Conan Gray, The Story | Track Review 🎵

Rising pop star Conan Gray shines on “The Story,” the thoughtful promo single from his highly anticipated debut album, Kid Krow.

“And the movie’s always runnin’ in my head / All the people, all the lovers, all my friends / And I hope that they all get their happy end / In the end.”  Cutting straight to the chase, “The Story” is an absolutely stunning record – an awesome promo single from Kid Krow by all means.  Backtracking a bit, Kid Krow is the highly anticipated debut album from rising pop star and YouTuber Conan Gray.

What makes “The Story” so stunning? Well, it all starts with ‘the man of the hour,’ Conan Gray, whose voice is simply angelic. Gray sings with incredible control and expression.  His approach is one that the listener literally hangs on to every note (and lyric) he utters.  He is the crowning achievement of “The Story” obviously, however, the pros are abundant to the nth degree.

Besides the spectacular performance by Gray, “The Story” is accomplished when it comes to production and songwriting.  Daniel Nigro handles the production, which begins very restrained and minimalist, placing the emphasis on Gray’s illustrious vocals.  With such adept pacing, the production percolates at the perfect moment, with Conan’s pipes following suit. As respectable as the production is, the songwriting is even more magical.  Written solely by Gray, his ‘story’ encompasses unfortunate suicide (“They were just sixteen when people were mean / So they didn’t love themselves, and now they’re gone / Headstones on a lawn”) and unrealized romance (“I knew a boy and a boy / Best friends with each other, but always wished they were more”).  The ‘sequel’ encompasses two friends trying to make a better life for themselves beyond their evil parents.

Final Thoughts

Just to reiterate (if I didn’t already ‘fan boy’ enough), “The Story” is an absolutely stunning record.  Conan Gray sounds fantastic, and his songwriting prowess is awe-inspiring.  Furthermore, Daniel Nigro stitches up a fantastic canvas for Gray to sing upon.  All boxes are checked off on this totally must-hear, narrative gem.

Conan Gray • Kid Krow • Republic • Release: 3.20.20

Photo Credits: Republic