Conan Gray, Vodka Cranberry | Song Review 🎵

Pop singer-songwriter Conan Gray delivers a heart-wrenching home run with “Vodka Cranberry,” the second single from his fourth album, Wishbone.

“You say we’re fine, but your brown eyes / Are green this time, so you’ve been crying.” Uh-oh… those pesky matters of the heart are in play, and it’s giving sad vibes! From the beginning, the gorgeous “Vodka Cranberry” is emotional and heart-wrenching. It marks the second single from his fourth studio album, Wishbone. Follows the queer romantic narrative of the fabulous promo single, “This Song”, “Vodka” sadly sees this relationship fall apart. “It’s in the way you say my name / So quick, so straight, it sounds the same.” The straightness of Gray’s partner, portrayed by Corey Fogelmanis in the music video, plays a sizable role.  Gray co-wrote “Vodka Cranberry” with Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/producer Dan Nigro, who also produced it. Once again, one of pop’s more underrated artists delivers a musical home run. 

“Vodka Cranberry” is four minutes of musical excellence.  Sound-wise, there is a mix of alternative and folk-pop cues.  The rhythmic acoustic guitar, as well as the strings, are key instruments shaping the backdrop. The handsome, talented Conan Gray is the focal point – the cherry on top. As always, he delivers gorgeous, nuanced vocals.  You can sense the emotion he expresses as we see an all too common narrative where love should be love, but it’s complicated by internal homophobia and heteronormativity.  I love the playfulness of the melody Gray sings during the pre-chorus as he shares their compromised love status (“‘Cause I know what you’re too scared to say, oh-oh-oh”). He sounds particularly exceptional during the chorus as he gives an unfortunate ultimatum:

“Speak up, I know you hate me

Looked at your picture and cried like a baby

Speak up, don’t leave me waiting

Got way too drunk off a vodka cranberry

Called you up in the middle of the night

Wailing like an imbecile

If you won’t end things, then I will.”

Upping the ante on “Vodka” is the bridge, which contrasts the verses and chorus while still emphasizing taking action to end things. That sustained high note at the end of the bridge is insane! “Vodka Cranberry” is sublime.  Elite vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and stellar musical accompaniment and production. I love Conan Gray, and this song (and music video) only confirms it more!