Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, solidifies her position as one of the standout pop stars of 2024. The album is a dynamic blend of infectious tunes and introspective moments, reflecting both her evolution and versatility as a musician
The persona presented in the album’s two lead singles, Espresso and Please Please Please, offers a glimpse into Carpenter’s multifaceted character: she’s pretty but tough, funny, sassy, and unflinchingly candid.
Short n’ Sweet carries forward the vibrant, upbeat NSFW energy that has become synonymous with Carpenter’s music. The album features a mix of upbeat tracks and more contemplative ballads, each crafted with a keen sense of melody and rhythm. Carpenter’s voice shines with both confidence and vulnerability, delivering lyrics that range from playful and fun to deeply personal.
Her new work dives deep into various forms of love—from the true and the foolish to lust and heartbreak. But it’s not just the catchy hooks and melodies that stand out; the album’s lyrics are filled with f-bombs, sexual innuendos, and incisive put-downs delivered with a surprising sweetness.
Noteworthy lyrics include lines like “Try to come off like you’re soft and well-spoken/ Jack off to lyrics by Leonard Cohen” from Dumb and Poetic, and “I won’t give a f*ck about you/Oh, mm/I won’t give a f*ck about you/Mm from Good Graces. These bold and cheeky statements are delivered with a playful confidence that underscores the album’s fearless exploration of desire and identity.
Musically, Short n’ Sweet traverses a variety of genres, seamlessly blending pop, R&B, alt-rock, and country into a cohesive experience. The album’s brisk 12 tracks and 36 minutes are a testament to Carpenter’s versatility ability to deliver tracks that elicit emotions.
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The album opens with the catchy Taste and transitions smoothly into Please Please Please, showcasing her ability to blend disparate styles into a unified sound. A mini acoustic set in the middle, featuring Dumb and Poetic and Slim Pickins, offers a moment of reflective simplicity.
The album continues to shine with collaborations from familiar faces: co-writer Amy Allen, producers Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, and the ever-present Jack Antonoff, who contributes to four tracks. While his influence is evident in some Swiftian elements, particularly in Sharpest Tool and Bed Chem, Carpenter’s distinctive voice remains the album’s focal point.
Short n’ Sweet concludes on a bittersweet note with Lie to Girls and the Janet Jackson-esque ballad Don’t Smile. These final tracks reveal a more tender side of Carpenter, as she reflects on love and loss with heartfelt vulnerability.
The juxtaposition of fiery and sensitivity throughout the album not only underscores Carpenter’s growth as an artist but also establishes her as a multidimensional superstar. In Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter delivers a confident statement that solidifies her place as a dynamic force in contemporary music.
Following the release of Short n Sweet, Carpenter is set to embark on her Short n’ Sweet Tour in the fall of 2024. This tour will allow fans to experience her new music live and is expected to further enhance her reputation as a dynamic live performer.
BOTTOM LINE: Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n Sweet is a vibrant and engaging album that showcases her evolution as an artist. With its blend of catchy pop anthems and introspective tracks, the album confirms Carpenter’s place at the forefront of contemporary pop music. It’s a REEL LISTEN.
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