Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” became the song of summer 2024, a bubbly pop earworm that dominated TikTok, radio, and charts while launching Sabrina from Disney actress to mainstream pop star.
The Song
Released April 11, 2024, “Espresso” was a disco-pop confection produced by Julian Bunetta. The catchy hook (“That’s that me espresso”) and playful lyrics about being someone’s caffeine addiction made it instantly quotable. The song premiered at Coachella 2024, where Sabrina performed as a surprise guest during her boyfriend Barry Keoghan’s attendance.
TikTok Explosion
“Espresso” became TikTok’s sound of spring-summer 2024. The “that’s that me espresso” line spawned endless memes, dance trends, and lip-sync videos. Coffee shops used it for content. The song’s upbeat, carefree vibe resonated as people craved feel-good music. By June 2024, the hashtag had 500+ million TikTok views.
Chart Success
“Espresso” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at #7 and climbed to #3, becoming Sabrina’s highest-charting solo single. It spent months in the top 10 and was certified 2× Platinum. The song dominated international charts: #1 in the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Spotify streams exceeded 1 billion within months.
Sabrina’s Breakout
“Espresso” transformed Sabrina Carpenter from former Disney Channel actress (Girl Meets World) and niche pop artist into a household name. Her follow-up single “Please Please Please” (featuring real-life boyfriend Barry Keoghan in the video) cemented her as pop’s new it-girl. The Short n’ Sweet album (August 2024) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.
Cultural Moment
The hashtag represented summer 2024’s vibe: fun, flirty, unapologetically girly. Sabrina’s blonde bombshell aesthetic, vintage-inspired fashion, and cheeky personality made her relatable yet aspirational. The song became a staple at parties, beaches, and anywhere people wanted to feel cute and confident.
Legacy
“Espresso” proved TikTok virality could still translate to sustained chart success in 2024. The song’s longevity (months in the top 10) defied the streaming era’s usual quick churn. It established Sabrina Carpenter as a pop force and became one of the decade’s defining summer songs.
Sources: