GRACEY explores the irreversible effects of friendships in her newest single “Back to Then”

GRACEY is a rising star in contemporary pop, as she continues her steady ascent with the release of her latest single, “Back To Then.” Known for crafting emotionally charged songs that pair introspection with polished production. Her work resonates for its ability to weave raw vulnerability into dynamic, memorable melodies, and her new track builds on this tradition, offering a thoughtful meditation on the complexities of relationships.

The new single arrives at a pivotal moment in GRACEY’s career – marking a year of creative reinvention – as it follows earlier releases such as “Delirium” and “Rhetorical Questions,” which explored the unpredictable highs and lows of love. By contrast, “Back To Then” shifts focus to the aftermath of a relationship, confronting the emotional turbulence of love lost and the difficult reality of maintaining a friendship with an ex. The song’s lush, dreamy production provides a fitting backdrop for its themes, evoking a sense of hazy nostalgia.

“Back To Then” also serves as a continuation of the narrative GRACEY began with her 2021 EP, Fragile. GRACEY revealed that her new song was inspired by a chance encounter with an ex-partner. “It’s about the irreversible effects falling in and out of love can have on a pre-existing friendship,” she explained. “It was written after a night where I bumped into an ex at a bar after years of not speaking. I was reminded of how much we actually got on and realised I just missed them as a person, not even in a romantic way.”

Despite this sentiment, GRACEY acknowledged the emotional complexity of rekindling a friendship under such circumstances. “The hard reality is that we will never truly be able to go back to the friendship we had before our relationship. This song reflects how strange it feels watching someone who once meant everything to you become a stranger,” she continues. The accompanying video – directed by Tony Tacheny – expands on the song’s themes. Opening in stark black-and-white, the video gradually transitions into vibrant colours, symbolising the shifting emotions that accompany the end of a relationship and the tentative hope for something new. The visual narrative mirrors GRACEY’s lyrical journey, capturing the interplay of loss and growth with striking clarity.

GRACEY views her newest song as a more measured response to the themes she explored in her earlier single, “What a Waste.” Describing it as the “level-headed sister song,” she frames the track as a reflection of her personal and artistic growth. With its thoughtful lyrics and textured production, “Back To Then” underscores GRACEY’s ability to channel deeply personal experiences into music that feels universal.

GRACEY’s ability to craft relatable yet distinctive songs is rooted in her early commitment to her craft. A graduate of the BRIT School, she began developing her skills at a young age, eventually uploading demos to SoundCloud that captured the attention of renowned producer Brian Higgins. At just 16, she joined Xenomania, Higgins’s storied songwriting collective responsible for hits by Girls Aloud, Pet Shop Boys, and Sugababes. By 18, she had co-written her first Platinum hit, “By Your Side” by Jonas Blue featuring Raye, a milestone that set the stage for her solo career.

Her subsequent releases, including the EPs Imposter Syndrome, and The Art of Closure, have drawn critical acclaim for their nuanced exploration of emotional themes. These projects revealed a songwriter unafraid to confront her insecurities, blending her personal experiences with innovative production choices to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.