After around a two-year-long music break, Sabrina Carpenter made a come-back with her sixth album titled “Short n’ Sweet,” which was released on Aug. 23, 2024. From the success of the pop hit “Espresso” ‘s release on Apr. 11, 2024, everyone knew the vibe of “Short n’ Sweet” would be nothing short of that.
If you do not know who Sabrina Carpenter is, she is mostly known for her song “Feather”, and her role on the show “Girl Meets World” as Maya, which aired on the Disney Channel in 2014.
Carpenter brings many different vibes to “Short n’ Sweet.” It has a playful pop-feel to the album that gives listeners a cheerful experience whilst being able to relate to the album heavily. This album can be relatable to anyone and I think that is what makes it so complex.
The first track, “Taste” is a huge pop hit that sets the tone for the rest of the album. This song talks about one of Carpenter’s past relationships and taunts that ex.
“Hе’s funny now, all his jokes hit different, guеss who he learned that from?” is a specifically relatable lyric from the album.
This lyric talks about how this ex-partner got a lot of his humor from Carpenter, restating that she will always be present in this new relationship. This is relatable because after leaving a still fresh relationship, it’s hard to detach so quickly so in a way they are still connected, and the ex-partner should feel that.
The following track, “Please Please Please” has a more synthy pop feel to it. This song dives into the want for her new relationship to not embarrass her, but Carpenter addresses this in a way that is catchy and captivating.
The line, “If you wanna go and be stupid don’t do it in front of me,” specifically highlights this concept. Carpenter hopes and prays that this new relationship does not embarrass her again, because there could be a lack of trust jumping into a new relationship. After being embarrassed by a past relationship, it can be hard to open your heart again, and Carpenter describes this weary feeling through her lyrics.
“Good Graces” is the third track on the album and a big pop hit that quite literally will not get out of your head. This song talks about self-worth, and how you should never put up with anything less than respect for yourself.
“You should stay in my good graces, or I’ll switch it up like that so fast,” is how Carpenter states that she needs to be treated how she deserves to be treated, or else she will not hesitate to leave, knowing that she deserves better.
Some people online are suggesting that this song gives the same vibe as one of Ariana Grande’s songs, which definitely will attract more listeners.
“There are dashes of Dangerous Woman-era Ariana Grande in her whispery vocal runs…” says Jaeden Pinder from Pitchfork, which is a widely known media publication.
The fourth track, “Sharpest Tool” has a fun vibe to it even though the lyrics can be a little ‘too’ relatable and hard to hear. The song starts off slow but then becomes more upbeat and catchy.
The lyric, “I’m looking for an answer in between the lines, lying to yourself if you think we’re fine,” addresses the lack of communication between two people in a relationship. This also regards the one-sided connection between two people, which is apparent in many relationships.
“Coincidence” is one of the many songs that is about the conclusion of a relationship. It also mentions the idea of a surprising love triangle.
“She looks kinda like the girl you outgrew, least that’s what you said,” hints at Carpenter finding herself to be stuck in the middle of a love triangle that she never wanted to be in, or never expected to be in at least.
“Bed Chem” is the sixth track appearing on the album that talks about the initial chemistry between two people.
In the song, she says, “said you’re not in my time zone but you wanna be. Where art thou why not uponeth me?” In this lyric, Carpenter uses older language to add a pinch of humor to the song which makes it more catchy and gravitating. It also speaks to the chemistry between two people and missing that person when they’re gone.
“Espresso,” which was awarded the MTV Video Music Award (VMA) for Song of the Year, is the seventh track and a chart-topper this year!
“Say you can’t sleep baby I know, that’s that me espresso,” is the main chorus to the hit song of the year. Carpenter recently performed this song at the VMAs as well. This song got more and more popular on TikTok, and she only grew from there.
“Dumb & Poetic” describes the conflicting feelings of allowing yourself to fall for someone who is just not worthy of you, and does not treat you right.
“You’re so dumb and poetic, it’s just what I fall for, I like the aesthetic,” are lyrics that set the tone for the rest of the song. These lyrics are specifically relatable because people typically tend to fall for the people who would break their hearts, and Carpenter is speaking to that audience.
“Slim Pickins” is the ninth song appearing on this hit album. This song has a hint of country to it, and it talks about the relatable feelings of not being able to find someone that’s right for you.
The lyric, “A boy who’s nice that breathes, I swear he’s nowhere to be seen, ” addresses the struggle to find someone who is going to treat you right. Another good quality about this song is it also has some humor to it, which makes it even more relatable.
“Juno” is the most lighthearted song on the album about being so in love with someone, and potentially even seeing a future with them.
“You make me wanna make you fall in love, oh late at night I’m thinking bout you,” is a fun line that describes the passionate feelings two people have for each other. This song speaks to the true lovers out there, with its flirty lines and heartfelt lyrics.
“Lie to Girls” is the second to last track on the album, regarding how girls will continuously lie to themselves to make the person they like seem better than they are.
The song’s statement, “We love to read the cold hard facts and swear they’re incorrect,” deeply connects to girls who try to convince themselves that the reality isn’t the truth. These lyrics are relatable because it’s easy to look past someone’s flaws due to the strong feelings they possess.
“Don’t Smile” is the final song on the album that talks about the angsty feelings of longing for a past partner to miss you as much as you miss them.
“Cry because it’s over (I want you to miss me, I want you to miss me),” describes the feeling of resenting an ex over not having the same leftover feelings as you. This song is also about the feeling of heartbreak and the struggle of fully moving on.
