Some content has explicit topics and profanity.
On August 23, 2024, Sabrina Ann Lynn Carpenter dropped her highly anticipated sixth album, “Short n’ Sweet”. Far from its playful title, this album shows a dynamic and vibrant mix of sounds that truly captures her evolving career. This year has probably been her best year yet, from opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to performing at Coachella. The former Disney Channel star who starred in “Girl Meets World” has surprised everyone with the new 12 songs that she has just released in this album. In simple terms, “Short n’ Sweet” is yet another album about the theme of break-ups. It may follow familiar narratives with a few fresh twists and insights, it mainly comes back to previous themes like heartbreak and self-reflection. Including the recurring themes, the album still offers a handful of noticeable tracks that still make fans fall in love with Carpenter.
The 25-year-old’s top hits this summer have already made many people fall in love with this flirty and fun mix. Especially with her top singles, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”, giving a slight “Taste” of her newest album, which also peaked at No. 1 and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its playful R&B-inspired beat and lyrics that are joyfully silly, this track is very vibey. Carpenter’s voice dances over the rhythm, rising and falling in a way that’s super catchy, even if the lyrics are clear and naive. Many have blasted these songs through their stereo on more than one occasion over the past several months. Now that’s what I would call the songs of the summer.
The album features 12 tracks spanning a range of genres, such as pop, R&B, country, and rock. It explores themes of love, self-empowerment, relationships, happiness, and heartbreak. Most of The Village School’s high school students go through these emotions which makes this playlist so catchy for everyone.
The album kicks off with “Taste”, where Carpenter sings with playful humor. For example “Oh, I leave quite an impression/ Five feet to be exact.” The song showcases her confidence and self-awareness, using her height as a charming touch. The lyrics address her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship, suggesting that despite their reunion, her influence and impact will linger. I think this playful confidence really makes the song stand out.
The second track, “Please, Please, Please,” is Carpenter’s second single from the album. In this song, she begs her partner to avoid causing her embarrassment in their relationship, seemingly addressing her current boyfriend, Barry Keoghan, who also appears in the music video. I really find this particularly compelling because it combines vulnerability with a sense of intimacy, showing a different side of Carpenter.
Next, “Good Graces” showcases Carpenter’s confident approach to relationships. She asserts that if a man disrespects her, she will promptly “switch up” and walk away. I find this song to empower young women by emphasizing the importance of self-respect and the need to be treated with care.
The chorus of “Sharpest Tool” flows smoothly, blending upbeat rhythm with raw honesty: “We were goin’ right, then you took a left / Left me with a lot of sh*t to second-guess.” Carpenter reflects on how their relationship seemed promising until it ended abruptly, making her question if she was naive to take it seriously. I like this upbeat music and honest lyrics which makes it a great way to express confusion and disappointment in a relationship.
Carpenter’s “Coincidence” takes a possible jab at Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s second breakup. In the song, she sings, “What a surprise, your phone just died / Your car drove itself from L.A. to her thighs.” Carpenter mocks her rumored ex’s (Mendes) excuses, such as his phone dying when he’s unreachable, and it notes the irony of him vacationing with his ex (Cabello) despite claiming he was over them. This highlights his dishonesty and inconsistent stories. I love how this track’s clever wordplay calls out the annoying excuses, not only does it make the song catchy but also a fun take on relationship drama.
“Bad Chem” is an alluring track that delves into physical attraction within a relationship and Carpenter’s desired approach to it. The song’s suggestiveness distinguishes it from her previous work, showcasing her confidence in tackling intimate themes. This bold approach helps her craft a fresh image and persona. I find it refreshing to see Carpenter explore these themes with such confidence—it adds a new layer to her music and allows her to present a more nuanced and daring side of herself.
“Espresso” captures the essence of modern pop with its catchy chorus and lively beats. Carpenter metaphorically compares herself to espresso—small yet full of energy—reflecting her confident nature. The song’s infectious enthusiasm and self-assurance explain why it has become such a major hit. One of my favorite tracks in this album, it really stands out for its vibrant energy and clever metaphor—it perfectly showcases Carpenter’s unique style and confidence.
One of the album’s melancholic tracks “Dumb & Poetic”, deals with heartbreak and the immature behavior of a past partner, marked by poor communication and constant escape. The song authentically captures the emotions experienced in a toxic relationship, enhancing her connection with listeners who have faced similar challenges. I appreciate how this track delves deeply into the raw feelings of a tough relationship—it’s a poignant reminder of the personal growth that can come from such experiences.
The change to the Southern accent from Carpenter’s usual pop style “Slim Pickins” is a sudden surprise. The lyrics critique the scarcity of genuine partners today. Despite the risk, the track’s success has won fans over, showcasing her versatility and professionalism. I think this bold move really highlights Carpenter’s ability to experiment with different styles and connect with listeners on a deeper level—it’s impressive to see her embrace such a unique sound and make it work so well.
The lively track “Juno” hints at the 2007 film of the same name, where the protagonist faces an unexpected pregnancy. In her song, Carpenter hints that she would consider starting a family if she finds the right partner. This uplifting theme conveys an aspirational message about future possibilities. I find it refreshing how the song combines a vibrant tune with such a hopeful message—it adds a thoughtful layer to her music and highlights her openness to envisioning a positive future.
“Lie to Girls” is a compelling song that explores the self-deception often involved in love. Carpenter addresses how people might ignore red flags in their partners because of their feelings for them. I feel like this message is essential for many young women, as we often get caught up in the idea of love and end up settling for less than we deserve. It’s so important to learn to recognize when someone is telling us what we want to hear rather than demonstrating their true feelings through their actions. Definitely what high school students go through when in a relationship.
“Don’t Smile” captures the intense emotions after a breakup, with Carpenter wishing her ex would feel sorrow rather than happiness. Instead of reflecting positively on the relationship, she hopes her ex will cry over its end due to the pain caused. While it might seem toxic, this track stands out for its honest portrayal of these vindictive feelings. I think the raw emotion in this song makes it really compelling—it’s refreshing to see Carpenter confront these difficult feelings with such candidness.
Overall, all 12 tracks were very “Short n’ Sweet”, so you get a little taste of everything from multiple genres of music, which I really enjoyed. We could compare Carpenter’s previous tracks and see that she really explored most genres. In her 2022 album, Emails I Can’t Send, 23-year-old Carpenter embraced a more mature style, mixing fun, emotional, and flirty songs. The hit “Nonsense” playfully talks about being attracted to someone, while also being about writing a catchy pop song. Another song, “Because I Liked a Boy,” touched on a rumored celebrity love triangle, with fans speculating she was part of the drama behind Olivia Rodrigo’s Drivers License. With these songs, Carpenter found her voice, blending personal stories with confidence.
Overall, I would give this album an 8/10. This is definitely worth a listen especially to vibe with and sing along to. The Village School’s students should get ready to go to her “Short n’ Sweet” Tour in Houston at Toyota Center on October 27th, 2024. It’s a show to see!
