American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who is often cited by Abrams as an artistic influence, appears on the track "Us" as a featured guest.

It received generally positive reviews from music critics, with praise towards its lyrical vulnerability and the artistic growth shown by Abrams from her previous works.

[3] From April to August 2023, she served as the opening act for select dates on the North American leg of the Eras Tour by Taylor Swift.

[13] It was co-written by Abrams and Audrey Hobert with production by frequent collaborator Aaron Dessner of the National who had also produced Good Riddance.

[28] The album's production involves Abrams, Aaron Dessner, and Audrey Hobert, with contributions from Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff, reflecting a mature and multifaceted soundscape.

[34] It drew comparisons to Taylor Swift's 2020 albums Folklore and Evermore, as well as Phoebe Bridgers' work, incorporating folk-pop elements with a modern twist.

[30][31] Mylrea also drew parallels to Lorde's Melodrama (2017), noting that tracks like "Normal Thing" and "Close to You" feature subdued synths and percolating beats, hinting at dancefloor euphoria without fully committing to it.

[32][35] Abrams' songwriting on The Secret of Us delves into real-time narratives of relationships and personal growth, contrasting with the retrospective nature of her previous work.

Hannah Mylrea from NME described the album as bringing a "new intimacy", where Abrams is "crying on the dancefloor and sharing her inner thoughts with her closest pals in the smoking area".

Ryan noted that "Blowing Smoke" is particularly biting in its critiques, while "Let It Happen" evolves from whispered introspection to euphoric declarations of self-love.

[30] "Free Now" explores the relief that comes with the end of a waning relationship, marked by Abrams' lyrical introspection and sonic build-up.

[43] NME's Hannah Mylrea said that Abrams "embraces her growing pains and celebrates enduring the difficult moments" and ended her review by saying that she "[has] never sounded better".

[34] The staff of Clash found the album "a unique sound somewhere between Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift" and wrote that "the experience of touring, which she didn't have at the release of her debut, is clearly heard in her bolder and more open delivery".

[33] The Daily Telegraph's Neil McCormick said that the lyrics are "rooted in the confessional, as she takes on heartbreak, growing pains and online trolls", while comparing them to the works of Swift and American singers Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo.