Film noir classics It often captured anguish, betrayal and deep cynicism. Those are the same feelings Gracie Abrams was working on on her debut album. Have a good trip, released earlier this year. During his recent appearance on Tonight's show starring Jimmy FallonThe singer-songwriter channeled the Hollywood genre in “I Should Hate You,” a deep cut from the album where she struggles to let the pain of being stabbed in the back dissolve the love she has left.
“I pulled the knife out of my back, it was right where you left it/But you aimed pretty perfect, I'll give you credit/I just drank something strong to try to forget, but it wasn't good/No, you're not even here, but you're making me crazy,” he sings, strumming his guitar while covering it with a soft black and white filter. Later, during the bridge, she contemplates revenge, but ultimately that's not the kind of character she is: “I swear to God I'd kill you / If I loved you less.”
Earlier this year, Abrams spoke with Rolling Stone about the character development we witness throughout Have a good trip. “I don't think she's always been the most transparent partner,” she said, adding that she has often struggled with confrontation. “I really wanted to get to a place in my life, as I'm entering adulthood in a more real way, where I'm more direct with myself and don't sometimes fall into the trap of victimhood in a situation, but to really be master of myself. my shit a little more.”
Having its cover on the album has worked in the best way. Abrams has been nominated for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she will once again face Fred…, Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan, Victoria Monét and The War And Treaty.
“It's really an amazing thing that makes me feel, especially now, even thinking about the ceremony itself, thinking about the fact that somehow I'm going to be in that room,” Abrams said. Rolling Stone last month after his nomination. “The joy I have in imagining comes from being in a community of people who care deeply about music and know its impact. And I think anywhere we can find joy right now is worth holding on to.”