conan Gray’s “Wishbone” Delivers a Raw, Relatable Masterclass in Breakup Ballads
By Julia Evans, World-Today-News.com – August 16, 2023
Conan gray’s highly anticipated album, “wishbone,” dropped August 15th, and it’s already cementing itself as teh breakup album of the year. This isn’t just a collection of sad songs; it’s an emotionally intelligent, sonically diverse journey through heartbreak, resentment, and ultimately, self-discovery. While not every track is a standout, “wishbone” is a compelling listen that showcases Gray’s growth as an artist and his uncanny ability to articulate the messy realities of love and loss.
(Listen to “Wishbone” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6xg3zSgRcJDnPagx8cmXeA?si=a0740d80d341490f)
The album kicks off with the devastatingly honest “Actor,” a track that promptly establishes the album’s more vulnerable and bitter tone. It’s arguably Gray’s most heart-wrenching work since “The Exit“ (from 2022’s “Superache”), and a powerful statement of intent. Rather of easing listeners in, “Actor” throws you directly into the emotional wreckage, driven by Gray’s signature haunting vocals and a stripped-down acoustic arrangement.
This intensity is brilliantly contrasted by the dreamy, waltz-like “This Song.” A deceptively simple track, it’s a tender declaration of vulnerability - “I wrote this song about you” – delivered with a hopeful fragility. It’s a moment of quiet beauty before the storm.
But the storm does come, and it arrives in the form of “Vodka Cranberry.” This is the track poised to become a live anthem. Gray dissects the painful realization of being wronged,culminating in the defiant chorus: “Speak up,I know you hate me.” The song is a masterclass in building tension, culminating in a vocal performance – including a stunning G5 note in the bridge – that rivals his extraordinary range showcased in “Alley Rose.”
Beyond the Hits: A Sonic Exploration
“Wishbone” isn’t afraid to experiment. “Romeo” offers a catchy, campfire-esque energy, immediately followed by the pointed retort of “My World,” which directly addresses the previous track’s subject. This back-and-forth dynamic adds a layer of narrative complexity.
Gray delves into deeper territory with “Class Clown” and “Nauseous.” “Class Clown” is a surprisingly poignant exploration of
