Soda Pop

About

Soda Pop appears on Swings Both Ways as a high-energy duet with Canadian singer Michael Bublé. Written by Robbie Williams, Danny Spencer, Kelvin Andrews, Richard Scott and Scott Ralph, the song was first conceived in 2008 during writing sessions at a ranch in Trout Lake, Washington, before being reworked for the 2013 album. Produced by Guy Chambers, it captures the spirit of 1950s rockabilly and early swing with humour and style.

Williams described Soda Pop as “a 1950s rockabilly kind of swingy thing, and it’s bonkers.” The lyrics are full of playful rhymes and surreal wordplay, including the line “Soda pop, Yoda what?” which came from Williams’s fascination with UFOs and science fiction at the time. Bublé recorded his vocals at Capitol Records in Los Angeles using Nat King Cole’s vintage microphone. He later joked that he had no idea what the song meant, but Williams encouraged him to “just sing it anyway.” The result was a lively, chaotic duet filled with energy and charm.

Musically, the track combines jump-blues piano, slap bass and bursts of brass with fast-paced vocal exchanges and doo-wop harmonies. It stands out on the album for its brisk tempo and sense of fun, with both singers delivering exuberant performances. Williams said, “Michael swung his socks off and impressed everybody. He keeps the flame alive for me, the glamour, the promise, the sass of the fifties.”

“It’s a 1950s rockabilly kind of swingy thing, and it’s bonkers. Michael came in and was like, ‘I haven’t a clue what you’re on about,’ and I was like, ‘Cool, let’s just sing it anyway.’”Robbie Williams

Soda Pop became a highlight of the Swings Both Ways tour, where it opened the second act amid confetti bursts and nautical-themed staging. Its infectious rhythm and witty lyrics made it one of the most entertaining songs from the album, celebrating Williams’s love of showmanship and his talent for blending vintage swing with playful modern humour.