The "Song of the Year" category is often the most anticipated and competitive award at major music ceremonies. This year, the spotlight shines on two standout tracks: Teddy Swims' heartfelt ballad Lose Control and Sabrina Carpenter's introspective pop hit Espresso. Both songs have captivated audiences for different reasons, making it a tough call to determine who truly deserves the prestigious title. Let’s break it down.
1. Teddy Swims – "Lose Control"
Teddy Swims has quickly emerged as one of the most soulful voices in contemporary music. Lose Control is a testament to his raw emotional depth, combining his powerful vocals with lyrics that explore vulnerability, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
Why "Lose Control" Stands Out:Emotional Resonance: The song strikes a universal chord, touching listeners with its deeply personal narrative.
Vocals: Swims' soulful delivery is unmatched, showcasing his vocal range and ability to convey raw emotion.
Teddy Swims has quickly emerged as one of the most soulful voices in contemporary music. Lose Control is a testament to his raw emotional depth, combining his powerful vocals with lyrics that explore vulnerability, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
Why "Lose Control" Stands Out:Emotional Resonance: The song strikes a universal chord, touching listeners with its deeply personal narrative.
Vocals: Swims' soulful delivery is unmatched, showcasing his vocal range and ability to convey raw emotion.
Critical Acclaim: The track has received praise from critics for its authenticity and stripped-down production, allowing Swims’ voice to take center stage.
Lose Control has the qualities of a timeless ballad, making it a strong contender for "Song of the Year."
2. Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"
Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso is a bold departure from her earlier work, presenting a more mature and introspective side of her artistry. The track is a reflection on personal growth and finding strength in the face of adversity, wrapped in a sleek, pop-forward production.
Why "Espresso" Stands Out:Lyrical Depth: Carpenter uses coffee as a metaphor for clarity, ambition, and resilience, crafting a narrative that resonates with fans who admire her evolution as an artist.
Production: The song blends dynamic beats with lush instrumentation, creating a polished, radio-friendly hit.
Cultural Impact: Espresso has gained massive traction on social media, particularly on TikTok, where fans have used it to express their own journeys of self-empowerment.
Sabrina’s ability to fuse personal storytelling with mainstream appeal makes Espresso a worthy contender.
Head-to-Head Comparison
CriteriaTeddy Swims – "Lose Control"Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"Vocal Performance Powerful and soulful Smooth and dynamic
Lyrical Impact Heartfelt and deeply emotional Empowering and relatable
Production Quality Minimalist, focusing on vocals Polished and contemporary
Cultural Influence Appeals to fans of classic ballads Viral success and wide pop appeal
Who Deserves It More?
The answer depends on what the voters prioritize. If emotional vulnerability and vocal mastery take precedence, Teddy Swims’ Lose Control has the edge. However, if commercial success, relatability, and cultural relevance are key factors, Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso could come out on top.
Both songs are exceptional in their own right, representing two very different facets of the music industry. While Lose Control appeals to the heart, Espresso speaks to ambition and empowerment, making the decision a matter of personal preference.
Whether it’s Teddy Swims’ soul-stirring ballad or Sabrina Carpenter’s empowering pop anthem, both artists have delivered tracks that define excellence in songwriting. The ultimate winner will depend on how voters weigh emotional depth against cultural impact.

