Sugar – Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates

Released in 2015, “Sugar” by German DJ and producer Robin Schulz, featuring Canadian singer Francesco Yates, became an instant summer anthem, blending deep house with pop sensibilities. This catchy track, which samples the 2003 song “Suga Suga” by Baby Bash and Frankie J, quickly gained traction worldwide, dominating charts and becoming a club favorite. With its laid-back vibe, infectious melody, and nostalgic yet modern twist, “Sugar” remains one of Schulz’s most memorable tracks, and it helped elevate both him and Yates to international prominence.

The Song’s Composition and Musical Style
“Sugar” is built around the instantly recognizable guitar riff from “Suga Suga” by Baby Bash, which adds a layer of familiarity and nostalgia to the song. Robin Schulz is known for his knack for blending deep house beats with melodic elements, and “Sugar” exemplifies this talent. The track opens with a mellow guitar intro that quickly transitions into an upbeat, danceable rhythm, marked by punchy bass lines and a smooth electronic soundscape.

What makes “Sugar” particularly effective is how it balances between laid-back and energetic. The tempo is moderate, but the driving beat, combined with the infectious melody, creates a song that’s both relaxing and uplifting—perfect for both a beachside afternoon and a night out at the club.

Francesco Yates’s vocals add another layer of sweetness to the song. His smooth, high-pitched voice perfectly complements the track’s easygoing vibe, delivering the catchy chorus with a playful yet soulful touch. Yates’s performance stands out as a highlight, bringing youthful energy and emotion to the song. His vocal delivery, with its slight rasp and dynamic range, adds a fresh and modern touch to a track rooted in nostalgia.

Sampling “Suga Suga”
One of the song’s most intriguing aspects is its use of a sample from Baby Bash’s 2003 hit “Suga Suga.” By incorporating elements of the original song, Schulz taps into the early 2000s pop and R&B nostalgia that resonates with many listeners. The iconic guitar riff and melody from “Suga Suga” are instantly recognizable to fans of that era, but Schulz reimagines it within the framework of modern deep house and electronic music.

Rather than relying entirely on the original track, “Sugar” stands on its own as a re-interpretation. Schulz strips back the more traditional R&B elements of the original and replaces them with his signature deep house production. The end result is a song that feels fresh and contemporary while still paying homage to its roots.

This clever use of sampling is one of the reasons why “Sugar” feels both familiar and new. It appeals to fans of early 2000s pop and R&B while also fitting into the broader trend of electronic and house music that was dominating the charts at the time.

Francesco Yates: A Rising Star
Before collaborating with Robin Schulz, Francesco Yates was an up-and-coming artist who had been making waves with his debut singles and unique vocal style. “Sugar” gave him a platform to reach a global audience, showcasing his talent to millions of listeners. Yates’s high-pitched, soulful vocals are a perfect fit for the track, bringing both energy and emotion to the song’s laid-back groove.

Yates’s performance in “Sugar” helped to solidify his reputation as a talented vocalist and rising star in the music industry. His youthful, energetic delivery helped “Sugar” stand out from other deep house tracks of the time, and it added a layer of warmth and emotion to Schulz’s sleek, polished production.

The Music Video: A Quirky and Fun Visual Experience
The official music video for “Sugar,” directed by Zak Stoltz, adds a quirky and humorous visual dimension to the song. It follows a slightly offbeat narrative where a police officer, played by actor Nathan Barnatt, embarks on a wild and reckless joyride in his patrol car. The video contrasts the officer’s exaggerated, comical behavior with the smooth, laid-back vibe of the song, creating an entertaining and unexpected visual storyline.

Throughout the video, the officer pulls off ridiculous stunts, dances in his car, and interacts with other characters in humorous ways. The playful energy of the video complements the upbeat, carefree nature of the track, making it a fun watch that adds to the song’s overall appeal.

The music video was a hit, garnering millions of views on YouTube and helping to cement the song’s popularity. Its lighthearted tone and entertaining narrative made it a favorite among fans, further contributing to the song’s success on streaming platforms and radio stations worldwide.

Commercial Success and Impact
“Sugar” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and reaching the top 10 in several others, such as Australia, Finland, and Sweden. In the United States, the song found moderate success on the Billboard Hot 100, but it became a major hit on the Dance/Electronic Songs chart, where it peaked at number three.

The song’s infectious melody and universal appeal made it a staple on radio stations and streaming platforms throughout 2015 and beyond. It was certified multi-platinum in several countries, further solidifying Robin Schulz’s reputation as one of the leading figures in the global electronic music scene.

For Schulz, “Sugar” was a defining moment in his career, following the success of previous hits like “Waves” and “Prayer in C.” The song helped him establish his signature sound—one that blends deep house with pop sensibilities—and proved that he could consistently deliver chart-topping hits.

For Francesco Yates, “Sugar” was a breakout moment that introduced him to a global audience. His distinctive vocals became one of the song’s standout features, and it opened doors for him to pursue further collaborations and grow his fanbase.

Legacy and Influence
“Sugar” remains one of Robin Schulz’s most beloved tracks and a quintessential example of the deep house sound that defined much of the mid-2010s. Its blend of nostalgia and modern electronic production continues to make it a favorite among fans of both pop and electronic music.

The song’s success also highlights the power of collaboration in the music industry. By combining Schulz’s production expertise with Yates’s vocal talent, “Sugar” became more than just a simple rework of a popular song—it became a fresh, exciting track that stood on its own merits.

In the years since its release, “Sugar” has continued to be a staple of summer playlists and club sets, thanks to its timeless appeal and catchy, feel-good vibe. It’s a testament to the song’s lasting impact that it still resonates with listeners nearly a decade after its release.

Overall, “Sugar” is a prime example of how a song can successfully blend genres, eras, and influences to create something new and exciting. Its infectious energy, combined with Schulz’s polished production and Yates’s soulful vocals, makes it a track that continues to stand the test of time.

Ooh, ooh, ooh
Oh, baby
Ooh, ooh, hey
verse
She got cherry lips
Angel eyes
She knows exactly how to tantalize
She’s out to get you, danger by design
Cold-blooded vixen, she don’t compromise
pre-chorus
She’s somethin’ mystical in colored lights
So far from typical, but take my advice
Before you play with fire, do think twice
And if you get burned, don’t be surprised
chorus
Got me lifted, driftin’ higher than the ceilin’
Ooh, baby it’s the ultimate feeling
You got me lifted feeling so gifted
Sugar, how you get so fly?
chorus
Sugar, how you get so fly?
Ooh, sugar, how you get so fly?
Ooh, sugar, sugar, how you get so fly?
Ooh, sugar, how you get so fly?
verse
Ooh, sweet-talkin’ lady
Love how you entice
Sugar with just the right amount of spice
Charmin’, allurin’, everyone’s desire
She’s out to get you
You can’t run, you can’t hide
pre-chorus
She’s somethin’ mystical in colored lights
I say, so far from typical, but take my advice
Before you play with fire, do things twice
And if you get burned, don’t be surprised
chorus
Got me lifted, driftin’ higher than the ceilin’
Ooh, baby it’s the ultimate feeling
You got me lifted feeling so gifted
Sugar, how you get so fly?
bridge
So fly
Ooh, hey
Oh, babe
Yeah, hey
chorus
Sugar, how you get so fly?
Ooh, sugar how you get so fly?
Said, sugar, sugar how you get so fly?
But you won’t get me tonight
chorus
Got me lifted, driftin’ higher than the ceilin’
Ooh, baby it’s the ultimate feeling (Ultimate feeling)
You got me lifted feeling so gifted
Sugar, how you get so fly?
outro
Sugar, how you get so fly? (Oh, so fly, oh, so fly)
Sugar, how you get so fly? (Oh, so fly, oh, so fly)
Sugar, sugar, how you get so fly? (Oh, so fly, oh, so fly)
Sugar, how you get so fly? (Hey)