Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet was released on August 23, marking her sixth studio album. This also marks 2 years since her last release, Emails I Can’t Send. During these past two years, Carpenter has performed at various festivals, and even opened for Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour. Currently Carpenter is on her Short n’ Sweet tour, which has so far been very successful. 

”Taste” sets the tone for this album. Its rhythms and upbeat style make it the perfect opening track. Along with this, Carpenter also released a music video starring actress Jenna Ortega. In the music video the pair fight over a boy and sabotage each other out of jealousy. The music video is largely inspired by Robert Zemeckis’ classic film Death Becomes Her, along with references to other iconic horror films. 

“Please Please Please” is the second track of this album. It was initially released on June 6, 2024, making it the second single from the album. Additionally, a music video was also published upon release of this song, entertaining fans. Jack Antonoff, a long-time Taylor Swift collabor produced and co-wrote “Please Please Please.” In an interview with MusicRadar, Antonoff talks about how the A to C key change in “Please Please Please” is one of the most interesting aspects about the song. “We were messing with different keys and then we heard the second verse jump,” he says. “It sounds like she’s [Carpenter] having this idea in real-time.” 

The third track of the album, “Good Graces” is labeled as R&B, and Carpenter’s vocals really shine through in this song. “Good Graces” has a similar lyrical theme to “Please Please Please.” She parlays that she will not be with a man who does not respect her, refusing to settle for anything less. Its sassy and empowering lyrics lay the law down on setting boundaries. 

”Bed Chem” is a personal favorite of the album. This song is the sixth track on the album, and it’s a synth-pop style song which infuses heavy notes of early 2000’s R&B. In the song Carpenter sings about her fantasies with a man. She noted that she wanted to “write a 

song both sexy and lighthearted.” Carpenter also cited American singer Christina Aguilera, saying how Aguilera’s music’s retro vibe inspired her for “Bed Chem,” and the kind of music she listened to growing up. 

The fan favorite and catchy hit single, “Espresso” is the seventh track on this album. Whilst listening to it, it’s definitely clear why the song is so popular. Like Carpenter’s other single “Please Please Please,” “Espresso” was also released early on April 11, as the lead single of the album. It hit Billboard’s No. 1 Global Song of the Summer for 2024, and also became Carpenters first UK number 1. The song received various awards like the MTV Video Music Award for Song of the Year, making it Carpenters first VMA win. “Espresso” also won Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Viral Song of 2024.

The eighth track on Short n’ Sweet, “Dumb & Poetic”, is another one of my personal favorites. It’s the shortest track on the album, running at 2:14. Through raw and honest lyrics, Carpenter is believed to be singing about former romantic partner Shawn Mendes. Her use of sarcasm and irony displays her disillusion and frustration. The song is a slow ballad with a melancholic vibe, and references to being in a manipulative relationship. Since it’s towards the end of the album at track eight, it fits perfectly since most of Short n’ Sweet is pop and feel-good type music. 

Short n’ Sweet has tracks that range from traditional pop, to R&B, and a hint of country. Carpenter surprised fans with this album, and kept them entertained all year long. The Short n’ Sweet Tour started on September 24, 2024, and is currently making its way through Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia in the coming days.