Gracie Abrams has always been a singer who wears her heart on her sleeve. Her third album, "Daughter From Hell," is no exception. But while her lyrics are sharp and penetrating, the music that accompanies them is often too insubstantial to sustain interest. This is a shame, as Abrams generally does a superb job of capturing the restless uncertainty and pain of early adulthood. However, the production style, largely the same as her previous work, is too muted and floaty to fully convey the serrated edges of her lyrics. This is particularly evident in songs like "Humming," where the power of the writing is let down by a plodding arrangement that strips her words of their urgency. Despite this, there are a few moments when the album sputters into life, such as the title track, which is anchored by a raw, distorted guitar. Abrams' personal background, including her rebellious teenage years and her parents' heartache, adds depth to her music. However, she never really gives away the details of what caused her parents such heartache, leaving the listener with a sense of intrigue. Overall, "Daughter From Hell" is an album that captures the pain of early adulthood, but it could have been more impactful if the music had better matched the intensity of her lyrics. Personally, I think that Gracie Abrams has the potential to create a classic album, but she needs a good knife sharpener to help her deliver the songs with the conviction of her lyrics.
