BY JOSEPH DEBELL, OPINION EDITOR
Album cover courtesy of @sabrinacarpenter on Instagram
ALBUM SCORE: 3/5 Stars
Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album, “Short n’ Sweet,” marks a new chapter in her career, one full of surprises and contradictions.
While she’s often heralded as the fresh face of pop, she’s not exactly a newcomer. At 25, she already has six albums under her belt, with years of effort now culminating in her well-deserved place in pop’s major league.
Her previous album, “Emails I Can’t Send,” presented a glimpse into her songwriting prowess and commercial viability. But with “Short n’ Sweet,” Carpenter has swung for the fences — particularly with standout tracks like “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please.” These tracks have catapulted her to new heights, amassing 84 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
“Espresso” is an undeniable hit, a perfect encapsulation of Carpenter’s blend of dainty vocals and clever lyricism. It’s a song that feels like a sun-soaked memory — yet remains timeless in its appeal. The chillwave-inspired beat and playful, almost flirty lyrics create a nostalgic, yet fresh pop tune that’s hard to resist.
The second single, “Please, Please, Please,” offers a different vibe. Regal synth arpeggios set the stage for Carpenter’s vocals as she navigates a tricky relationship with humor and vulnerability.
One of the most impressive aspects of the LP is Carpenter’s ability to straddle the line between self-deprecation and raw honesty. Tracks like “Sharpest Tool” and “Dumb and Poetic” delve into the messy, sometimes awkward dynamics of relationships. In these songs, Carpenter explores the frustrations of dating less-than-intelligent partners, yet she does so with a mix of biting humor and introspection. The lyrics might come off as harsh, but they’re refreshingly candid, showing her willingness to explore the less glamorous sides of love.
“Good Graces” is a low point in the record, instrumentally and lyrically lacking the spark that makes the rest of the album punch. It’s a track that feels out of place, especially when compared to the vibrant energy of “Espresso” or the witty lyricism of “Slim Pickins.”
The album closes on a somewhat somber note with “Don’t Smile,” which leaves a lingering melancholy. It’s a song that embodies the album’s title—short, sweet, but also bittersweet, as Carpenter reflects on a past relationship with a mix of nostalgia and regret. The track’s chillwave-inspired instrumental is a fitting end to an album that balances light-hearted pop with emotional moments.
While not without its flaws, “Short n’ Sweet” is a solid pop record that showcases Carpenter’s strengths and hints at even greater potential for the future.
debelljb22@bonaventure.edu
