On August 15, singer-songwriter Conan Gray released his fourth studio album titled Wishbone. In the short time since it has been released, Wishbone has proven to be the most successful of Gray’s works, shooting to the top of the charts. It has become his first Number 1 hit on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart.

Since Gray put out his first single “Idle Town” in 2017, he has become known for his lyrically focused pop ballads and emotionally charged albums. Like its predecessors (Kid Krow, Superache, and Found Heaven), Gray’s new album knows how to play with listeners’ feelings. A pure breakup album, Wishbone delves even deeper into the heartache and pain that Gray has been writing about since his first release.

Although Gray attempted to fool fans with Wishbone’s first single, “This Song,” into thinking the album would be lighthearted and joyous, the rest of the tracks prove that notion wrong. Heartbreak anthems like “Vodka Cranberry” and “Caramel” pair powerful storytelling about a summer love with an upbeat pop background. Although Found Heaven, Gray’s last album, deviated from his typical sound and leaned more into eighties-style production, this new album goes right back to his roots, but with even more complexity.

Wishbone has quickly become one of his most successful albums, rising to the top of the charts in a little over a week since it debuted. Gray is even set to be a performing artist at the 2025 VMA’s, alongside artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga.

Conan Gray’s ability to make heartbreak so fun to sing along to, as well as his incredible vocal range and singing skills, make his newest album a stand-out release of the summer. Wishbone marks his growth as an artist and songwriter, showcasing his talent as a musician, as well as honoring where it all started for Gray: under “Texas skies.”