It took us a while to get around to listening to Conan Gray’s “Vodka Cranberry,” and honestly, we weren’t expecting it to hit so hard. Conan has always been a bit hit or miss for us, sometimes delivering pop gems, other times fading into the background. But this time? He didn’t just hit. He shattered.
The song is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, weaving heartbreak and vulnerability into every lyric with a precision that feels both effortless and deeply intentional. Conan’s vocal performance alone is enough to stop listeners in their tracks. From the soaring, almost impossibly high note in the bridge to the subtle vocal breaks that sound like he’s barely holding it together, every moment feels raw, lived-in, and real.
Then there’s the music video, which is giving future classic in the queer heartbreak canon. It captures with startling clarity, that unique kind of loneliness that often follows a summer fling. It’s cinematic, devastating, and far too relatable for many. Honestly, we can’t remember the last time a music video made us cry.
The instrumentation is solid but not flashy, but exactly what it needs to be to support the vocal. What really stood out was the vocal production. The layers upon layers of harmonies, the intricate reverb work, especially on the final line… it’s meticulous. That last moment feels like the emotional center of the song collapsing in on itself, and it’s kind of breathtaking.
Now, Conan Gray is set to deepen this narrative with the upcoming release of the “Caramel” music video, arriving alongside his album “Wishbone” on August 15. Confirming what fans have speculated, the teaser explicitly positions “Caramel” as a sequel to “Vodka Cranberry,” extending the queer love story introduced in “This Song” and emotionally heightened in “Vodka Cranberry.” This follow-up looks to continue the journey of the characters Wilson and Brando, offering another chapter in their summer romance and its unfolding aftermath.
Rating: 8.5/10