Wrabel “shape of my heart” Review: New Single & Lyrics Meaning

Wrabel Bares His Soul in New Single “shape of my heart” – A Modern Pop Masterpiece

If you’ve been following the career of Stephen Wrabel, better known simply as Wrabel, you know that he doesn’t just write songs—he maps out the human heart. With over 1.45 billion streams and a reputation as one of pop music’s most essential songwriters, he has returned with his latest single, “shape of my heart.”

Released on December 26, 2025, as a double-single alongside the hauntingly beautiful track “sugar,” this release serves as the final emotional cornerstone before his highly anticipated third studio album, up above, drops on February 13, 2026.

A New Era of Vulnerability

While Wrabel is famous for his deeply autobiographical 2023 album based on a true story, “shape of my heart” signals a shift into a more cinematic, existential landscape.

The track is co-produced by Wrabel himself and his longtime collaborator Austin Ward, with final mixing by the legendary Damian Taylor (known for his work with Björk and Arcade Fire). This creative team has crafted a sound that is both intimate and expansive—perfectly mirroring the song’s themes of surrender and radical honesty.

The Meaning Behind the Lyrics: “shape of my heart”

At its core, “shape of my heart” is a song about the bravery required to be truly seen. Wrabel moves away from simple heartbreak and instead dives into the “bittersweetness of existence.”

Key themes explored in the track include:

• The Mask vs. Reality: A confession of playing a part and keeping loved ones in the dark.

• Radical Forgiveness: A plea for understanding based on the man he is becoming, rather than the mistakes of his past.

• Existential Love: Inspired by the haunting imagery of Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A Scenario, Wrabel asks a profound question: If you knew the world was ending tomorrow, how much more would the person you love matter today?

“I’ve never with my own head, heart, hands, eyes and ears been so heavily involved in creating a world for myself,” Wrabel shared regarding the new project. “I’ve never planted a seed that became the garden.”

Why “shape of my heart” is a Must-Listen

This isn’t just another pop ballad. It is a masterclass in modern production and raw vocal delivery.

1. Sonic Textures: The track features dreamlike, otherworldly textures that feel like a “sweaty” surrender to love.

2. Vocal Prowess: Wrabel’s signature falsetto is more grounded here, carrying the weight of a songwriter who has found his “future.”

3. Visual Continuity: The single is accompanied by visuals from director Dana Trippe, whose work with Weyes Blood and Janelle Monáe perfectly captures the “disorientation and transcendence” of Wrabel’s new era.

What’s Next for Wrabel?

“shape of my heart” is the fifth glimpse into the world of up above, following early hits like “future,” “surrender,” and the “greener/garden” double release. With the full 12-track album arriving in February 2026 via Big Gay Records and Nettwerk, Wrabel is cementing his place as a pioneer of “new-school honesty” in pop.