Conan Gray’s album “Wishbone” shows him wearing a sailor suit and carrying a wishbone (Photo used with permission by Republic Records).

On Aug. 15, Conan Gray released his fourth studio album, “Wishbone.” While only a year after the previous album, “Found Heaven,” “Wishbone” provides an emotional rollercoaster and feels less rushed than its predecessor. 

Starting off the album is “Actor,” which takes us to the aftermath of a breakup, and Gray discusses the difficulty of getting over this past lover. Gray denies this loss of his past lover, “No, I didn’t cry, kept the lie alive.” He attempts to reassure himself that the relationship is not over, even though it is clear that it has ended. This marks the theme of the album, yearning over someone who has been lost, which gives the sign that this album, like his prior ones, is going to be heartbreaking. 

Moving over to track three is “Vodka Cranberry,” which is the most popular song from this album on social media. The buildup of tension in this song is what makes it really stand out from others. While the theme of heartbreak and yearning remains the same in this track, it is clear that this song has a very powerful chorus, especially with the high-pitched note that comes in during it. A line that stood out the most to me was “If you don’t end things, I will.” This takes a turn compared to the first track, “Actor,” where it puts us at the end of the relationship, while it seems here in “Vodka Cranberry,” the relationship is just coming to an end. The track ends with Gray’s lover leaving in the middle of the night which officially marks the end of their relationship. 

My personal favorite track off the album is the 11th track, which is titled “Eleven Eleven.” In this track, Gray uses the idea of when an individual wishes for something at the time 11:11. He sings, “As much as I act like I want to forget it, I still wish for you at eleven eleven.” This track touches upon superstitions, which is clearly him wishing for this individual to come back into his life, every day at 11:11. This track felt very relatable, as I have had a habit of wishing for things and people to return in my life at 11:11 as well. Ultimately, this track tore me the most emotionally. 

Wrapping up this album, “Care” is the final track. This song ends off the album perfectly, which consists of Gray reflecting on this relationship, as well as the struggle of moving on. “I don’t cry ‘cause it is over, I just don’t feel like I could love again.” Gray touches on a tough subject here, as the hardest part of leaving a relationship is moving on from it. 

This album was a very well-thought-out one. I felt like the lyrics and the track titles, even the album theme, were spot on. The entire theme matches consistently throughout, which I believe is what makes this album a great listen. I would certainly recommend this album; it is worth your while.