Gracie Abrams Announces New Album ‘Daughter From Hell,’ Releasing This Summer

Gracie Abrams has officially announced her third studio album, "Daughter From Hell," set for release on July 17 through Interscope Records. The 24-year-old singer-songwriter broke the news on Monday morning via social media, posting the project's title with a caption that read, "Whoa whoa whoa. Freaking out. I am so ready for it to be years." This update arrives at a crucial juncture in her career, which has been on an upward trajectory since her independent beginnings. Music analysts suggest the album's provocative name hints at a deliberate tonal shift, potentially reflecting Abrams' growing confidence as she emerges from the shadow of her father, filmmaker J.J. Abrams—best known for directing "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and co-creating the hit TV series "Lost." For context, J.J. Abrams has also produced numerous blockbuster films, but Gracie has consistently worked to establish her own artistic identity, a process that "Daughter From Hell" may further cement.

Fans won't have to wait long for a taste of the new material, as the lead single, "Hit the Wall," drops this Thursday at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. The track was co-written and co-produced with Aaron Dessner, the Grammy-winning producer and member of The National, who has become a key collaborator for Abrams. Dessner, whose production credits include Taylor Swift's "Folklore" and "Evermore," previously worked with Abrams on 2023's "Good Riddance" and 2024's "The Secret of Us," helping shape the intimate, confessional sound that defines her work. While attending the Met Gala, Abrams offered a glimpse into the single's significance. "It's the introduction to this new chapter and I feel grateful and relieved that this is the introduction," she said. "I love the song so much and I love the people I made it with and it feels embodied and that feels good. So I'm excited for it to belong to everyone else." According to Billboard industry analyst Sarah Chen, this phased rollout—teasing an album with a lead single months ahead of its release—has become standard in the streaming era. "It allows artists to build momentum gradually, leveraging social media and live events to keep fans engaged," Chen explains. This strategy has proven effective for many artists, including Taylor Swift, who often employs similar tactics to maximize album hype.

Abrams' previous album, "The Secret of Us," marked a major milestone when it dropped in 2024. It became her first record to hit No. 1 in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands, while peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. The album's success spurred a world tour later that year, followed by an arena tour scheduled for 2025—a significant leap from the small clubs she played early in her career, which often held fewer than 500 people. For background, Abrams' debut EP "Minor" (2020) was released independently before she signed with Interscope, and her rise has been fueled by comparisons to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift for her emotionally raw songwriting. Her ability to connect with younger audiences through vulnerable lyrics about heartbreak and self-doubt has been a driving force behind her rapid ascent, a trend that industry insiders expect to continue with "Daughter From Hell."

In addition to music, Abrams is venturing into acting. She is set to make her screen debut in the upcoming A24 film "Please," directed by Halina Reijn, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed horror film "Bodies Bodies Bodies." Abrams will star opposite Tom Burke, known for roles in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and "The Souvenir." This move into film underscores Abrams' broader creative ambitions, as she has expressed interest in storytelling across various mediums. As "Daughter From Hell" approaches, early indications point to a more assertive, perhaps confrontational edge in the new material, contrasting with the introspective vulnerability of her earlier work. Fans can expect a continuation of her signature emotional depth, but with a newfound confidence that reflects her growth as an artist navigating fame at a young age. The album's title alone suggests a bold departure, and with Dessner's production expertise, it could solidify Abrams' place as a defining voice in indie-pop.