Denial is the first stage of grief and Gabe Lopez does a good job of coaxing listeners to begin the process. In “I Am Absolutely and Without a Doubt I’m Almost Sure”, Lopez floats through denying his heartbreak. It’s the perfect bop for anyone that wants to dance to a bit of delulu. The bass line is extremely catchy and surely will get anyone jumping. I love a song that can get people jumping while being introspective and, without a doubt, this song does that.
Lopez has released a few more singles this summer including “High for U” and “Can We DoA Little More Than Talk?”. He has done music production and arrangement work for RuPauls Drag Race including Moulin Ru the “rusical” and “I Hate People”. If you check his website, you will find a lot of other production credits. His talent for music production shows in his singles.
Not only is the production sonically smooth, but the lyrics strike me emotionally. Gabe describes wearing a hoodie and sunglasses due to the heartbreak most likely but convinces himself through the lyrics into believing other excuses. He describes listening to Lana (love a Lana stan) and denies turning it up or wishing that a partner was there with him. It’s only the bridge that he breaks through the wall of denial. He finally speaks to the ex themselves with, “Baby I lied / Would you believe that I lied?” These details into a relationship are woven expertly with instrumentals that take us through the denial that is necessary to continue after the loss of it.
I’d recommend Lopez’ music to anyone looking to move through a heartbreak, especially the particularly damning queer breakups, and anyone looking for bops with some deeper lyrics. Here’s to the shift from Brat summer to Emotionally Secure Fall. Gabe, thank you for taking up one step closer.
