Review: Sabrina Carpenter - ‘Short n' Sweet’
Girlhood defined in twelve tracks.
Sabrina Carpenter has solidified herself this year as the new princess of pop with her global hit songs "Espresso" and "Please Please Please." These smash hits are part of her highly anticipated album Short n’ Sweet, which was finally released on August 23rd.
This new body of work packs a powerful punch. Sabrina has proven she isn’t just lucky with her recent successes, as this new album displays a mastery of pop with twelve highly endearing tracks. Some songs make you laugh with her playful lyricism, while others almost make you cry with how relatable they are. Short n’ Sweet embodies what it’s like to be a girl, from the flirtation, the jealousy to the straight-up confusion.
Taste
The album opens with Sabrina’s newest single, "Taste." The song embodies the jealousy of seeing your ex-boyfriend in a new relationship. With an inviting pop beat and tongue-in-cheek lyrics such as: “I heard you're back together, and if that's true, you'll just have to taste me when he's kissin' you”, Sabrina makes it clear she isn’t afraid to delve into her messiest feelings. She makes it apparent that her presence will always be felt in the new relationship.
This track serves as a successful third single, as the chorus is an absolute earworm. The overarching theme of envy is also something people can relate to more than they’d like to admit.
Please Please Please
We’ve all heard this song already. However, in case you need a recap, this track signifies Sabrina’s plea to her new partner not to embarrass her by proving her fears about him true. She also tries to protect him from the world to avoid facing the public’s skepticism toward him. This is showcased through the memorable lyric: “Well, I have a fun idea, babe, maybe just stay inside. I know you're cravin' some fresh air, but the ceiling fan is so nice”.
Good Graces
This is a single-worthy track. The beat that plays throughout the song is incredibly punchy and energetic, matching the self-confident message Sabrina conveys. Unlike "Please Please Please," this song is about setting boundaries in a relationship and not settling for anything less. Sabrina makes it clear that she isn’t prepared to waste her time, so you better stay in her good graces if you want to keep her by your side. "Good Graces" is the perfect self-love anthem for when you’re fed up with receiving the bare minimum.
Sharpest Tool
"Sharpest Tool" punches you in the gut with emotion while sweet guitar strings play in the background. It’s one of those songs where you aren’t quite sure whether to smile or cry. Sabrina conveys the classic “situationship” in which a guy leaves you constantly second-guessing what the relationship means, while also failing to properly communicate. Being left in this gray zone is extremely confusing, and a feeling that most people know all too well. The pre-chorus explains this confusion with the lyric: “If that was casual, then I'm an idiot”.
Coincidence
"Coincidence" is a country-esque song filled with guitar strums and snarky lyrics that surprise you line-by-line. The track depicts Sabrina dating a man whose ex-girlfriend “coincidentally” always seems to be in the picture. Sabrina sings lyrics like: “Last week, you didn't have any doubts. This week, you're holding space for her tongue in your mouth”. Lines like this showcase how such an array of mixed messages starts to become laughable.
Bed Chem
This track opens with a flirtatious beat that lets you know it’s going to be catchy. Perhaps the most provocative song on the album, "Bed Chem" details Sabrina’s bedroom chemistry with her new lover. Lyrics such as: “Who's the cute boy with the white jacket and the thick accent?” have fueled rumors that the song is about her boyfriend, Barry Keoghan. Synth beats create an R&B-esque sound that ensures this track isn’t just a one-time listen.
Espresso
"Espresso" is easily the song of the summer, so if you haven’t already heard it, I’m not sure where you’ve been. This track is the definition of an earworm, as the summery beat draws you in while Sabrina tells you how thinking about her will keep you awake at night, just like a shot of espresso. This track is quite literally the musical version of a caffeine boost; it’s the pick-me-up you need when you’re feeling down.
Dumb & Poetic
"Dumb & Poetic" calls out men who uphold an aesthetic of being caring and empathetic just because they read books and use articulate language. In fact, such things are a disguise to cover up toxic and manipulative traits. The track is subdued and has a sadder undertone, highlighting the pain of being mistreated by somebody you thought you could trust. Sabrina takes a jab at her ex with a line that perfectly sums up the message of the song: “Don't think you understand; just 'cause you talk like one doesn't make you a man”.
Slim Pickins
Sabrina delves into the lack of good men to choose from in the track "Slim Pickins". This is another country-esque song where the guitar makes an appearance while Sabrina complains about having to settle for less. With comedic lyrics like: “Jesus, what's a girl to do? This boy doesn't even know the difference between ‘there,’ ‘their,’ and ‘they are’” the song highlights the frustration of trying to navigate the dating scene. This is a light-hearted track that most people can likely laugh and relate to.
Juno
This is another risqué track on the album. The song references the 2007 movie Juno, which focuses on a girl’s unexpected pregnancy. Sabrina sings over a highly pop beat about how she likes a guy so much that she would let him make her "Juno". This tongue-in-cheek track features numerous lines that capture Sabrina’s humorous yet clever writing style.
Lie To Girls
"Lie To Girls" is a candid track in which Sabrina sings about how girls will lie to themselves to justify dating a guy. Meanwhile, guys will lie about the extent of their wrongdoings to try to maintain a relationship built on deceit. This is displayed in the chorus, which says: “You don't have to lie to girls. If they like you, they'll just lie to themselves”. Her ability to delve into vulnerable topics is what makes these tracks so relatable to her listeners.
Don’t Smile
The final track, "Don’t Smile," delves into a topic too many people can relate to—missing their ex. This song is more sonically laid-back yet still manages to grasp your interest with its soft beat and Sabrina’s wordplay. Instead of the common saying, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”, Sabrina flips this on its head and instead sings: “Don’t smile because it happened, baby, cry because it’s over”. The feeling of hoping that your ex misses you too is captured perfectly through this lyric and the rest of the song.
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