Anticipation (song)


"Anticipation" is a song written and performed by Carly Simon, and the lead single from her 1971 album of the same name. The song peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard pop singles chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song also ranked No. 72 on Billboards Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1972, and garnered Simon a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Female Vocalist. Simon wrote the song on the guitar in 15 minutes, as she awaited Cat Stevens to pick her up for a date.
"Anticipation" is one of Simon's biggest hits. It has been included on several compilations of her work, including The Best of Carly Simon, Clouds in My Coffee, ', Anthology, and '. A live version from her 1988 album Greatest Hits Live was included on Sony BMG/Legacy's 2014 compilation release .
The song was used in commercials for Heinz Ketchup through the late 1970s into the 1980s. Saturday Night Live used the song in a similar fashion for its mock commercial for "Swill Mineral Water."

Critical reception

, writing for Rolling Stone, stated "Anticipation is a spirited examination of the tensions involved in a burgeoning romantic situation in which nobody has any idea of what's going on or what's going to happen." He continued "Carly's fine, aggressive vocal is complemented by Paul Glanz' lyrical piano comping, and drummer Andy Newmark's rhythms are to the point. The cut winds up with a surprising coda crescendo that pithily wraps up the premise of the message about anticipating things to come–Stay right here, 'cause these are the good old days".
AllMusic reviewer Joe Viglione said of the track, "In retrospect the song are among Carly's finest." And concluded "'Anticipation' was more than a great melody and performance, it became a pivotal bridge and foundation for fifteen years of hits."

Cover versions

The Filipino singer Nora Aunor recorded an easy listening version of "Anticipation" in 1972 covered the album Be Gentle on the Alpha Records label.
It was covered by Dinosaur Jr frontman J Mascis on his 1996 solo acoustic album, Martin + Me.
It was covered by Mandy Moore on her album Coverage in 2003.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts