An absolute standout is “Gravity.” Written as a reflection on her relationship with her daughter, it carries the weight of something universal. The song captures what it means to feel unyielding support, the kind that stays with you even when you want to shut out the world. Daughters, mothers, friends, anyone who has felt love stretch across distance and years, will hear themselves in it. For me, it takes me back to growing up with Sarah’s music, always turning to her for solace. It is stunningly beautiful, and I have been looking forward to its official release since she played it on tour last summer.

“Only Human” is the other standout for me. It is one of those songs you wish someone would say to you when you are at your depths. Thankfully we have Sarah to say it now. Her voice lands like a hand on your shoulder, honest but gentle, giving that small permission to be flawed and still hold on. It is quiet and brave in the same breath, the kind of song that feels like a necessary truth when everything else is loud.

“Reminds Me” is another highlight, featuring Katie Gavin of MUNA. McLachlan originally sketched the song on acoustic guitar during the quiet of COVID, inspired by her binge of Yellowstone and a sudden pull toward the wide-open world of cowboy country ballads. What began as a private anniversary gift for her partner grew into a simple, tender love song that leans into purity over polish, with just the right touch of sweetness. Gavin’s vocals weave beautifully with Sarah’s, giving the track an added depth that makes it glow with intimacy and warmth.

The album is also brought to life by an incredible lineup of players, including guitarist Wendy Melvoin, drummer Matt Chamberlain, multi-instrumentalist Benny Bock, and pedal-steel guitarist Greg Leisz. Their contributions give Better Broken its depth and texture, grounding Sarah’s voice in arrangements that feel both classic and fresh.

Another moment that lingers is “Only Way Out is Through.” There is something uncanny about hearing a voice that has always brought comfort now give shape to the struggles you are living through. McLachlan has always had this rare gift: putting words to pain in a way that does not sink you deeper, but lifts you toward something gentler, even luminous.

The closing track, “If This is the End,” rises like an anthem. It feels like a perfect closer, swelling as Sarah is joined by a chorus of voices. The lyrics lift the album toward something larger than grief:

“So, let’s drink to the Earth that will wear a new tapestry
Rainbows of sinew and bone
All of our struggles, our ego and avarice
Fall at the end of the road
Here’s to the sky.”

It is both farewell and benediction, a song that gathers the fractures named throughout the record and offers them back as a vision of renewal.

Better Broken is not an album that pretends to have answers. Instead, it offers honesty, reflection, and the kind of companionship that only McLachlan can bring. These songs do not deny the fractures. They remind us that even broken things can hold light.

McLachlan has also announced a handful of tour dates to support Better Broken. Public sale is September 26, 2025.