With a combination of upbeat pop, mellow country and slower lofi, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet” might just be her best album yet. With four of her songs in the top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100, Carpenter has become immensely popular with the release of her lead single “Espresso” on April 11 and her second single “Please Please Please” on June 6, both prior to the rest of the album.
If you spend any time on social media, you are bound to have seen the vintage-tinted beach of Carpenter’s “Espresso” music video that has gone viral due to the unique visuals and the popular line, “I’m working late, ‘cause I’m a singer” that is relatable to many people working late at their own jobs. The song opens with an undeniably-catchy distorted guitar riff that perfectly pairs with the groovy muted claps and drums creating melodies with the drawn out guitar, all fitting the scene of the viral vintage music video.
Shortly after “Espresso,” “Please Please Please” was released, making its way to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. In yet another viral music video, Carpenter featured her boyfriend at the time, Barry Keohgan, as part of the story told during the video. He plays her ill-behaved boyfriend who she constantly finds locked up in jail in need of her to bail him out. In showy eye-catching outfits, we see Carpenter often paired with sleek black cars and neon colors throughout the video. “Please Please Please” truly flows off your tongue and is sure to get stuck in your head with its bubbly rhythmic beat that we even see Carpenter iconically clap along to during some of her live concerts.
“Slim Pickins,” a more unique addition to “Short n’ Sweet,” broadens the horizons with a country swing sound to the song using banjo chord instrumentals and quick percussion. It perfectly combines pop and country with a more vulgar lyrical meaning while still creating beautifully clean riffs and notes. With higher pitched tremolos, Carpenter’s voice is that of an angel and pairs perfectly with the country banjo.
Continuing the variety within the album, “Dumb & Poetic” as well as “Don’t Smile” are slower sentimental tunes compared to the rest of the album. “Dumb & Poetic” is a lyrical gem about the toxic personalities of the men Carpenter dated, with just Carpenter’s voice and soft guitar chords audible, creating a gloomy and sentimental feeling in the song. “Don’t Smile” is a lofi masterpiece, opening with only a soft beat, immediately giving the song a graceful relaxed atmosphere. With drawn-out faded notes and lyrics, “Don’t Smile” is definitely a special song to add to this stunning album.
Number two on the Billboard Hot 100, “Taste” is undoubtedly the star of the album. With an unforgettable beat of drums and short electric guitar chords, the song is an earworm after hearing it only once. Raw and upbeat, “Taste” combines happiness and laughter with manic revenge to create what might just be the best song of the year. Along with its gory music video, “Taste” is certainly the cherry on top of the entire album.