Singer-songwriter Conan Gray’s fourth studio album “Wishbone” draws on different styles of music, building on the eclecticism of his past works. Released Aug. 15, 2025, the 12 tracks form a mix of pop, indie and ‘80s synthesizers that take listeners on a journey through his mind while exploring motifs of heartbreak, love and one’s own self worth.
Gray starts with a sad and nostalgic intro in the first song, “Actor.” Backed by gentle guitar strums, he begins by describing a secret relationship but increases the tempo while transitioning into an angry, frustrated chorus about the breakup. While his ex is able to erase their relationship, Gray describes the resentment of being hidden and discarded.
“But the church bells won’t stop ringing / For an undead wedding day / And you’ve spent the summer drinking / While I spent it being erased,” Gray sings. “And I tried to hide the feeling / But it just won’t go away / Let’s pretend nothing happened, I agree / But you’re a much better actor than me.”
Although it has a hopeful take, the second track and lead single, “This Song,” is a similar confession. Paired with soft, wistful beats and a montage-like music video, Gray earnestly describes the everyday moments he shares with his crush and how he wishes they would realize his feelings. Much like a love letter, he uses the song as a way to communicate his growing feelings.
“I’m too shy to tell you the words on my mind / I hope you can see if you read through these lines / That I wrote this song about you / Something I wish you knew / Something I’ve tried to say,” Gray sings.
The album takes a grungy turn with “Romeo,” featuring steady drums, trumpets and whistles that give the song a theatrical energy. Gray realizes that he is better off without his “Romeo,” referencing the Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet.” Recounting the pain he endured, Gray channels this anger into a bitter mockery of their past relationship.
“You don’t wanna know all I did / I drank your poison from your lips / I took that blade into my ribs,” Gray sings. “I’m never gonna want you back / You put me in a grave of stone / But now it only makes me laugh.”
Gray switches to a peppier beat with “My World” but still delves into darker motifs of personal introspection as he admits that his self-worth used to be tied to his “Romeo” from the previous song. He recognizes his independence and liberates himself from that control. Gray also describes his lack of need for labels – which may be a reference to the public speculation about his sexuality.
“It’s my world and it’s my life / It’s my girl and it’s my guy / I’ll kiss ‘em if I might like / I don’t have you in mind,” Gray sings.
“Class Clown” continues Gray’s self-reflection, focusing on his rough childhood and the use of humor as a shield to mask that pain. The music itself is more melancholic and melodious, mirroring how he feels that he cannot escape his past and needs to continue his role as the “funny one.”
“I still feel like the class clown / Like if I get older now / I’ll let my younger version down / And if I stop laughing, all the blood will just start pouring out / ‘Cause everything comes back around,” Gray sings.
The next few tracks on “Wishbone” continue to explore love and relationships through the lens of his past. “Nauseous” describes having feelings for someone as dangerous, and Gray is haunted by the thought of being hurt again. The feeling of dread comes from his previous relationships and trauma from loved ones.
“Your love is a threat and I’m nauseous / Scares me to death how I want it / Not common sense, but I’m haunted / By people who’ve left, so you scare me to death,” Gray sings.
One of the last tracks, “Eleven Eleven” ties back to the album title and its motif of superstition. Gray uses a gentle melody and nostalgic tone to romanticize longing. His description of yearning for someone and wanting them back is tender and bittersweet.
“Well, there’s wishbones and clovers and numbers from Heaven / Shapes in the stars to invent our connection / As much as I act like I want to forget it / I still wish for you at 11:11,” Gray sings.
“Wishbone” may be Gray’s strongest work to date, not only in its experimentation with sounds but also in its confessional lyricism. He is able to expertly balance his vulnerability and pain while pursuing layers of heartbreak and identity. By combining ideas of wistful love and the past, Gray has successfully created an album that listeners will both relate to and appreciate for its honesty.