‘Wishbone Deluxe’ - Conan Gray’s manuscript for moving on

By Avery Slavin Editorial Staff By Taylor Kimmell Editorial Staff Pop singer and lyrical storyteller Conan Gray released the deluxe version of his fourth studio album, Wishbone, on April 24. Wishbone was originally released on August 15, with songs like “Caramel”, “This Song”, and fan-favorite hit “Vodka Cranberry.” At the opening show of the Wishbone World Tour on Feb. 19, fans crowding the stands of the Target Center in Minneapolis were ecstatic to be the first listeners of Gray’s new single, “The Best,” sharing their obvious enthusiasm with deafening cheers flooding the venue as Gray sang the final lines. The song’s successful live debut greatly contributed to the Coneheads’ already palpable excitement, and on March 27, the day of the single’s release, Gray announced that Wishbone Deluxe would be released on all streaming platforms on April 24. In an Instagram post on April 15, Gray released the five new track titles that would be added, including “The Best”. The following day, he posted a six-minute video titled “A Wishbone Deluxe Conversation.” In this interview, Gray explained that while the original album tracks detailed tales of heartbreak and betrayal, the new songs explained his healing journey and process of moving on. Track 13, titled “Do I Dare,” kicks off the extended album with a tone of dreamy elegance. The backing track's orchestral instrumentation and waltz time signature stand as reasonable evidence that the song is a reference to one of the album's earlier tracks titled “Actor,” the chorus of which states: “The church bells won't stop ringing for an undead wedding day.” Fans have also pointed out the track sounds slightly similar melodically to the song before it, “Care.” The tone of the following track, “House That Always Rains,” contrasts starkly with the song’s title and message, providing listeners with upbeat drums that give the nostalgic feeling of a 2000s romcom. However, the bridge offers some metaphorical punches to the gut (in typical Conan Gray fashion), one line states, “While I was scared of being left / you were scared of being seen.” The track focuses on the impact of a difficult upbringing on one’s self-worth and ability to form future relationships. Gray slows things down significantly with “Door,” with raw and deeply emotional vocals depicting the singer’s internal battle with himself about needing to walk away, with one lyric saying, “You were never even good to me / falling for the person you could be / but he doesn’t exist.” Gray answers his own question, “Who do I keep it open for?” with an almost haunting response when he sings “Only you, my love”. Gray’s clever lyricism is evident yet again, beginning his next track, “Moths” by referencing the prior song with the line “The door is closed / but the window’s open.” The song is about having enough courage to leave an unhealthy situation but still caring enough for the other person to be there if they call. With lyrics like, “I’ll meet you in the middle / I’ll always be your friend,” and “I’ll keep your secrets / and I’ll watch them / follow you home,” there is a touch of hope in his voice that makes this song one of the most memorable tracks on Wishbone Deluxe. The overlapping lyrics in the bridge also make for a new sound not yet seen on this particular album. Saving “The Best” for last, the song wraps up the album with a message of letting go. Gray’s lyrics are about reflecting on the good and bad times in a relationship and coming to terms with the breakup. The lyrics of the chorus express the desire to see that person one more time, with the hope that it would bring closure and dismantle the feelings of resentment built up since things ended, and finally being able to find the strength to wish someone well even if things didn’t go as planned. “The Best” debuted with over 1.6 million Spotify streams, making it Gray’s biggest debut to date. The Wishbone World Tour began its leg in Europe and Australia on May 5, where Gray played “Moths” live for the first time in Dublin, Ireland. One thing is for sure, Wishbone Deluxe marks a brilliant new chapter in the already expansive story of Conan Gray’s discography - yet another beautiful tragedy for heartbroken fans to get attached to as they deal with their own cacophony of breakups and betrayals. Rating: A+ Conan, get out of our heads!