Songs". The New York Times. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  16. ^ Willman, Chris (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams Drops New Duet With Taylor Swift, 'Us'". Variety. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  17. ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams Shares 'Us' Featuring Taylor Swift: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  18. ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 21, 2024). "Gracie Abrams' "Us" featuring Taylor Swift tops Spotify streams on release day". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  19. ^ McIntyre, Hugh (June 22, 2024). "Taylor Swift is About to Score a New Hit on the Charts". Forbes. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
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