Sabrina Carpenter’s rise to stardom has been a gradual but deliberate process, driven by her consistent body of work, strategic single releases, and standout performances. Before her breakout success with her fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, Carpenter first gained widespread recognition on Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World. While balancing her acting career, she simultaneously pursued music, releasing four studio albums.
Her career reached new heights when she was chosen as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Latin America, Australia, and Singapore. This high-profile opportunity, combined with the release of two singles from her latest album Short n’ Sweet, kept her music in the spotlight throughout the summer. Fans eagerly anticipated the full release, driven by the buzz her earlier singles generated.
The album opens with a playful nod to its title, as Carpenter quips, “I leave quite an impression, 5 feet to be exact.” The first track is a quintessential pop hit, featuring catchy ad-libs, an infectious melody, and a carefree energy. Its accompanying music video, starring both Carpenter and Jenna Ortega, adds to the song’s charm and memorability.
The second single, “Please Please Please,” continues the bubbly, upbeat style established by the album’s first track, “Taste.” Like the cultural hit “Espresso” before it, “Please Please Please” tackles relatable themes of boy troubles but steers clear of angst, maintaining a lighthearted, accessible tone that resonates with her audience. Its catchy chorus and feel-good vibe make it a highly replayable track and another standout in Carpenter’s growing catalog of pop anthems.
The track “Good Graces” draws inspiration from classic Ariana Grande, blending repetitive yet captivating lyrics with infectious beats. Sabrina’s softer, whispery vocals are cleverly contrasted with bold, aggressive chants of “I don’t give a f*** about you!” in the background, bringing the song’s confident, defiant vibe so that the assertive lyrics don’t get overshadowed by the charming flow of the music.
One of the more serious tracks on the album, “Sharpest Tool” delves into the theme of miscommunication in a relationship that ultimately leads to a breakup. Jack Antonoff’s signature production style is evident throughout, with its distinctive guitar strings and syncopated rhythm giving the song a unique texture. The track starts with a slower tempo, setting a reflective tone, before building in intensity as Sabrina’s vocals unravel into a raw, rambling reflection on the end of her relationship. This progression mirrors the emotional unraveling she sings about, making it a standout, emotionally charged moment on the album.
“Coincidence” stands out from the rest of the album with its stripped-back acoustic guitar strums and light, airy production. Sabrina delivers the chorus flawlessly with her upper register. The “na-na-na” echoes following the chorus give the track a carefree, nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of a scene from a coming-of-age movie. Its simplicity and laid-back feel contrast with the album’s more polished pop anthems.
Bed Chem (short for “bed chemistry”) brings the album back to its standard pop melodies after the detours taken by Sharpest Tool and Coincidence. The track is brimming with playful sexual innuendos and flirtatious lyrics, capturing the giddy excitement of early crushes and romantic daydreams. While the song is undeniably fun and infectious, the term “bed chem” feels a bit awkward and slightly off-putting compared to the other innuendos scattered throughout the track and the album. Despite this, the energetic song will definitely be a favorite among Sabrina Carpenter songs.
Espresso was undeniably the song of the summer, elevating Sabrina Carpenter to new heights and solidifying her place as a defining Gen-Z pop artist. The track is packed with unconventional, catchy one-liners like “That’s that me, espresso” and “I Mountain-Dew it for ya,” giving it a playful, quirky charm. Backed by irresistible disco-inspired melodies, the song effortlessly captures the feel-good energy of a summer anthem. Placed halfway through the album, Espresso amps up the excitement with a familiar formula that contributed to Carpenter’s earlier hits like Nonsense and Feather—a fast-paced, fun-filled blend of catchy beats and clever lyrics that keeps listeners hooked until the very end.
“Dumb & Poetic” stands out as one of the most unique tracks on the album, revealing a raw and introspective side of Sabrina Carpenter. With melancholic vocals and an intimate production, the song delves deep into themes of vulnerability and self-reflection. Unlike many of the other tracks, which rely on catchy production and dynamic vocal delivery to engage listeners, “Dumb & Poetic” places the focus on the lyrics. This song extends Sabrina’s range as a songwriter and artist to write more emotional and personal songs.
“Slim Pickins” may not be a standout track on the album, but it represents Sabrina Carpenter’s closest venture into country-pop. The harmonies in this song set it apart from the rest of the album, which primarily features higher-pitched ad-libs. In “Slim Pickins,” the verses incorporate a richer, more alto harmony, while the chorus effortlessly showcases her upper register.
“Juno” is arguably the best-crafted song on the album, seamlessly blending many elements that highlight Sabrina Carpenter’s strengths. It features her effortless vocals embellished with catchy ad-libs and standout quotable one-liners, many of which include playful innuendos. The stuck-in-your-head melodies are unforgettable, paired with instrumentation that pays homage to classic bubblegum pop while introducing an unexpected twist. This clever combination makes “Juno” not only a fun listening experience but also a testament to the appeal of Sabrina’s music.
“Lie to Girls” explores familiar themes of heartbreak found throughout the album, but Sabrina Carpenter takes an intriguing approach by zooming out to examine how girls respond to relationships and breakups. The production has a wispy quality, reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo’s style. This ethereal soundscape allows the emotional depth of the lyrics to resonate, creating an eerily soothing atmosphere that allows listeners to reflect on the experiences being shared.
“Don’t Smile” closes out the album with a softer pop sound, cleverly flipping the adage “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” by telling her ex to miss her instead. With a slower, more poetic flow, the song may not grab everyone’s attention immediately, but with multiple listens, its depth becomes more apparent. The echoey production creates a dreamlike quality that, while overshadowing the song’s strong lyrics, adds a layer of resonance.
Overall, Short n’ Sweet is filled with catchy pop anthems that serve as delightful musical snacks—perfect for enjoying during the first few listens. However, dedicated pop fans may notice the formulaic nature of many tracks, which could lead to a quicker sense of boredom. Despite this, the album showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s impressive musical and songwriting talents. In the landscape of contemporary pop, it stands out as one of the stronger releases since the TikTokification of music.
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