Gracie and Rachel
If We Could, Would We
Righteous Babe Records
Celebrated NYC-based indie-pop duo Gracie and Rachel have returned to “New Release” bins for the first time since dropping their Nowhere Now Here EP in 2023. And with If We Could, Would We, singer-songwriters Gracie Coates and Rachel Ruggles have succeeded in delivering a delicate, dreamy delight — an alluring and hypnotic, aural seduction.
Recorded primarily at 11A Studios and overseen by various producers, the intoxicating collection actually serves as two separate solo projects while also standing tall as a cohesive collaborative effort.
Honest and pure, opening track and leadoff video / single, “WTF,” sets up the record perfectly — a tune that Rolling Stone anointed recently as a “Song You Need To Know.” Of the many other highlights, the heartache confessionals “How Can I” and “Leaving Home Is Going Home” beam brightly among the bunch.
If We Could, Would We zings throughout as a result of subtle, yet Schick-sharp production, interesting electronic percussion, twinkling piano, and irresistible violin. Yet conversely, it’s the stripped-down vocal track, “Run Dry,” that arguably deserves MVP honors for possessing the courage to arrive at the banquet completely naked.
The competition among this pack is certainly stiff. However, oozing (seemingly) Jenny Lewis-inspired transparency and melody, “Green Light” is quite possibly the pick of the 12-pup litter.
In sum, as 2026 finds the world going bonkers, If We Could, Would We is an absolutely wonderful piece of work — the right record at the right time. Spin, love, repeat.
If We Could, Would We Track List
- WTF (G. Coates, B. Davis) – 3:52
- How Can I (G. Coates, B. Davis) – 3:40
- Leaving Home Is Going Home (G. Coates, R. Ruggles, B. Davis) – 4:28
- Green Light (G. Coates) 3:52
- Piano Thoughts (R. Ruggles) 2:13
- Run Dry (G. Coates, R. Ruggles) – 2:39
- Water (R. Ruggles, B. Davis) – 5:21
- Undertow (G. Coates) – 3:06
- Caroline (R. Ruggles, B. Davis) – 4:53
- Permission (G. Coates) – 3:07
- Myself Again (G. Coates, R. Ruggles, B. Davis) – 3:17
- It’s Not The End (R. Ruggles) 1:55
