Hearing the pleas for a true pop star moment, Sabrina Carpenter stepped up to the task on her new album, "Short n’ Sweet". Beginning the rollout with “Espresso”, which arguably became the song of the summer, Carpenter came out swinging. Following off the hype of “Espresso” was “Please Please Please”, a mid-tempo track (produced by Jack Antonoff) that diverts from a grandiose pop sound for a softer blend of country and pop. The two hit singles have built up to the full body of work, containing twelve tracks that continue to blend genres together. Putting her personality on full display, Carpenter explores the ups and downs of a relationship that has left their impact on her with tracks that are sure to cement themselves into the culture. Starting the album with the line “Oh I leave quite an impression, five feet to be exact”, Carpenter gives listeners a tease of her sly lyricism she displays on the whole album. “Taste”, the opening track, is a guitar driven anthem that is an instant earworm. With the infectious chorus (“Heard your back together, and if that’s true, you’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissing you”) and an instantly iconic music video starring Jenna Ortega, the track has already become a hit amongst fans.
Throughout the album, Carpenter takes influence from country music on tracks like “Coincidence”, “Slim Pickins”, and “Please Please Please”. The fourth track on the album, “Sharpest Tool”, stands as a career highlight for Carpenter. With enthralling production and cutting lyrics (“We never talk about how you found God at your ex's house…We never talk about how you guilt tripped me to open up to you”), the track highlights Carpenter when she’s at her very best. On “Bed Chem” and “Juno”, Sabrina taps into her forward and sly lyricism that people love to hear from her. The album closer, “Don’t Smile”, rounds out the album with the perfect night drive track. As she sings “Don’t smile ‘cause it happened, baby cry because it’s over”, Carpenter expresses the bittersweet feelings that come with a relationship ending. Closing the album with this track feels like the perfect note, making the album a true top to bottom experience.
While Sabrina’s past five albums have been solid projects that have resonated with her fan base, "Short n’ Sweet" has launched Carpenters’ career to a new level. With three instant hits, well-crafted music videos and visuals, and a sold out arena tour on the way, it feels as if Carpenter is in full control of her career and image. All the conversation and buzz has truly made Sabrina the flavor of the summer. With "Short n’ Sweet" standing strongly as a declaration of her artistry, it is certain that this is only the beginning of the Carpenter Craze.
- Logan Bandi
