Sabrina Carpenter, the internet’s favorite real-life Polly Pocket, flirts, humors and might even jerk a tear from her listeners all while keeping a fun twist on her new album, “Short n’ Sweet.” If the album name isn’t familiar to you, hit songs “Please, Please, Please” and “Espresso” probably are. In contrast to her earlier release “Emails I Can’t Send,” which was more introspective, “Short n’ Sweet” provides a hint of humor.
Carpenter is known for her lyricism, which captures attention with a provocative edge. Her effortless approach to positive sex expression is both digestible and silly. For instance, in “Bed Chem,” she cheekily sings, “Come right on me, I mean camaraderie.” If that isn’t enough, “Juno” references the 2007 comedy directed by Jason Reitman with the line, “I might let you make me Juno,” playing on the idea of the film’s pregnant protagonist.
The album’s surprises extend beyond its clever lyrics. The song “Slim Pickins” is more experimental than the others on the album. This song takes on a country-inspired twang with hints of Dolly Parton that Carpenter’s discography has not seen until now.
Instead of focusing on the album’s description and style, we can dive into its emotional and thematic side. “Short n’ Sweet” gives us a sound experience that explores different moments related to love. This cycle goes through confidence, humor, embarrassment, confusion, and ultimately, carelessness. Listening to these songs in this order is a fitting example: “Espresso,” “Coincidence,” “Dumb & Poetic,” “Sharpest Tool” and a personal favorite, “Good Graces.”
Everyone loves a little pettiness, which is why “Taste” is the third most popular song on the album, according to Spotify stream statistics. Lyrics “You’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissing you” and “Every time you close your eyes / And feel his lips, you’re feelin’ mine” causing the listener to stop and think about what they just heard.
While Carpenter can write cunning jabs, she also lets the listeners in on a vulnerable side of herself through tracks like “Dumb & Poetic,” “Sharpest Tool,” “Lie to Girls” and “Don’t Smile,” Lyrics “How you guilt-tripped me to open up to you / Then you logged out, leavin’ me dumbfounded” from “Sharpest Tool” and “Girls will lose their goddamn minds for you / They’ll cry and girls will lie and / Do it ’til the day they die for you” from “Lie to Girls” where Carpenter is among these girls are all examples of her vulnerability.
While these songs show emotional depth, “Don’t Smile” stands out. The track features backing vocals singing “I want you to miss me,” capturing a mix of longing and acceptance. The lyric, “Don’t smile because it happened, baby / Cry because it’s over,” conveys a sense of closure and self-awareness.
With a sharp sense of humor and genuine sensitivity, Sabrina Carpenter shows her ability to captivate her audience. The album skillfully threads its way through the complexity of love relationships, striking a balance between serious insights and lighthearted cuts. Carpenter creates a captivating and entertaining listening experience with “Short n’ Sweet” by combining humor with emotional depth.
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