Coneheads ‘find heaven’ through celestial sounds of Gray’s latest release
Golden stars have been appearing everywhere since May 2023 when “Never Ending Song” made its debut. The song has an electric, 80s vibe and showcases Conan Gray’s lower range, which vocals fans haven’t heard much of in his previous releases. The upbeat vibe left fans ecstatic for what may yet be to come. After roughly six months of endless hints and yellow galore, Found Heaven was finally announced.
“Alley Rose,” the fifth single from the upcoming studio album, released on March 8, 2024, is a tune embedded with thorns to represent heartache in contrast to dance-worthy Found Heaven bops such as “Lonely Dancers” and “Never Ending Song.” While contagiously catchy, “Alley Rose” falls short of uplifting, representing desperation and longing.
Gray debuted the song at a concert in Brighton, England on March 3, five days before its official release. Gray shared that the song was written in the UK while he was on tour, so it was only appropriate to perform it live in the song’s birthplace. In a Q&A session before the show, he also shared that it’s the most recent addition to Found Heaven, and is the song he holds nearest to his heart.
The title “Alley Rose” refers to something tainted and uncertain (an alley), alongside something beautiful and worthy of admiration (a rose). Right off the bat, listeners follow Gray to the corner store, where he picks up this mysterious lover with red eyes and torn lips. The entire song captures the double edged reality of love -- the innocent beauty alongside bitter heartbreak. Gray’s artistry and craft is present from beginning to end, as he introduces snippets of a story followed by repetition of the catchy chorus.
Listeners also encounter fear of abandonment woven within the lines as “Don’t leave me hangin’ alone again” is repeated throughout the song. This is a very real and common emotion to experience in a relationship, as it is deemed necessary to prioritize a romantic partner above all else. Sometimes, the balance is distorted and one partner pours more love, effort, and commitment than what is reciprocated. Not only does this result in messy endings, but also yearning, heart-break, and the helpless question “why wasn’t I enough?” The situation is excruciating, and “Alley Rose” eases the agony by providing people with a song to sympathize with.
One of the most compelling components of Gray’s song writing is his ability to portray story through song. His 2020 hit, “Heather,” alongside “The Story” are two examples of popular Gray songs that provide emotional depth as fans engage with characters in every verse. Some listen to Gray’s songs to relate to the situations they describe, while others feel alongside the personalities in Gray’s beautiful narrative.
Lyrics like “You wrapped your fingers around my neck/And pulled me into your desperate breath” pulls the audience into the tune, making them feel like they are watching or experiencing the situation for themselves. Throughout the song, “Alley Rose” seems to refer to a person, which adds emotional appeal as once can associate their “Alley Rose” with anyone who’s made them feel overwhelming hurt and confusion. This additional empathy attracts wider audiences, as anyone is capable of riding the emotional coaster Gray has constructed.
While the entirety of the song is angelic, the bridge is especially astounding. It is most certainly worthy of being screamed in the car, listened to on repeat, and cried to on a melancholy afternoon. Lyrics like, “But I swore hands were made for fighting / I swore eyes were made to cry / But you're the first person that I've seen / Who's proven that might be a lie” are desperate, yet brilliantly gut wrenching. These words represent one’s inability to see how grim a situation is until they are fully out of it. As a whole, there is so much meaning to be dissected in every line.
“Cone Heads” continue to listen to “Alley Rose” and the four other Found Heaven tracks as they anticipate all Conan has coming. Thankfully, they won’t be left hangin’ for much longer, as the new album will be available in its entirety on April 5th, 2024. It is certainly a privilege to hear Gray’s heavenly voice blasting throughout one’s home, however, some fans long for a more personal experience. On July 11th, 2024, Gray will kick off his fifth headlining tour, to give his third album some live love while simultaneously offering fans an intimate night. The time has come to abandon rose filled alleys in efforts to find true heaven.
A
Despite the thorns prickling at heartstrings, “Alley Rose” is a lovely addition to the heavenly album Gray has in store.
by Jazmine Blustin
Published on April 1 2024
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