Conan Gray Shows Off a Softer Side in "The Story"

image

Photo:  Dillon Matthews

Conan Gray is without a doubt Gen Z's pop star. From releasing his first single in 2018 to preparing to make his Coachella debut this year, the last two years have seen Gray grow by leaps and bounds. And that sonic and artistic evolution shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, or at least that is the feeling we get listening to his latest single.

WATCH: Conan Gray Does ASMR and Backflips | Truth or Dare

"The Story" arrives in stark contrast to Gray's previous single "Maniac," which was an unbridled moment of euphoric catharsis that became a veritable TikTok hit. On the other hand, "The Story" is Gray's most subdued song to date, opting for the power of soft-spoken storytelling. A nearly entirely acoustic affair, outside of a monumental swell that marks the song's climax, there is a striking element to the level of candor on display.

Shifting between first and third person, "The Story" unfolds like a somber jaunt. Weaving together intimate stories that belong to both Gray and his friends, the narrative begins to coalesce, weaving together a story of how our seemingly personal experiences live on in those we hold closest. Yes, "The Story" showcases a softer side to Gray, but more than anything, it is an illustration of just how varied this pop star in the making truly is.

Along with the new single comes news of Gray's highly-anticipated debut album. Kid Krow is set to release March 20, and, in addition to "The Story" will include previously released singles "Maniac," "Comfort Crowd," and "Checkmate." Gray spoke further on the forthcoming album, sharing,

"The record is a study of how I perceive the world. I talk a lot about my friends and people I've met touring over the past year. It's me. I'm not the coolest person, but the album is me accepting the fact I'm weird and I don't need to be anybody else. It's also a chance to encourage others to embrace who they are and be unapologetic about it."

Listen to "The Story" below:


Related Articles

JVKE Captures the Universal Feeling of Loss in "this is what losing someone feels like"

JVKE Captures the Universal Feeling of Loss in "this is what losing someone feels like"

March 20, 2023 "We've all lost someone somehow, and it's time we start processing that loss together."
Author: Alessandra Rincon
pop
Doechii Gifts Us With Every Possible Version of "What It Is"

Doechii Gifts Us With Every Possible Version of "What It Is"

March 17, 2023 It’s not often that an artist comes out the gate so willing to be experimental.
Author: Jazmin Kylene
pop
rap
Meet Devon Again, the Alt-Pop Renegade Charting Her Own Path Forward

Meet Devon Again, the Alt-Pop Renegade Charting Her Own Path Forward

March 15, 2023 Devon Again creates art that isn’t made for the clout of uniqueness but is overwhelmingly unique nonetheless.
Author: Abby Kenna
pop