GOSHEN, Ind. — When most people think about a recipe for happiness, it’s a pretty abstract thing. But according to St. Paul and the Broken Bones new hit, it’s a bit more literal than that. The title of “Sushi and Coca-Cola” says it all as to what lead vocalist Paul Janeway is looking for in a moment of joy.
The concept of dinner and a drink isn’t a new one, Janeway is drawing on a specific happy memory with his family, cozied up together enjoying the titular dinner. Janeway himself described the feeling of his inspiration as “a moment that feels like a warm bath.”
This idea is evoked in lines like “Getting warm, getting old,” as the singer longs for a simple evening that could last forever with what he loves. Though, this sentimental feeling doesn’t stop the song from building a funk beat that makes you want to get up on the table and dance as soon as you are finished with your meal.
Despite the specifics of having “sushi and coca-cola” coming from Janeway’s life, the principles of the song could be applied to any comfort food. This isn’t a moment of happiness that comes from planning and going out and being perfect, but rather from the easy comfort that you can find in your own home after a hard day with the people you love.
This single marks the release of the band’s sixth studio album, a self-titled piece that recognizes that the band has finally found their sound and come into their own — and nowhere is that more clear than in this new hit. So, this week, if I have a rough day, you’ll probably see me with dinner and drink in hand, enjoying my friends’ company and dancing along to the idea of some “Sushi and Coca-Cola.”
– Kate Bodiker, Globe Pal
Each week, a Globe-pal (AKA a DJ at 91.1 the Globe) uploads a review of a Globe track that is sent out and posted on globeradio.org/music. The Globe Track of the Week is proudly presented by 91.1 the Globe, the best college radio station in Indiana.
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