Wrabel drops “back to back”, a track of heart aching realism that finds the celebrated songwriter/artist volleying verses with Dutch sensation Duncan Laurence as they recount the aftermath of a couple’s quarrel.
Written alongside Kurtis McKenize (formerly The Arcade), Léon, and Jon Mills, the song finds two individuals laying back to back in bed, internally spiraling through questions of heartbreak, self-worth, and the disconnection between them. It’s earnest songwriting at its finest, and Wrabel & Duncan’s performances (especially together on the star-bound chorus) are masterclasses in emotive vocal delivery.
It’s the latest cut off Wrabel’s much-anticipated debut full-length album, ‘these words are all for you’, which will drop on Sept. 24 via Big Gay Records/Nettwerk. The album will usher into the world the next chapter from one of modern music’s most celebrated, versatile, powerhouse songwriters and rising artists.
Music Video (82) Wrabel - back to back (with Duncan Laurence) [official video] - YouTube
Of the track’s inspiration, Wrabel said “In relationships, it’s wild to me how sometimes the smallest things can cause the biggest rifts. I’ve often heard it said “never go to bed angry”. Whether it’s anger or sadness or something from the past bubbling up to the surface, it’s a terrible feeling. Even while sharing the same bed, you can feel a thousand miles apart. But the hope is that all it takes is a nudge, a turn, even a single word to reconnect and close the gap.”
Duncan adds, “I’m so happy I got the chance to work with Wrabel and to be a part of his album. Ever since I started writing my own songs I’ve always listened to his music. His style of music is so honest and emotional. Just like our duet ‘back to back.’ Thanks Wrabel, never stop being who you are.”
The release follows fellow album pre-release tracks “good” (which had Billboard proclaiming “Wrabel has made it clear that he knows how to write uplifting ballads. "Good," is certainly no exception”) and “nothing but the love”.
Wrabel’s resume speaks for itself. He has toured alongside and collaborated with P!nk, has co-writing/performance credits alongside the likes of Kesha, Marshmello, Celeste, Backstreet Boys, Ellie Goulding, Louis Tomlinson, Louis the Child, Wafia, Cash Cash, and more. He’s released four previous EPs, has racked up 265 million streams across all DSP platforms, and his song “The Village” has become an LGBTQ+ anthem. Over the past few years, his “knife-to-the-heart” (Idolator) songwriting has led to him becoming “one of Hollywood’s finest songwriters for a decade” (American Songwriter), earned him a performance spot on the national NBC TODAY stage and had Billboard saying that Wrabel is “ready for his breakthrough”.