Words by Katherine Cardinale
Daughter from Hell by Gracie Abrams: Album Review
Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams released her third studio album, Daughter from Hell on July 17, 2026. After a successful sold out deluxe tour last summer, which included the live debut of some songs that appeared on the new record, Gracie returned to the studio to create the follow-up to her most successful release yet.
Daughter from Hell’s title and cover art were officially announced after some teasing online on May 11, 2026 via Instagram. In that same post, Gracie revealed the album’s release date of July 17, 2026. The lead single, “Hit The Wall,” was released on May 14 along with a music video. The rest of the album’s track list was revealed over time through Gracie’s official website. Gracie and her team hosted official listening parties ahead of the album’s release, and Gracie even made a special appearance at the New York location.
The entirety of the album was co-produced with fellow musician Aaron Dessner of The National. Gracie has been working with him since spring of 2021, and longtime fans of hers have pointed out that this new record is very sonically reminiscent of her earlier work from that time period. Thematically, the album covers the anxieties of being a 20-something year old woman, the formation and ending of close relationships, and mental health.
The album opens with “Hit The Wall,” a song that builds instrumentally as the singer reaches her breaking point while discussing her mental health struggles. It’s full of Gracie’s signature lyricism, and the song’s topic is also a common one for her.
The second track on the record is “Death Wish,” which debuted live at the O2 Arena in London on March 6, 2025 on Gracie’s The Secret of Us Tour. This version of the song was recorded and released on all streaming platforms approximately one week later. Gracie has stated that the song is about her experience listening to a friend talk about their narcissistic partner. While the live version is emotional and raw, set to a piano-heavy track, the studio version features more production and a light, upbeat tempo, which contrasts the melancholy lyrics.
The album delves into more painful themes with “The Knife,” which Gracie has said is about “the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t disappear when someone leaves. The knife is a metaphor for the pain this person left behind — something that hurts, but that the narrator has carried for so long that it almost feels familiar. Instead of letting it go, she describes learning how to live with it, even taking care of it, because it has become connected to the person and the relationship she lost.” The title track, which was one of the last ones written for the album, is a ballad dedicated to Gracie’s love and respect for her mother.
“Look at My Life” serves as the second single from the album and finds Gracie reflecting on her experiences throughout her rise to fame, personal relationships, and ever-changing emotions. It was released on June 22 and was accompanied by a music video ahead of the album’s release.
“Good Reason” has quickly become a fan favorite and was written during the Good Riddance era. The self-deprecating theme and slow production are reminiscent of that era as well. Another highlight off the record is “Minibar,” which was co-written with Gracie’s best friend-turned-fellow-popstar, Audrey Hobert. Although it is the shortest song on the album, it has a big personality. It was first performed live as a duet with Audrey at The Forum in California last August, but remains a solo track on Daughter From Hell.
The rest of the B-side of the record is slower and a departure from The Secret Of Us’s primarily upbeat, pop sound. It also features some additional collaborations with Gracie’s friends and loved ones. “Imaginary Friend” was co-written with actor Paul Mescal, who is currently in a relationship with Gracie, and “Afflictions” is rumored to be about him. “What If It’s Right?” features Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons; this is their second time collaborating, with the first being her feature on his most recent album.
Daughter From Hell is something like a homecoming for Gracie, who has been experimenting with her sound and working with new collaborators over the past couple of years. It perfectly encapsulates anxiety, yearning and the feeling of being lost, and the production seamlessly blends her vocals with the instrumentals.
Gracie is heading out on her very first arena tour this fall, and you can purchase tickets to any of the upcoming shows here.
