What makes This Is What It Feels Like by Gracie Abrams notable?

The EP received critical acclaim, with many praising Abrams' songwriting and emotional depth, leading to a strong presence on streaming platforms. It debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant entry for a debut release in the bedroom pop genre. This Is What It Feels Like is Gracie Abrams' debut EP, released in November 2021 following her singles that garnered attention in the indie pop scene. At this point, she was building her identity as a fresh voice in the genre after signing with Interscope Records.

Who is This Is What It Feels Like for?

This Is What It Feels Like works well if you're into intimate reflections on self-discovery, steady pacing for quiet moments and vulnerable lyrics for emotional connection.

How many songs are on This Is What It Feels Like?

This Is What It Feels Like has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

This Is What It Feels Like

Gracie Abrams · 2021

37 min · 12 tracks · bedroom pop

Intimate bedroom pop melodies intertwine with candid lyrics, creating a diary-like exploration of young adult emotions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Feels Like — The opening track sets the introspective tone of the EP, blending airy production with confessional lyrics about emotional vulnerability.
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For Real This Time — This track showcases Abrams' ability to convey complex feelings of uncertainty and longing through nuanced vocal delivery and relatable storytelling.
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Older — In 'Older', Abrams explores themes of growth and nostalgia, using vivid imagery to articulate the tension between youth and maturity.
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Painkillers — This poignant track delves into coping mechanisms for emotional pain, illustrating Abrams' lyrical prowess in addressing mental health struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and emotional resonance but lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build on a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with introspective lyrics that often reflect personal experiences and emotions.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the intimate feel of the melodies and creating a rich soundscape.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intimate reflections on self-discovery
steady pacing for quiet moments
vulnerable lyrics for emotional connection
for late-night solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party tracks
prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

Career context: This Is What It Feels Like is Gracie Abrams' debut EP, released in November 2021 following her singles that garnered attention in the indie pop scene. At this point, she was building her identity as a fresh voice in the genre after signing with Interscope Records.
Stylistic neighbors: Olivia Rodrigo· Phoebe Bridgers· Clairo