Sabrina Carpenter- Short n’ Sweet

By: Sarah Mehret

Short n’ Sweet is Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album, released on August 23rd, 2024. This album is deeply personal and it dives into several of Carpenter’s more brief romantic relationships, many of which had a strong emotional impact on her. The album title also references her small stature; as Carpenter is well known for being on the shorter at 5’0”.  The album showcases a variety of highly enjoyable songs and details her experiences and growth throughout her relationships. 

Short n’ Sweet’s opening song Taste is a very catchy and danceable song addressed to the on-and-off girlfriend of Carpenter’s ex-boyfriend. Throughout the song Carpenter describes the positive impact she has had on her ex, and proclaims that there will always be hints of her influence on him. Taste is an upbeat and playful start to the album, and quickly got stuck in my head upon listening to it. I would consider the to be pop-rock, and it’s a fun spin on Carpenter’s usual style.

Espresso, the seventh track on the album, was released prior to Short n’ Sweet on April 11th, 2024. The song quickly gained traction and became the hit song that truly propelled Carpenter to stardom. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Top 100, and was her first single to hit the top ten. The song is very dance-pop with a disco influence, and it’s another track that you just can’t get out of your head. Throughout the song Carpenter compares herself to coffee, saying her partner can’t sleep when he’s with her. Espresso is another song that showcases Carpenter’s witty humor, and she doesn’t hold back from sharing her authentic self with the listeners. Despite hearing it countless times I can’t help but love this song. 

The tone of Short n’ Sweet takes a turn with track nine, Slim Pickins. This track sounds a lot more country compared to the other tracks on the album, but nonetheless Carpenter’s vocals are still absolutely stunning. The song dives into the struggles of trying to find the right guy, but not having any luck. Carpenter contemplates just being single forever, however she ultimately decides to just settle for someone she doesn’t truly love. This song feels very honest and despite not usually liking country, I absolutely love this song. This song is also one of many speculated to have lyrics referencing her brief relationship with Shawn Mendes, and I love that she doesn’t shy away from brutal honesty with her music. 

Vulnerable, fun, and playful, this album feels like it really showcases Carpenter’s personality and humor. She’s able to take shots at her past partners while still poking fun at herself, and I absolutely love that. Carpenter also experiments with genres that are outside her typical vein of pop, and it truly shows how versatile she’s capable of being. Overall, I think this album has allowed Sabrina Carpenter to branch out from her status as a former Disney-star into a pop-star, and I’m so excited to see where she goes with her music in the future.

Rating: 8/10

Favorite Tracks: Taste, Good Graces, Juno