Listening to Wishbone by Conan Gray for the first time was an emotional rollercoaster. Between the raw passion in his voice to the profound lyrics, the album really put my thoughts to a halt. It really shocked me how astonishing these songs were, having listened to Gray’s previous albums. This album is really not one to put on in the background, putting undivided attention and depicting the story really makes this masterpiece breathtaking.
The album is a viral pop album that catches the attention of many listeners. Though, some songs may sound a bit like R&B as the songs transition into a slower pace and deeper emotion. Each song has a deeper meaning than just a bunch of words mashed together for a listener to aimlessly listen to.
From the unforgettable tunes, to the raw unfiltered emotion in Gray’s voice, Wishbone is an album that demands emotion. Songs on the album like “Lonely Dancers” and “Alleys” are an excellent example of Gray’s ability to mix passionate and in-depth lyrics with a message along with making the songs easy to listen to.
What sets this album apart from the others is its ability to utilize diction to depict a story. This story is not portrayed through just one song, but it is pieced together through each one. Listening to the whole album at once is like reading a novel but better.
Gray’s third most listened to track, “Vodka Cranberry” really allows listeners to hear how amazing his voice really is. The change from alto to soprano notes really pieces together the melody and lyrics, giving the songs a high sense of passion.
Going further into the album is a sweet song called “Caramel”. The name is short and sweet, but the words are fierce and frugal about a man Gray can’t forget. However the listener shouldn’t let the intensity throw them off, as the song is still full of bittersweet nostalgia and has a very youthful feel.
A lyrically proficient song is “Nauseous”. This song is slow and soft as it gives a feel of vulnerability. The track represents Gray’s first good love after trauma from previous situations, really letting the listeners in.
A track that hits the eardrum just right is “Killing Me”. The lyrics are infectious and will linger in the brain long after it has been listened to. This song is not only catchy but a display of a story on the frustration of unrequited love.
The song “Care” has an upbeat feel as the story has come to an end and Gray has finally moved on. This song is opening a new door, representing that there’s a new beginning and more to come in the future.
The album’s production is perfect and proficient while still maintaining an authentic feel. This allows for Gray’s vulnerability to shine through his voice and words. Even the cover symbolizes unpredictable occasions as heard in the songs.
Ultimately “Wishbone” is a display of Gray’s growth as an artist, solidifying his well written career. As a listener from his previous albums I feel he really did big with this album. These songs were stuck in my head for weeks.
