Over the past two years, Conan Gray wrote approximately 300 songs. Eventually he selected 12 of them to share with the world. Thus, the album “Wishbone” was born.
Released on August 16th, “Wishbone,” Gray’s fourth studio album, is a personal journey through his relationship during the time he was working on his previous album “Found Heaven.” From “This Song” portraying falling in love for the first time to “Eleven Eleven” where Gray wishes for his ex-lover to come back into the picture, “Wishbone” touches on all parts of a failed relationship where you’re with someone who never had room for you in their heart.
The album opens with “Actor,” a song that encapsulates the entire experience of Gray’s relationship where he felt tossed aside and ignored. The title references Gray’s ex’s career, but also how this ex would act like this relationship never affected him; these double meanings are scattered throughout the album, creating a more interesting experience for the listener. This story is all told through expressive lyrics, letting the reader into Gray’s mind when he was experiencing this relationship.
Following is “This Song” which was the first single of the album. Gray said he made the decision for this to be the first single because he wanted his fans to have the same naivety he did when he got into the relationship, the unawareness that anything would go wrong, “This Song” is tonally very different from the rest of the album, focusing on the positives of the relationship rather than the heartache that comes later on, a small shift that is greatly appreciated once you listen to the rest of the album.
A few tracks later is “Class Clown,” a sorrowful song looking back on Gray’s childhood. The guitar paired with harmonizing vocals that sound like children creates a nostalgic feeling for the listener, letting the audience understand Gray’s childhood memories. This track definitely takes the trophy for the most heartbreaking song on the album, but also one of the most tragic songs he’s ever written.
“Everything comes back around / I still feel like the class clown”
The focus track of the album is “Caramel,” exploring the addiction Gray has to his ex. He compares this person to caramel, saying the person leaves a “sweet taste in [his] mouth,” making it hard for Gray to get him out of his life. In this track’s production, an electric guitar is used which emphasizes the intense emotion Gray feels towards his ex compared to the calmer production in the tracks previously on the album.
The penultimate track “Eleven Eleven” deals with Gray’s longing for his past relationship to come back into his life, wishing for him through shooting stars, clovers, and wishbones. The specific choice of naming the track “Eleven Eleven” lets the audience know how Gray is constantly thinking of his ex lover because the time 11:11 happens twice a day; so at least twice a day Gray wishes for him back, never truly getting over him. The choice of having an acoustic guitar being the main instrument throughout the song elevates the feeling of desire, an excellent choice on Gray’s part.
The album closes out with “Care” where Gray reminisces on his entire relationship and expresses how he isn’t able to fully pull himself away from his ex. The entire song Gray goes back and forth between thinking he’s able to move on to caring too much about his ex. The song ends with the word “care” repeating over and over and Gray not able to move on; while the themes of the song are sad, Gray has upbeat production in the track which creates a satisfying ending track
“Wishbone” is where Gray is at his best. He wanted to have this album be as truthful as possible, and that was the right decision. Gray dived deep into his heart and came out with twelve honest and raw tracks that are filled with addicting instrumentals and poetic lyrics sure to move everyone who listens.
