He burns inside our memory so well. Conan Gray is Caramel in his brand new album, Wishbone. He uses imaginative song writing, an emotional performance and a modern pop sound to craft a tracklist that rings familiar to those going through their first heartbreak. Released on Aug. 15, 2025, Gray’s fourth studio album shines in his discography as a building block for his career. Wishbone highlights his unique ability to capture the human experience through innovative melodies that just make you want to break out in song.
At the beginning of his ‘Wishbone era, Gray released his single This Song, a love song illustrating words he couldn’t say out loud. His subject and lover, who is later referred to as Connell in track nine, seems to be sending the singer mixed signals and maybe even giving Gray some false hope. “Is it dumb believing you might love me too?” is a line that emulates an unsure tone that many can empathize with in the modern dating world. Dating is a difficult time in any young person’s life, and Gray captures this reality perfectly in each and every song. Known for his hit song Heather released in 2020 on his debut album Kid Krow, Gray has earned a reputation as an important musician within the bedroom pop genre. Gray’s success set an expectation to deliver relatable songs at only 21, and that has continued now that he is 26. He delivers a deep, emotional understanding through every lyric and melody he produces.
Gray’s previous album, Found Heaven, had a bassy synth sound on each track, while this album explores a mystical side of Gray’s music. Romeo is a great example of the experimental production of this album. It begins with fanfare and has a deeply Shakespearean feel to it. Where Art Thou? is the main component making up the chorus, producing an almost Superache sound (Gray’s third studio album), but with an English degree.
“I literally have never had a better time writing an album — which is hilarious because the album is truly miserable,” Gray said to Capital Buzz in an interview.
Gray describing this album as “miserable” is a harsh but realistic take. His truly gut-wrenching lyricism shines throughout the 12 tracks.
“The church bells won’t stop ringing for an undead wedding day” is a line that stood out exponentially on the album’s first track, Actor. This exemplifies a deep hope through heartbreak, even though he believes the love affair is over. Gray hopes that although they’re not currently speaking, there might be a wedding in their future. This demonstrates the lingering uncertainty within your first heartbreak. “Why didn’t they love me?” “Am I not good enough?” “Is this what I deserve?” This dilemma ultimately ends with an acceptance that he will always care. This is displayed through the final track, Care.
Gray has no problems illustrating a colorful image within his heartbreak. He displays this vocally with sudden high notes and an angsty lower register. This album covers each corner of grief from denial to acceptance, quickly making itself a spot in fan’s hearts.
The second single, Vodka Cranberry, is a defining song for Wishbone. It provides a contrast between his first single from this era (a love song) and an angsty breakup song. This, to me, is the best track on this album. Vocally, the twists and turns throughout the verses are stunning, and the production fits very well with the lyrics.
Conan Gray’s Wishbone is a brilliant expression of human emotion and exceeds his previous albums through raw, relatable lyricism and a genuine heartbreak. It is sure to leave its mark on pop music for years to come.
