After releasing his first EP, “Sunset Season,” in 2018, and a number of singles in between, Conan Gray returns with his first debut album, “Kid Krow.”

The album includes five previously released singles including, “The Story” and “Wish You Were Sober.” These two were the final singles before Kid Krow’s production. 

As of March 20, “Wish You Were Sober” is No. 21 on Apple Music’s A-List Pop playlist and No. 4 on Spotify’s Pop Rising playlist.

“Kid Krow” introduces a mixture of melancholy lyrics and energetic sounds bound together. While unconventional, it’s a perfect mix for this album.

My top three favorites from the album are “Wish You Were Sober,” “The Cut That Always Bleeds,” and “Affluenza.”

“Wish You Were Sober” is about Gray’s experience with someone who would never admit they liked him unless they were blackout drunk at a party. 

The song takes the audience through Conan Gray’s eyes at a party. Describing the chaos, the neediness of wanting to leave, and the experience of having a friend that never stays sober.

Whether it be his melodic vocals and rhythmic beats or the lyrics in general, this song hits all the marks for one that reflects back on times with an ex. 

“The Cut That Always Bleeds” describes Gray’s feelings while in a toxic relationship. It illustrates what it was like for Gray to live through a relationship that used him constantly. 

“I can’t be your lover on a leash, every other week when you please. I can’t be the kiss that you don’t need, the lie between your teeth, the cut that always bleeds.” These lyrics from the chorus show a small amount of Gray’s emotion and passion written throughout this song. 

In the bridge, when Gray sings, “But even though you’re killing me, I need you like the air I breathe, I need you more than me, I need you more than anything please,” it overwhelms the listener with profound emotion.

He expresses that even though he dealt with a toxic relationship, he found himself constantly drawn to the person while it continued to hurt him.

The sounds overall are a light contrast compared to the lyrics and the true meaning of the song. “Wish You Were Sober’s” angelic background vocals, constant change in pitch, accompanying drums and guitars, and Conan Gray’s vocal runs, present the song as a melodic lullaby. 

“Affluenza” is Gray’s eighth track on “Kid Krow.” 

Growing up poor was normal for Gray, moving constantly, and always wondering if his family would have a meal the next day. 

After moving to L.A., he encountered many people who grew up with lots of money. Gray ended up writing this song from the perspective of those kids while using the blanket term “affluenza.” I like this song more for its sound than its lyrics.

The beginning of the song when Gray repeats words that rhyme every so often and ends in a high pitch is satisfying, like it is pulling the chords up in a knot. It then drags into the chorus that sounds just as aesthetically pleasing.

Throughout the verses, the listener hears a light metronome and a constant rhythm that plays every other beat which acts as a perfect background for the song. Gray’s pitch changes unravel the listener’s preconceived notion of what good sound is.

“Kid Krow” is an experience in itself. It’s almost like you take a tour throughout Conan Gray’s own love life. 

This debut album shows Conan Gray’s vulnerability and his unique method of writing songs and producing them, which leaves the audience already anticipating his next album.