On March 21, pop artist Conan Gray announced on his Instagram that his highly anticipated track “The Best” would be officially released on March 27 as the first single for “Wishbone Deluxe.”
Gray introduced “The Best” to fans on the opening night of his “Wishbone World Tour,” shocking them with its debut during the surprise song section of the concert. Ever since, listeners have wondered when the song would be added to streaming services.
The wait is finally over, and “The Best” did not disappoint in its fully realized form.
It begins with soft and slow guitar production as Gray reflects on the good moments in his former relationship. Although “it was a bad time,” he still has a sense of fondness for their enduring joyful memories.
In the pre-chorus, he questions the genuineness of their relationship, wondering “did this past year mean anything?”
The chorus features high energy production, as Gray continues to grapple with the loose threads of his relationship. He is self-aware, explaining that he “was so pissed” when his partner left. He feels that a reunion could repair any negative feelings, and as the title suggests, he would be able to wish his past partner “the best.”
The second verse develops the themes of the first one; Gray acknowledges that, although “nothing is like it once was,” he still wonders about the end of their relationship and longs for closure.
Gray provides his own sense of closure in a way. The song displays his growth and reflection on the situation.
In the bridge, his vocals are loud and powerful, as he again questions the authenticity of his failed relationship, and hopes for reconciliation.
The song does not conclude on this note, though; instead, Gray returns to the chorus, emphasizing his ability to “finally wish you the best.”
The themes of “The Best” are sorely missing in the standard edition of “Wishbone,” especially in the trilogy of connected songs: “This Song,” “Vodka Cranberry” and “Caramel.” These tracks tackle lost, unrequited love in a way that avoids closure and instead focuses on an incomplete sense of yearning.
Although in “The Best,” Gray still questions his ex’s mindset and is not fully over the relationship, he is ultimately able to set those feelings aside and have a mature perspective centered on making peace with the situation.
“The Best” provides a complex angle on breakups; the combination of Gray’s passionate vocals and the emotional guitar production results in a strong addition to his already stacked musical catalog.
“Wishbone Deluxe” will be released in its entirety on April 24.
