Title Tracks is led by John Davis, a Washington, D.C., singer-songwriter known for his contributions to Georgie James and Q and Not U. Davis' music is awash in bouncy hooks and sing-along refrains, but a close listen to his lyrics reveals sharp pain and an obsession with conflicted relationships. He wrote the material for Title Tracks' ironically titled debut album, It Was Easy, in the final months before Georgie James broke up, when he was at odds with the duo's other member, Laura Burhenn. Not surprisingly, It Was Easy is full of bitter accusations and caustic rejoinders to various unnamed female antagonists.
Like many songs on the album, "Black Bubblegum" is upbeat, but deceptively so. Over an instantly hummable acoustic-guitar progression, Davis tells the story of a young character who, afraid of her own emotions, hides behind a cool façade. "Your head may be a belfry from the life that you've led," he sings, adding, "Just keep chewing your black, black bubblegum / You're still number one." In an image that evokes the story of Rapunzel, he asks her not to be scared, even though he's cut off all of her hair; "You're not going anywhere now," he concludes. Catchy as the song is, it packs a sentiment blacker than bubblegum could ever be.
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