Gayle Gets Sentimental on New Single ‘Loving You Is’ After Viral Breakthrough

Explore how Gayle’s new single ‘Loving You Is’ showcases her emotional growth, evolving from anger to vulnerability in her heartfelt music.

Tattoos, Triumphs, and Family Bonds

If there’s one thing Gayle stands by, it’s this: tattoos or it didn’t happen. This cheeky motto perfectly captures how the singer-songwriter immortalizes the milestones in her life. When her breakout 2021 anthem “ABCDEFU” skyrocketed to No. 1, she didn’t just celebrate with champagne—she and her co-writers Sara Davis and Dave Pittenger got matching “abc” tattoos on their hands. A permanent mark to remind them of that wild, breakthrough moment.

But Gayle’s ink journey didn’t stop there. When “ABCDEFU” hit 100 million streams, she brought her family into the story, tattooing matching “g” initials with her mom and grandmother. Her grandmother, a woman in her late 80s, even checked herself out of her retirement home to join the fun. It’s the only tattoo she’s ever had, and it ties all the first-born daughters together through their shared middle name: Gayle.

Gayle laughs as she recalls, “I’m honestly really proud of myself that I’m working hard enough in my life to be able to convince my grandmother to get a matching tattoo with me. If you would have ever told me that was going to happen, I would tell you that you were lying.”

The Rise of a Gen Z Anthem

“ABCDEFU” wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural moment. Released when Gayle was only 17, the razor-sharp breakup track hit a nerve, embodying the raw, unapologetic emotions of a generation. The song's seven-letter defiant message was brutal honesty, and Gen Z embraced it wholeheartedly.

To keep the momentum going, Gayle dropped two fresh remixes: one angrier, one nicer. This clever move pushed streams closer to a staggering 1.5 billion on Spotify alone. Suddenly, this young artist found herself catapulted into the spotlight—opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, landing a spot on the Barbie soundtrack with a cheeky twist on Crazy Town’s “Butterfly,” and snagging a Song of the Year Grammy nomination in 2023. Talk about a whirlwind!

Taking a Breath Between Tours and Triumphs

With that level of success, you’d think Gayle would be racing full throttle. But she wisely took some time to recalibrate between supporting tours with Pink, Tate McRae, Cyndi Lauper, and My Chemical Romance. Nestled in her Nashville base, she continued writing—this time diving deeper into the complex terrain of bad romances and hard-earned life lessons.

Now 22, Gayle is ready to share her next chapter with an album called Observing Chaos, dropping September 18. The new project promises a sonic journey, and the piano ballad “Loving You Is” stands out as a tender, emotional pivot—a stark contrast to the fiery “ABCDEFU.” With its soulful depth and Adele-esque vibes, this single is poised to become another defining tattoo-worthy moment in her career.

Behind the Lyrics: A Heart Opened Wide

In her first big interview about the new album, Gayle opens up about “Loving You Is,” revealing a vulnerability that marks her emotional growth.

“’Loving You Is’ is a hopeful song that’s also very sad at the same time... I used to mix up love and passion. If we were fighting and bickering, that was something I deemed as passionate, which just made me miserable and angry and tired all the time.” — Gayle

The song is an honest confession of repeated mistakes in love and the fear of making them again. It reflects a maturity that comes with learning the same harsh lessons twice but finally beginning to grasp them. Gayle admits, “I’m scared to make those same mistakes again,” capturing the bittersweet reality of young love.

From Anger to Vulnerability: A Songwriter’s Journey

Writing from such an open, vulnerable place wasn’t easy for Gayle.

“I really resented ‘Loving You Is’ for a long time because I did end up making the same mistake so many more times after writing it... It honestly took me so long to come to terms with that fact and to really love the song.” — Gayle

She describes the struggle of reconciling her words with reality, but ultimately embracing the innocence and hope that she poured into the track. It’s a beautiful reminder that growth is a process—sometimes messy but always authentic.

Lessons for Hopeless Romantics: Red Flags to Spot

Gayle’s songs resonate with countless Gen Z fans navigating their own romantic chaos. She offers some hard-earned wisdom about spotting relationship red flags:

• Notice how you feel all the time—does the relationship drain your happiness?
• Pay attention if you feel more insecure or isolated from your friends.
• Be cautious if your worldview becomes more negative around someone.
• Beware of someone who neglects self-care and expects you to “join” their misery.
• Watch out when you start thinking someone is cooler than you—it’s often the beginning of trouble.

“People can affect your brain so much more than you realize.” — Gayle

A Softer Sound for a New Chapter

“Loving You Is” surprises with its stripped-down, piano-driven ballad style, marked by its organic feel and emotional weight.

Gayle credits her friend Noah Conrad’s piano skills for shaping the song’s natural flow. She wanted her voice to carry the story, layering guitars only in the bridge. This softer sound fits perfectly with the album’s theme of Observing Chaos, giving fans a more intimate glimpse into her evolving artistry.

She explains, “It’s an early 20s version of the piano ballads I put out, rather than being like 18- or 19-year-old me.” It’s a sign of maturity and sonic exploration, showing she’s unafraid to open up new emotional and musical territory.

Embracing Emotional Extremes

Reflecting on how “ABCDEFU” framed her as the angry breakup queen, Gayle says she’s grown comfortable expressing all her emotions—especially anger.

“After ‘ABCDEFU,’ I have a lot more permission to feel my extremes... if you are gonna be in my life and mess with me and be a menace, you know what happens. You know the consequences of your own actions. This is what you asked for.” — Gayle

It’s a confident stance that mixes vulnerability with self-empowerment, making her music all the more relatable and real.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Gayle?

From viral sensation to mature storyteller, Gayle’s journey is a thrilling ride through the complexities of young love and self-discovery. “Loving You Is” is just the beginning of her new chapter—one that promises honesty, growth, and the kind of emotional depth that resonates deeply with fans.

What red flags have you learned to spot in your own relationships? Or maybe you have your own tattoo-worthy milestone story? Either way, Gayle’s evolving sound reminds us all to keep feeling, keep learning, and keep loving—just a little wiser.

FAQ

• How did Gayle commemorate the success of “ABCDEFU”?
  She got matching “abc” tattoos with her co-writers and later shared matching “g” tattoos with her mom and grandmother after hitting 100 million streams.
• What inspired the new single “Loving You Is”?
  The song reflects Gayle’s realization of confusing love with passion and her fear of repeating past romantic mistakes.
• How does “Loving You Is” differ musically from Gayle’s previous releases?
  It’s a softer, piano-driven ballad with an organic, stripped-down sound, highlighting vulnerability over the indie rock or alt-pop vibes of earlier hits.
• What relationship advice does Gayle offer through her music?
  She encourages paying attention to your feelings in relationships, recognizing red flags like increased insecurity, negativity, and unhealthy attachments.
• How has Gayle’s songwriting evolved since “ABCDEFU”?
  She’s grown more comfortable expressing a full range of emotions, including anger and vulnerability, reflecting personal growth and maturity.

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