Dear listeners
A few weeks ago, in my Friday Playlist feature, I recommended pop artist Sabrina Carpenter's hilarious new single and made a bold prediction: “Get ready to hear this song everywhere.” That prophecy came true sooner than I had imagined. Last week, “Espresso” debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Carpenter's highest charting hit to date. More importantly, it has taken over the national psyche. Everywhere you go these days, you'll hear someone quoting the song's infectious hook, “That's my espresso,” or shouting, “What is 'my espresso'?” I can hardly do it without wondering.
That's a deep philosophical question. Maybe another time. Today, we're simply celebrating the absurd pleasures of espresso with a playlist of songs about caffeinated beverages.
Coffee has been a consistently evocative theme throughout the history of pop music, and this mix stretches back from 1940 to the present day. This reliable drink is perfect for romance of the sophisticated kind (as used in Otis Redding's swooning ballad “Cigarettes and Coffee”) or perhaps for the idle waiting for that romance to happen. Often used to describe time (see Peggy Lee's sensual take on the 1948 standard “Black Coffee”). On her 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Chapel Lawn attempts to use romance as a shield. Arguing the same way as her ex-lover. “Let's meet for coffee if you have some wine.'' / You'll say you want me, but you know it's a lie. ”
In “Espresso,” Carpenter uses the metaphor of caffeine to suggest how restless a man can be with it wrapped around his finger. Baby, I know. ” Also, importantly, she understands that “espresso” rhymes with “I think so.” That's what poetry is.
It's time for the percolator
lindsay
Please listen while reading.
1. Sabrina Carpenter: “Espresso”
Espresso, a breezy summer bop with a touch of quirky humour, begins to blare from a beachside boombox. Carpenter's wonderfully unpretentious vocals and the track's disco-inspired sheen keep the whole thing calming.
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
2. Narrow down to: “Black coffee in bed”
The memorable image of “My notebook is smeared where your coffee cup used to be'' is the smoldering image of this smoldering 6 trying to move on from the relationship, with tangible memories lingering here and there. This is the beginning of a minute classic. (Yes, the backing vocals are by Elvis Costello.) Chris Difford, songwriter and guitarist for the British band Squeeze, said in a 2019 interview that an actual coffee ring was the inspiration for the opening line. revealed. “That notepad is still in my office.''
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
3. Peggy Lee: “Black Coffee”
The great Peggy Lee opens her 1956 debut album with an elegant recitation of the song, written by Sonny Burke and Paul Francis Weber and first made famous by Sarah Vaughan. A beer with this title helps her wake up while waiting for her absent lover. “I walk the floor and look at the door/And in the meantime I/drink my black coffee.”
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
4. SZA: “Percolator”
This short, frenetic song, which appears on the deluxe edition of SZA's 2017 debut album Ctrl, chronicles the singer's insecurities and doubts before declaring she wanted to be a percolator. Pretend she's talking about types of coffee.
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
5. Ink Spot: “Java Jive”
This 1940 single by the pioneering vocal group the Ink Spots is a fun, profane ode to a hot cup of Joe. Singer Deke Watson sings, “Give me a slug out of my fine mug,” and then says, “I'll cut the rug until it fits perfectly in the jug.” And you thought “That’s my espresso” was ridiculous!
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
6. Otis Redding: “Tobacco and Coffee”
In this warm, crackling ballad from Otis Redding's The Soul Album, bonding and good conversation transcend the mundanity of “just talking over cigarettes and coffee.” Make the moment shine. “I don't need any cream or sugar,” he sings, “because I already have you, darling.”
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
7. Chapel Lawn: “Coffee”
This playlist begins with one rising pop-girlie and ends with another, suddenly ubiquitous, Chapel Lawn. Set to a sparse but theatrical piano arrangement, Roane's character meeting her ex-lover “just for coffee” is more sensible than meeting for dinner or drinks. “There's no other safe place, all places come back to your place.” But eventually, I'm not even sure a quick caffeinated date is harmless enough. Ta. “Because even if she drinks coffee, it's never just coffee.” Don't even ask her about espresso.
▶ Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
“A Brief Tour of Pop Music’s Caffeine Addiction” Track List
Track 1: Sabrina Carpenter “Espresso”
Track 2: Squeeze “Black Coffee in Bed”
Track 3: Peggy Lee “Black Coffee”
Track 4: SZA “Percolator”
Track 5: The Ink Spots “Java Jive”
Track 6: Otis Redding “Cigarettes and Coffee”
Track 7: Chapel Lawn “Coffee”