With the flick of a synth and the murmur of a battle cry, GRAE embraces her power on ‘7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven’ – a dreamy, defiant alt-pop journey infused with feminine glamour, emotional depth, and cinematic flair. This is more than just an album; it's a metamorphosis. Picture lace gloves clutching a microphone, mascara tears sparkling under strobe lights, and heartbreak elevated to high art. GRAE emerges unfiltered, unafraid, and completely unforgettable.
On 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven, GRAE evolves from indie pop sensation to alt-pop force, presenting a bold exploration of identity, power, and the art of transformation. There's something utterly captivating about a woman who recognizes her strength – and isn't shy to adorn it in velvet, ignite it, and serve it with a side of synth-infused heartache. Enter GRAE, the Canadian alt-pop siren whose latest album, 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven, feels like a sonic fashion editorial: glamorous, fearless, emotionally intricate, and brimming with unapologetic intent.
From the first note, it’s evident this isn’t merely an album – it’s a vibe, a reflection, and a transformation. The opening track, “American Dream,” delivered by the eternally enigmatic Apollonia (yes, the iconic figure from Purple Rain), sets the tone like a velvet curtain unveiling a new era. Her slow, smoky vocals lay the groundwork for an opulent yet piercing investigation of identity, anger, glamour, and change.
Throughout 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven, GRAE sheds the dreamy girl-next-door image, previously clad in oversized knits and soft bedroom pop. She has undergone a transformation, emerging as a heroine in stiletto boots and smudged eyeliner, indifferent to the chaos she leaves in her wake. The sound is richer, the production more polished, and the emotions raw. It’s definitively indie pop, but elevated. Imagine Saint Laurent at midnight, envision neon tears and rebellion soaked in perfume.
Take “Dark Energy,” a slow-burning, noir-influenced anthem pulsating like a heartbeat beneath silk. It's haunting, glamorous, and irresistibly magnetic – the sonic equivalent of a lingering gaze across a smoky room. GRAE doesn’t seek attention; she commands it, wielding her signature whispery vocals as if they’re a honey-dipped weapon. This is the sound of a woman striding away from the wreckage in heels, unscathed and smiling.
Next is “Cha-Ching,” a glittery critique of illusions and excess, inspired by a trip to Vegas. This track feels like a fever dream clad in Chanel – seductive, surreal, and playfully jaded. It’s the type of song you could envision playing loudly in a limousine on the way to an uncertain afterparty. Beneath the shimmer is a gritty reality, and GRAE doesn't shy away from revealing the price of fantasy.
“Motorcade,” one of the album's most poetic and unexpected highlights, channels Jackie Kennedy's spirit amidst unfathomable loss. This ballad is imbued with elegance and sorrow, envisioning a moment frozen in history and bringing it vibrant color, emotion, and femininity. It’s bold, cinematic, and intimate all at once, establishing GRAE as not just a pop artist, but a compelling storyteller.
What elevates 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven to true conceptual brilliance is the trilogy of interludes, all narrated by Apollonia. These segments are not mere fluff; they serve as fashion show commentary, sacred incantations, monologues from a wiser, more dangerous muse. “A(Rouse)” in particular feels like stepping into a subconscious dream – part prayer, part provocation. It serves as a reminder that glamour is active: it’s power, chosen and weaponized.
In “Fantasy,” GRAE intimate reflects on the divide between the self we show and the self we conceal. The production retains its lush quality, but her voice here is bare – delicate yet determined. This is the dressing room moment, where the gowns are stripped away and the truth lingers heavily in the air. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful and arguably one of her strongest tracks.
Then comes “God in a Woman,” shifting everything. This is GRAE’s high-fashion runway moment – bold, divine, and radiating ethereal power. The track doesn’t just dazzle; it explodes. It's both a celebration and a confrontation, saturated with female energy that neither seeks permission nor offers apologies. If you need an anthem for applying red lipstick and reclaiming your narrative, this is it.
Just when it seems the album can't escalate further, “Wet Dream” plunges headfirst into chaos – filled with glitter, smoke, and unrestrained creativity. This represents GRAE unleashed, relishing the freedom to embrace her quirks, her wildness, and her true self
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With a flick of a synth and a subtle war cry, GRAE embraces her power on ‘7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven’ – a dreamy, bold alt-pop journey infused with feminine glamour, emotional depth, and cinematic allure. This is more than just an album; it's a metamorphosis. Envision lace gloves holding a microphone, mascara-streaked tears under strobe lights, and heartbreak elevated to high art. This is GRAE in her purest form, fearless and absolutely unforgettable.