For the last two months, my mind has been unexpectedly reminding me that Sabrina Carpenter works late because she is, in fact, a singer. The release of her newest single, “Espresso,” quickly found its way to the Billboard Hot 100, and has stayed there since its release in early April. Its music video has garnered over 14 million views on YouTube.
The massive debut of her latest single comes as a surprise for many, as her supposed feud in 2021 with Olivia Rodrigo left netizens, myself included, thinking that Carpenter’s music career would forever lay in the shadow of Rodrigo’s SOUR. However, the release of GUTS, Rodrigo’s sophomore album, left many underwhelmed, and Carpenter saw this shortcoming as an opportunity to take a slice of the stardom pie for herself.
Written by Carpenter herself (along with renowned songwriters Amy Allen, Steph Jones, and Julian Bunetta), “Espresso” champions women’s sexual and physical confidence on top of a slow pop-disco beat. Most likely inspired by popular romance with actor Barry Keoghan, Carpenter’s confidence in her charm comes off as assertive and poised rather than cocky and conceited. “Say you can’t sleep, baby, I know/That’s that me, espresso” is just one of the many lyrics that displays Carpenter’s conviction in her femininity and sexual appeal, stirring the same type of confidence in her listeners.
Admittedly, the title of the song confused me on first listen: the thought of espresso (or other hot beverages) might come with with images of autumn, trees, cinnamon, and family; sexual desirability and beauty aren’t things I would compare to an espresso. The cozy atmosphere that the word “espresso” creates, however, isn’t brought by the music’s backtrack or lyrics, but rather through Carpenter’s sultry voice.
Her hushed tone of voice supplements the comfort and familiarity the word “espresso” is supposed to evoke. Instead of monotonously singing the chorus, Carpenter adds her own flair with her delicate voice and vocal inflection, rushing some words and dragging out others. This repetitive pattern leaves the listeners with no choice but to grasp onto the verses. Don’t blame yourself if you’ve been singing “My honey bee, come and get this pollen” while brushing your teeth.
The warm visuals in the music video complement Carpenter’s sassy lyrics and upbeat tempo. Mixing retro aesthetics with modern allure, the atmosphere embraces traditional feminine grace while also promoting confidence in charisma and sensuality.
The constant radio plays and social media buzz around Carpenter’s “Espresso” must have the singer laid on the beach, thinking to herself “When they act this way/I know I got ‘em.”
