Review: Grace Elly

Up next is the debut album Breaking Free from rising pop starlet Grace Elly, an artist quickly carving out her own space with emotionally rich songwriting, genre-blending sounds and a clear message of empowerment. There’s a maturity and intent to this record that sets it apart from the usual pop landscape, and from the very first track it’s clear Grace is doing things her own way.

Opening track Thinking About You sets the tone beautifully. You’re immediately struck by the uniqueness of her voice – a blend of pop, soul, with touches of blues and even country woven in. The song winds and builds with carefully layered vocals and instrumentation, creating depth without ever feeling overproduced. This is intelligent, considered pop music for 2026, and a strong, confident introduction.

Her Boyfriend follows with a darker, almost gothic R&B edge. It’s a fascinating blend of styles, but never feels forced. The layered vocals once again define the track, giving it a signature sound that’s unmistakably Grace Elly. There’s also a brilliant use of space here – nothing rushed, everything allowed to breathe. It’s a beautifully crafted song tackling a theme you don’t often hear explored in such a nuanced way.

Next up, I Don’t Care Anymore strips things right back with a minimalist intro before evolving into something far more ambitious. There’s an almost operatic feel at times – imagine classic Queen colliding with Destiny’s Child. The fast-paced vocal delivery is both haunting and defiant, and the track leans heavily on vocal layering to create a full, rich sound from relatively sparse instrumentation. The acapella section is a real standout moment and shows just how confident Grace is in her voice.

Is It in The Stars blends classical undertones with a modern urban edge. The vocal builds steadily, drawing you into a chorus that feels more traditionally pop but still carries that emotional weight Grace delivers so well. There’s a subtle melancholy running through the track, but it never drags – instead it adds depth and intrigue, culminating in a powerful final crescendo.

Finally lifts the tempo and injects a burst of energy into the album. This is a bouncing, confident pop track packed with hooks in both the verse and chorus. There’s a real swagger here, and it’s easy to imagine this sitting comfortably alongside chart heavyweights. The outro winds things down perfectly, rounding off what feels like a modern pop anthem.

With Safe Room, Grace leans further into her country influences while still maintaining her distinctive style. The vocal performance here is exceptional – controlled, emotive and mature. There are echoes of early Celine Dion or Mariah Carey, but with a contemporary edge. What stands out most is her restraint; she knows exactly when to push her voice and when to hold back, using it like an instrument rather than overpowering the song.

The Crown takes us into 80s-inspired territory, nodding to the era of big, female-led ballads while still feeling fresh and current. There’s a dreamlike quality to the track, with hints of a modern Kate Bush influence. It floats effortlessly, showcasing yet another side of Grace’s versatility.

The album closes with Acapella, a fitting and powerful finale. Stripping everything back to just her voice, it highlights exactly what makes Grace Elly such an exciting new artist. The layering, control and emotion all come together in a way that feels both intimate and grand.

Breaking Free is a bold and confident debut, full of variety, emotion and genuine artistry. Grace Elly doesn’t follow trends – she reshapes them, and if this album is anything to go by, she’s not just breaking free… she’s breaking through.