When I first started listening to Conan Gray back in 2020, I fell in love with his soothing melodies and melancholy lyrics of “Sunset Season” and “Kid Krow.” I have consistently listened to Gray since, following his journey of experimenting with many music styles.

Gray’s release of “Found Heaven” on April 5 was his transition to feel-good pop music. 

Following the release of his last album, “Superache” — arguably his saddest album yet — “Found Heaven” gave me musical whiplash as it is the most upbeat album he has produced. With tracks like “Lonely Dancers” and “Bourgeoisieses,” he combines a classic sound with modern pop that would make anyone want to get up and dance.

While a majority of the album has a positive vibe, Gray goes back to his somber roots with tracks like “Alley Rose,” “Winner” and, my personal favorite, “Forever With Me.” As a diehard fan and sucker for Gray’s sad music, I fell in love with these tracks more since they hit closer to the heart than the rest of the album did

Similar to many of Gray’s most popular songs, “Forever With Me” discusses the feelings of being in a relationship: the good, the bad and the reminiscing that follows. The bittersweet song has a heartfelt message of always having love for someone, no matter the anger you feel toward them. I have always loved Gray’s ability to transform feelings into meaningful words, and how the messages behind his lyrics are carefully crafted. 

Gray has explored uplifting pop beats before with recent singles like “Overdrive” and “Telepath,” but it’s never felt right to me. I have always favored Gray’s signature sad songs; this album changed that. He finally found his voice and style in pop music, and it came together perfectly in this album. 

While still incorporating his iconic heartfelt lyricism, Gray managed to create an incredible feel-good masterpiece. Just in time for summer, “Found Heaven” is the perfect album to listen to while taking a late-night drive with your friends, sunroof down and screaming the beautiful lyrics.