Gracie Abrams is fully invested in the success of her brand-new romantic adventure in her latest single, “Risk”. The track is part of her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. She unveiled the single and album on Monday, April 29, with the album scheduled for release on June 21.
“Risk” comes after performing as an opening act for the U.S. leg of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. It marks her first release since the release of her debut album Good Riddance.
This song marks a turning point in Abrams’ perspective on her relationships and self-image. It starts with her contemplating her feelings for someone emotionally unavailable through an upbeat, acoustic guitar-driven melody. She expresses her fear of rejection, “Guess I’m just scared of you shootin’ it down / You can just talk, and I’ll stare at your mouth,” unable to resist the pull of this person.
Abrams delves into her internal turmoil and willingness to take a chance on love, which is vividly portrayed in the music video where her chaotic feelings are palpable. There’s an aching sensation. “And I wake up in the middle of the night / With the light on, and I feel like I could die.” Throughout the music video, Abrams embarks on a journey of chasing after someone she deeply cares for, both metaphorically and literally, in an exhilarating and magnified way.
Abrams is drawn to the idea of pursuing a relationship, fully aware of the potential for heartache and disappointment. The possibility of love not working out is endless. It’s painful, anxiety-inducing and exhausting sometimes. Abrams jumps into the deep end of her feelings — and with a loud splash. She sings, “Watch this be the wrong thing, classic.”
Abrams is impulsive and emotional, experiencing a wanting and needing unlike ever before. She concludes, “You’re the risk, I’m gonna take it.” She takes a chance on love, even when it’s hard, painful and frustrating.
Overall, “Risk” is a representation of Abrams learning to drown in someone she’d take a chance on, no matter what. It captures Abrams’ vulnerability and raw lyricism that she has become known for.
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