Gracie Abrams’ ‘That’s So True’ Got Turned In Too Late to Make Her Album, Yet Turned Into a Career Peak Instead of Afterthought

The tactic of issuing expanded deluxe versions for recent albums has repeatedly proven its commercial power, a fact underscored by Gracie Abrams' career-defining single, "Close to You." Her studio album "The Secret of Us" initially landed at a respectable No. 2 on the Billboard 200 upon its mid-2024 release. However, it was the subsequent deluxe edition that catapulted her into the pop stratosphere, with "Close to You" breaking through as her inaugural top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The track also dominated charts internationally, seizing the No. 1 position in the United Kingdom and multiple other territories to cement its status as her signature anthem.

Abrams, a singer-songwriter known for her intimate lyricism who gained a substantial following through early EPs and tours with Taylor Swift, shared her disbelief with Variety. "The thought that even a single person connects with this song the way I do feels incredible," she stated, clarifying that the song's deluxe status was not a premeditated strategy. Its completion simply occurred after the core album was finalized. As music industry analyst Dr. Lena Shaw notes, "This post-release 'event' strategy effectively resets the promotional clock, driving renewed streaming engagement and media coverage that can often surpass the initial album launch."

The path to global chart success was meticulously cultivated through direct fan engagement. Sam Riback, Co-President and Head of Pop/Rock A&R at Interscope Geffen A&M, pointed to Abrams' practice of previewing the material during live performances and offering social media teases ahead of the official release. This approach fostered a sense of collaborative discovery with her dedicated listeners. "That early dialogue creates immense investment," Riback explained. "When the song finally ascends, those core fans are its most passionate evangelists." This model of building anticipation through exclusive, early access has become a cornerstone of contemporary artist-fan dynamics.

The creation of "Close to You" was a collaborative effort, co-written by Abrams and Audrey Hobert, with production credits going to Aaron Dessner (a frequent collaborator known for his work with The National and Taylor Swift), Abrams herself, and Julian Bunetta. The team steering its rise also includes manager Alex DePersia of By the Way Management and Interscope Records executives like SVP of A&R Charlie Christie. While deluxe editions are frequently viewed as a straightforward commercial ploy, this instance demonstrates their potential to authentically elevate a track that has organically resonated, proving that a genuine artist-audience connection remains the ultimate engine for sustainable success.