13 Delightful Songs Coffee Drinkers Can Get Behind | Playlist

1. Powfu, “death bed (coffee for your head)”

Ft. beabadoobee

Poems of the past (EP) • Columbia / Robots and Humans • 2020

Canadian rapper and singer Powfu (Isaiah Faber) raps about his “death bed (coffee for your head)”, getting a mighty assist from indie-pop singer/songwriter, beabadoobee. Beabadoobee plays a big role on “death bed,” thanks to a sample of her song, “Coffee”, fueling the fire.  Even so, Otterpop does a nice job producing this chill yet potent and thoughtful record.

Powfu rides the beat easily, seemingly never breaking a sweat.  He reflects on love, life, and God.  “I been praying for forgiveness, you’ve been praying for my health,” he raps on the first verse, continuing, “When I leave this earth, hopin’ you’ll find someone else…”  The second verse is shorter but offers much of the same. He’s so happy she’s with him, he recollects the memories, but also, on a sad note, tells her, “Soon you’ll be alone, sorry that you have to lose me.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, with beabadoobee doing work.  Of course, Powfu joins her in certain instances.  The mix is quite pleasant.

“Don’t stay awake for too long, don’t go to bed
I’ll make a cup of coffee for your head
It’ll get you up and going out of bed.”

All in all, Powfu delivers a sweet gem with “death bed.” He’s poetic, reflective, and incredibly thoughtful.  The authenticity and sincerity may be the biggest selling point of this record. “Death bed” appeared as the 22^nd best song on my list of 51 Best Songs of 2020 (So Far).

2. Tiësto & Vintage Culture, “Coffee (Give Me Something)”

“Coffee (Give Me Something)” • Musical Freedom Label Ltd. • 2020

“I don’t wanna stop or sleep till the morning / Keep me up, keep me up like coffee, yeah.” YEAH! Actually, prior to the excerpt from the verse, “Coffee (Give Me Something)” commences enigmatically, which is certainly an awesome attention getting strategy. It’s set in a minor key, which gives the record a dark tilt, in the most inviting way possible. It’s produced by both its proud parents, Dutch DJ/producer Tiësto, and Brazilian DJ/producer, Vintage Culture.

With Tiësto and Vintage Culture behind the boards, we’re treated to some righteous ear candy – HALLELUJAH.  This cup of joe is L-I-T! Musically, we get an awesome, rhythmic beat that drives the record, as well as potent, varied synths, and the gift that keeps giving, layering.  Besides the backdrop, the other aspect of “Coffee (Give Me Something)” that makes it pretty sweet are the smooth, warm and expressive male vocals. This definitely vits the dance/electronic script. Also, given the fact that this is a dance record, can’t leave out that other gift that we get – REPETITION!

3. YNG Martyr & Lil Toe, “Coffee & a Glock”

“Coffee & a Glock” • YNG x Lil Toe • 2020

“Are you kidding? No, I’m not / Moving through your city with my coffee and a Glock.” Hmm, I never envisioned coffee and guns going together that’s exactly what YNG Martyr asserts on the chorus of “Coffee & a Glock.” As long as the chorus ends up being, it’s sort of hard to believe that it is indeed a chorus. Anyways, personally, I prefer my cup of joe without guns but to each his or her own.  YNG collaborates with Lil Toe on this short but potent banger.

This 2:16 cut is set in a minor key, more often the case with hard-nosed, unapologetic rap joints.  Other than the aforementioned reference to coffee, the energetic rhymes served up by both rappers have little to do with coffee.  “I can drop a milli, gon’ poop it out of stock,” YNG Martyr asserts, continuing, “But I’d rather be a dick, throw it up and make ‘em watch.” Fair enough… I guess… As for Lil Toe, he handles the sole verse which commences with a most serious question: “Girl, tell me is you fucking, or you not / If she ain’t sucking dick then get the fuck up out the spot.” Yeah, little to do with coffee… Oh well! “Coffee & a Glock” may be rough around the edges, but there are bright spots.  I like the minimalist production, which is the perfect catalyst for both rappers.  Also, I like the contrasts in vocal tone between both rappers; they end up complementing each other well.

4. Tori Kelly, “Coffee”

Inspired by True Events • Capitol • 2019

“I envy the cup of coffee that kisses you every morning.” Sigh, that’s just a great lyric if I do say so myself.  Naturally it appears on the song “Coffee,” which serves as the opener for the 2019 album Inspired by True Events. Inspired by True Events marked Tori Kelly’s return to pop following her Grammy-winning, 2018 gospel album, Hiding Place.

“Coffee” commences with beautiful, lush, non-syllabic vocals, which set the ‘vibe’ for sure.  Once things settle in, the listener is treated to lovely, nuanced lead vocals by Tori Kelly, who’s accompanied by simple guitar initially. Her tone is gorgeous; she never ‘does too much’ but sings just enough. The production fills out more as the first verse progresses, while the second verse features fuller instrumentation and slightly freer vocal ad-libs.  Overall, the pacing is sound. The bridge provides some contrast, though it’s not totally far-fetched from the verses. Still, it provides enough of a difference to eliminate any sameness.  All in all, this java-fueled joint is a classy way to begin an album by all means.

5. Kelly Rowland, “Coffee”

“Coffee” • KTR • 2020

Grammy-winning R&B artist Kelly Rowland provides some naughtiness with her 2020 single,  “Coffee”. “Coffee” checks off many of the expected boxes for a Kelly Rowland song without moving the needle or swinging the pendulum. Brief, she gets her point across – SEX.  She sings well, showcasing her sexy, seductive tone, even if the performance isn’t game changing. Still, that calm, cool, and collected sexy R&B vibe is intact, amplified by an idiomatic backdrop produced by Kosine, heavy on keyboards and synths.  Maybe the best part is those layered vocals.

But we’re all here for sex, so, let’s talk about sex – rather – let’s talk about the lyrics, which are sexually-charged. “Coffee and sex in the mornin’” is the first line that Kelly serves up, so, the cards are revealed from the start.  Later, moments like “They say morning wood do a body good, babe / Clearly you agreed, don’t be tryna leave” confirm her steamy, sexual intentions.  Kelly Rowland definitely brews up something hot and hella steamy.

6. Quinn XCII, “Coffee”

Ft. Marc E. Bassy

A Letter to My Younger Self • Columbia • 2020

Quinn XCII enlists Marc E. Bassy on “Coffee,” an enjoyable, three-minute song that appears on his 2020 studio album, A Letter to My Younger Self.  Quinn and Marc both take a soulful, light vocal approach that embodies pop soul vibes.  The vocal production itself is strong, with both artists sounding quite refined.  Furthermore, neither overindulge in their respective cups of coffee. What do I mean, exactly? Well, neither Quinn nor Bassy over sing. There are some nice ad-libs mind you, particularly by Bassy, but control is NOT lost – none of those annoying grounds!

Other positive notes regarding this cup of joe? The dusty, soulful beat is definitely a vibe fitting for both artists.  Overall, the production is well-rounded. Hazey Eyes and Imad Royal provide nice balance behind the boards; never underwhelming nor overwhelming.  Lyrically, as to be expected, the catchy, memorable chorus is clearly the centerpiece:

“I just made two cups of coffee
But you’re not here to drink it now
Forgot you left before the morning
Guess I’ll never know who you were thinkin’ ‘bout
Who you were thinkin’ ‘bout.”

Clearly, the relationship went nowhere. It was definitely a one-night stand at best…

7. Miguel, “Coffee”

WILDHEART • RCA • 2015

Miguel sexes very well…lyrically speaking.  The man has a voice with the ability to woo women and make men jealous of his game.  “Coffee” marks one of the sexiest moments from WILDHEART, with little to do with Folgers, Maxwell House, or Starbucks. Over the course of “Coffee,” he covers both the emotional and physical relationship.  While he balances not making “Coffee” merely carnal, it ends up being carnal – shocking!

The innuendo is poetic, particularly when he sings, “Wordplay, turns into gunplay / And gunplay turns into pillow talk / and pillow talk turns into sweet dreams / Sweet dreams turns into coffee in the morning.” The reference to “coffee in the morning” suggests a night of play and perhaps, morning sex as well.  The best line: “Old souls we found a new religion / Now I’m swimming in that sin, that’s baptism.” Indeed Miguel, indeed.

8. beabadoobee, “Coffee”

“Coffee” • Dirty Hit • 2017

To recap, British-Filipino artist Beabadoobee (Beatrice Laus) saw her profile elevated significantly in 2020 thanks to the charming hit single “death bed (coffee for your head)” by Powfu. “death bed” samples her original song, “Coffee,” liberally. Without those memorable lyrics – “Don’t stay awake for too long / Don’t go to bed / I’ll make a cup of coffee for your head…” – there’d be no “death bed.” “Coffee” actually arrived back in 2017.

beabadoobee keeps it short and sweet on “Coffee” – two minutes and change.  It’s sufficient in all honesty. The record is simple but quite beautiful. Likewise, the accompaniment is minimal, led by guitar. We get more simplicity thanks to the harmonic scheme, which is a perfect fit for this song. In addition to those guitar chords, there are some background vocals in the mix, again, nothing incredibly flashy.

Throughout, we get smooth vocals by beabadoobee. Honestly, I love how she sings so chilly with so much ease.  So, what’s the biggest contrast served up? Well, the tempo speeds up towards the end of the song before slowing back right before the end.  After all, you don’t want to drink coffee too fast, right? Right!

9. Jack Stauber’s Micropop, “Coffee”

Shop: A Pop Opera • Jack Stauber • 2020

I tend to take my time when consuming my cup of coffee.  That said, Jack Stauber’s Micropop seems to ‘rush’ the experience, or not fully maximize it.  How so? Well, “Coffee” runs a mere minute in duration.  That’s definitely not long enough to consume a hot cup of joe!

“Coffee” appears as the sixth track on Shop: A Pop Opera, a six-and-a-half-minute ‘album’ all said. Keeping this analysis short, this joint has ‘tongue in cheek’ written all over it. We get playful lyrics and without context of listening to the entirety oof the six-and-a-half-minute album, you’ll certainly ask yourself, WTF.

10. Travis Scott, “COFEE BEAN”

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

“COFFEE BEAN” isn’t the first song that comes to mind when I think of rapper Travis Scott.  That said, the record ends up being a cool, incredibly awesome way to close out ASTROWORLD, his Grammy-nominated third studio album.  Yes, “STARGAZING”, “SICKO MODE”, and “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” are surefire, untouchable gems – JUGGERNAUTS – but “COFFEE BEAN” puts a cap on it – NO CAP!!! Like ASTROWORLD overall, Scott is ‘on,’ aka he’s in his zone, going H.A.M., etc. No, when it comes to rapping, we describe Scott as the most prodigious rapper, but the vibe and sounds he helps construct and curate go a long way.

Beyond Travis, producer Nineteen85 (dvsn) is on as well. He crafts cool, easygoing production. The best part of the soundscape? Those sweet strings that enter the mix after the two-minute-mark.  This is exactly the record you want to be playing while sipping on your morning, afternoon, or even cup of joe, sigh. That said, we don’t know the extent of how ‘liberal’ our rapper is being with ‘bean.’ The song deals with his relationship (then with Kylie Jenner), fame, and references being “Back off a coffee bean” which could also reference drug use (a bean itself does) …

11. Joel Adams, “Coffee”

Joel Adams (EP) • JVG Music LLC • 2020

If you haven’t had the pleasure to hear Joel Adams, he is one ‘steamy cup of coffee’ you’ll definitely want to indulge in. Okay that didn’t sound right, but you get the point! Adams, from ‘Down Under’ is incredibly gifted, period. He definitely has the full package when it comes to checking off what you desire from a pop artist.  Not only can he sing incredibly well, he also looks the part which is probably more important than it should be. Enough background, let’s jump right into “Coffee,” which appears on Adam’s self-titled, 2020 EP.

“Coffee” commences with Adams sipping coffee – I can endorse that!  Matters of the heart dominate, which is always a relatable, inspired topic.  “Coffee” is certainly sexy joint by an incredibly confident artist.

“I hold on to the love we used to share together
Tied in with the good times we both had
Now we're slowly fading I know, more now than ever
She could never take me back the way I am.”

Of course, you peep the lyrics, and clearly, things are ending as opposed to heating up… Regardless of being forced to drink “Coffee in the morning just to wake up” regarding the state of the relationship, it’s hard to deny the BDE vibes he gives off given his emotional, expressive, and nuanced vocals – just saying! It doesn’t take long for Adams to prove he’s a truly skilled. While he shows his full capabilities, he does with incredible balance, showcasing low, middle, and an incredibly ripe falsetto. Furthermore, his authenticity is a huge factor boding well in his favor.  Beyond Adams’ looks, vocals, and authenticity, I must give a shout out to the dope production fueling coffee, successfully blending pop, electronic, and contemporary soul.

12. Ledisi, “Coffee”

Pieces of Me • Verve • 2011

Ledisi is a terrific musician, period.  Unfortunately, the jazzy soul/adult contemporary R&B vocalist just doesn’t get the recognition she deserves.  Despite suffering the plight of the underrated, this 12-time Grammy-nominee has continued to do her thing.  One of my favorite things, rather favorite songs, she’s released hails from her 2011 album, Pieces of Me.  Yes, the title track is awesome, but there’s nothing tastier than “tall, strong, and dark” “Coffee.”

“Coffee” is highly inspired by the late, great Grover Washington Jr. By ‘highly inspired,’ I mean the record samples the smooth jazz saxist’s gem, “Black Frost.” This is a perfect catalyst for Ledisi, who gives an inspired, utterly sublime performance.  I think the backdrop truly allows Ledisi’s jazzy/bluesy side to shine even more than usual.  Of course, it could be the fact that she’s talking about handsome men, which’ll fuel the fire as well!

“Gotta serve it to me, hot
Just like I like my coffee
It’s keepin’ me from sleepin’ on my job
Just like I like my coffee
Serve it to me tall, strong and dark
Just like I like my coffee
That’s the way I like my man, that’s how ya gotta love me
That’s the way I like my coffee.”

Girl, I ain’t mad at ya!

13. Otis Redding, “Cigarettes and Coffee”

The Soul Album • Rhino • 1966

Ah, we close out this coffee-loving list with a soul classic, courtesy of Otis Redding.  Redding is best known for gems like “Sittin’ On (The Dock of the Bay)”, “These Arms of Mine”, and “Try a Little Tenderness”.  Also, of course, he wrote “Respect”, though we all know that Aretha Franklin owns the definitive version.  That said, “Cigarettes and Coffee,” a marvelous cut from The Soul Album (1966), doesn’t get the same hype.  It should though!

On “Cigarettes and Coffee,” Redding proved he was one of a kind – a once in a generation artist. Despite the fact that he didn’t live long, his impact on soul music is undeniable, period. “Cigarettes and Coffee” finds Redding at his most expressive; his voice is amazing with vocal cracks, grit, nuance…. He has that ‘IT factor’ that you just can’t teach.  “Cigarettes” oozes with soul, only amplified by an epic horn arrangement/overall production.  You listen to records like this, and it makes you yearn for that authentic soul sound that’s so rare in the 20s.  Also, worth noting, Etta James made a pretty sick recording of “Cigarettes and Coffee” in her final years.