On April 5, 2024, Conan Gray released his third album, “Found Heaven.” Similar to his previous releases, Gray explores feelings of love and heartbreak. This time, however, he dramatically shifts his style of music to a mix of ‘80s and synth pop, combining it with his versatile vocal range.
Gray kickstarts his new era of music with his lead single, “Never Ending Song,” which also features an iconic music video. Using bold lyrics and upbeat drums, he reflects on his feelings of love remaining for his ex. Even though he already knows the relationship will not work out, Gray cannot stay away from the feelings it brings him.
“Tried to turn the page, but our story wasn’t stoppin’ / And it goes on, and on, and on / Like a never-ending song,” Gray sings.
“Fainted Love,” a softer synth track, brings up Gray’s emotions of unrequited love and longingness. He explores his constant struggle with being pushed away by his love interest, despite wanting to be close to them.
“When your heart aches and it’s dead in the night / Don’t you worry for me, it’s cool / It’s enough to survive / Don’t you worry, I want your fainted love,” Gray sings.
Gray switches back to his ‘80s funk motif with “Lonely Dancers,” a song for those bonding with others over being recently single. Despite having feelings for their exes, they cope together.
“We’re both alone now, tears in our eyes / I know the perfect way to waste our time,” Gray sings.
“Alley Rose,” with a strong guitar presence, may be Gray’s most anguished song on the album. His lower voice range describes his heartbroken state after having his last kiss in the same place of his first one. Gray cleverly uses the name “Alley Rose” as a metaphor for how love becomes addictive but lost just as quickly.
“Don’t leave me hanging alone again / Oh, where’d you go, go? / Alley Rose,” Gray sings.
Gray ends his new album, but not his new era, with “Winner,” a vulnerable song about raising the white flag. He admits that he has lost but finds freedom in his recognition that he has been hurt.
“Yeah, there’s nothing / That ever did quite kill me / More than what you did / Now you really are the winner,” Gray sings.
With the release of “Found Heaven,” Gray is successfully able to pivot his image and style to a newer and improved version of himself. He takes his struggles from the past two years and transforms it into a heartfelt, ‘80s pop album for listeners.