Produced by Tony Berg and Will Maclellan at Los Angeles’ legendary Sound City Studios, the 11-track album explores themes of acceptance, healing, and resilience. McLachlan’s lyrical approach invites listeners to find personal meaning within the songs, particularly evident in the title track which emphasizes healing through acknowledging one’s brokenness.
Healing begins when we embrace our fractured parts, a truth McLachlan explores with intimate precision throughout this collection.
The recording process was reportedly characterized by joyful collaboration between McLachlan and her production team. McLachlan described the sessions in her Rolling Stone interview as being filled with laughter and joy. A special Target bonus track titled “All This Disaster” extends the listening experience for fans who purchase the album through select retailers.
The album’s promotional campaign began on June 26, 2025, with the simultaneous release of the title track “Better Broken” and the album announcement. This was followed by singles “Gravity” on August 8 and “Reminds Me” on September 16, just days before the full album drop. A music video for “Better Broken,” directed by Lauren Wade, accompanied the initial release.
Critics have responded favorably to McLachlan’s return, with *Better Broken* earning a solid 77/100 on Metacritic. Publications including *Uncut*, which awarded the album 7/10, and positive reviews from AllMusic and Slant Magazine have contributed to the generally warm reception. The album’s production quality has been particularly praised for its clarity and depth, achieved through careful studio setup that balanced professional equipment with intimate recording environments.
McLachlan plans to support the album with a tour beginning in November 2025, marking her return to live performances after the extended hiatus. The tour announcement, which followed the album release, is expected to generate renewed interest in both the new material and McLachlan’s established catalog. In addition to ticket sales, McLachlan is expected to offer exclusive merchandise at venues as part of her diversified revenue strategy.
The album’s diverse tracklist, with songs ranging from 3:34 to 5:35 minutes in length, features introspective titles like “Only Way Out Is Through” and “Long Road Home,” reinforcing the album’s thematic focus on emotional exploration and personal growth.
