Sabrina Carpenter’s 6th studio album, Short n’ Sweet, dropped on August 23rd. With two previously released singles, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” the album set the stage for Carpenter’s pop revival. With fun production and catchy lyrics, Short n’ Sweet feels more and more like a sophomore album versus its number six spot.
The album opens with the song “Taste,” which pokes fun at the new girl in the relationship with Carpenter’s ex. She emphasizes how even though her and her ex aren’t together anymore, the girl will always “taste” Carpenter in their relationship. The song truly captures the magic that “Espresso” delivered throughout the summer, with upbeat backtracks and catchy lyrics.
Jack Antonoff’s production throughout the album was very in tune. Reminiscent of his production in Melodrama by Lorde, Antonoff shined throughout the album. With “Please Please Please” and “Juno” coming out as some of the most fun songs off the album, it’s no surprise that Antonoff’s production only increased their face value.
Carpenter does something that most can’t in the album. Throughout, she doesn’t hide who she is. Short n’ Sweet truly feels like her most adult album yet, and it’s because of Carpenter’s proud display of all facets of her womanhood that she succeeds.
Carpenter isn’t afraid to talk about her romantic endeavors. In fact, songs like “Juno” and “Good Graces” empower listeners to feel confident in their bodies. Carpenter leans into her unapologetic sexuality and public discourse surrounding her love life to brew up an album unlike the others in her discography.
Though, it isn’t just Carpenter’s unapologetic lyrics that showcase her skill throughout the album. Not only are her lyrics catchy, but smart. Unlike most songs that showcase the sex appeal of adulthood, Carpenter’s lyrics showcase her maturity. The songs are explicit, but not in the usual manner. She doesn’t throw around words for shock, but uses them to emphasize her emotional maturity, something most “sexy” songs fail to showcase.
Yet, what makes this album shine isn’t the sexy pop beats, but the ballads. “Lie to Girls” does something that most of her discography can’t. It deeply expresses the sadness that comes with realizing the person you care for can’t reciprocate those feelings. While Carpenter is incredibly strong in her passionate and angry lyrics, her mellow and sad ones tend to be lackluster. “Lie to Girls,” however, surpasses those claims.
Across the board, Short n’ Sweet screams summer. What would’ve been perfect as a June release album still succeeds as a late August one. Carpenter’s ability to craft earworms of songs delivered throughout the album, with “Espresso” and “Good Graces” acting as icing for the cake. It’s not surprising then, that the album charted at number one on the Billboard 100, marking a turning point in Carpenter’s career.
A perfect true entry into the adult pop industry, Short n’ Sweet not only showcases Carpenter’s wit, but her ability to put herself on display. Carpenter is unapologetically herself throughout the album, with lyrics discussing both the good and bad of romance. A stepping stone for Carpenter’s future, Short n’ Sweet delivers a sexy but smart story about being true to yourself when facing adversity.
