Wishbone- Conan Gray

When I listen to Conan Gray, I am transported back to my middle school years in the best possible way. One of the aspects I appreciate most about his music is its consistency since his debut in 2018, Gray has maintained a recognizable sound and emotional depth that resonates with many listeners. I recently had the opportunity to listen to his latest album, Wishbone, and while it is not my personal favorite among his discography, I found it to be a strong and enjoyable standalone project.

The opening track, Actor, is without a doubt my favorite on the album. It captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and complicated relationships. Even for those who cannot directly relate, the song has a way of tugging at the heartstrings. On my first listen, it immediately reminded me of the relationship between Patrick and Brad in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, one of my all time favorite films. Beyond its emotional weight, the song is also incredibly catchy and will certainly remain in my regular rotation.

Another standout is the third track, Vodka Cranberry, which has quickly become a fan favorite. It’s an energetic, cathartic song that feels perfect for belting out during a late night drive. The album as a whole is centered around themes of heartbreak and longing, but Wishbone explores those emotions with more depth and maturity than some of Gray’s earlier work. It’s especially noteworthy considering that in interviews from 2019 and 2020, he mentioned he had never been in a relationship despite writing primarily about love. Five years later, his newer music feels more layered and emotionally nuanced.

Overall, my personal highlights from the album are Actor and Caramel, while Eleven Eleven felt a bit too slow for my taste. Although I thoroughly enjoyed listening from start to finish, I’ve found that my musical preferences have shifted since my early love for Conan Gray’s work in middle school. For me, Wishbone earns a solid 6.5/10.