At only 36 minutes, “Short n’ Sweet” lives up to its name, presenting twelve tracks that leave listeners wanting more. This album marks a new era from Carpenter’s previous work “emails i can’t send”, there’s a lighter sense this time around rather than more heavy songs she wrote in the past.
Following its success the lead single “Espresso,” a pop track with a very heavy summer vibe with a bit of disco and funk. Carpenter’s clear vocals give a positive beat and shimmering synths, as she sings about coffee puns and femininity. It became an instant hit for every summertime bash.
The midpoint of the album brings us “Lie To Girls,”. Carpenter’s sharp-witted lyrics cut through a deceptively upbeat production, telling listeners how relationships can be toxic and full of lies. It is in songs like these that Carpenter is no longer just a pop star, but a storyteller with something to say or to warn listeners if they are in the same boat.
“Short n’ Sweet” isn’t afraid to express itself with different sounds and genres. “Slim Pickins” leaning towards more country tunes, Carpenter expressing to listeners how there’s a lack of suitable men for her to date.
Meanwhile, “Juno” ventures into pop-rock grooviness, which proceeds to tell the listeners how infatuated and in-love she is with someone she wants to start a family with. Also paying homage to the hit 2007 movie Juno directed by Jason Reitman and Starring Elliot Page and Micheal Cera.
“Short n’ Sweet” closes with the title “Don’t Smile,” a sad ballad featuring piano keys. It’s a sad closing for this album, it showcases Carpenter’s vocals at their most vulnerable. As she sings about heartbreak and regrets. but also maintaining a good beat so it’s not drastic from the other songs on the album.
Production-wise, working with a mix of established producers like Jack Antonoff, she’s created a cohesive album that still manages to surprise listeners at every turn. The modern production enhances Carpenter’s vocals without overshadowing them.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. However, Carpenter’s clever wordplay and honest approach elevate these well-worn topics and bring it more to life. Carpenter also brings much more maturity to this album than previous albums suggesting an artist who’s grown both personally and professionally.
“Short n’ Sweet” represents a significant leap forward for Sabrina Carpenter. It’s an album that manages to be both commercially possible and artistically satisfying, placing it in Billboard’s number 1 for over three weeks since its debut.
Carpenter has created something truly special – a pop album that leaves you wanting more in all the right ways.
In the end, “Short n’ Sweet” lives up to its title. It’s a brief but thoroughly enjoyable journey through modern pop, guided by an artist at the top of her game. Sabrina Carpenter has delivered. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds.
