12 songs, 40 minutes and 22 seconds, called Superache. A Youtuber turned music artist, Conan Gray released his second full album on June 24, 2022. Whether belting in the car or staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., the entire album hits the spot. Even though it was released almost three months ago, it’s an album I keep coming back to. This album doesn’t just have a single theme with a single beat. There’s a wide variety that allows for this album to be played on any occasion.

There are more upbeat songs, like “Disaster,” which picks up the pace compared to the other songs. This song refers to the feeling of confusion when you start talking to someone. The faster pace indicates a more frantic and puzzling undertone, almost as if Gray is just rambling on about all the possible outcomes. The piece “Jigsaw” is also faster than the others. This song is about the importance of not changing yourself for others. If the puzzle piece doesn’t fit, then it doesn’t fit. There is nothing you can do. 

These songs are contrasted by the slower, more romantic ones. The first song of the album title “Movies” describes how Gray idealizes movie romances, despite knowing that they aren’t real. The slow beat adds a dramatic and melancholy tone supporting the lyrics. Another song, “Yours” talks about the feeling of knowing that the other person doesn’t reciprocate your emotions. This is another slow piece that feels very anguished and heartbroken.

One of my favorite songs from the album, which was originally released as a single, is called “Astronomy.” This song is about the death of a relationship, using celestial references as an extended metaphor to represent the main theme. The line “Stop trying to keep us alive, you’re pointing at stars in the sky that already died” depicts how there is ultimately no hope in saving the relationship because both sides are already “dead.”

The entire album isn’t all about relationships either. Other themes that are touched on are family trauma, best friends, and the romanticization of life. You don’t need to have gone through heartbreak to fully enjoy the album. In fact, you don’t even need to feel sad. Though if you are feeling those emotions, you might resonate more with the album, but they are not necessary.

Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and more, you need to listen to Superache by Conan Gray now.