Sabrina Carpenter has generated significant excitement with her latest album, Short n’ Sweet, following her summer hits “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” In this sixth studio release, the talented pop artist showcases her sharp songwriting skills while effortlessly blending R&B and folk-pop elements. She candidly explores the frustrations of modern romance, establishing herself firmly in the pop music realm.
Carpenter’s humor shines through in her lyrics, particularly in the singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” where she humorously reflects on her life as a singer and quirky inventions like ceiling fans. On Short n’ Sweet, she surprises listeners with witty lines such as “The Lord forgot my gay awakenin’” in “Slim Pickins” and “How’s the weather in your mother’s basement?” in “Needless to Say.” Her playful approach includes fretting over grammar and making clever cultural references, as seen in “Juno,” where she cleverly incorporates a nod to pregnancy.
The album also sees Carpenter embroiled in yet another love triangle narrative, a theme familiar to her previous works like “Skin” and “Obsessed.” This time, the stakes feel elevated, with allusions to A-List celebrities. Carpenter confidently writes about her feelings, acknowledging the public’s interest in deciphering her inspirations.
In a notable shift, Carpenter appears to draw from the country genre, taking inspiration from artists like Kacey Musgraves and Dolly Parton. The song “Slim Pickins” exemplifies this country influence, characterized by her distinctive vocal trills. The album features an assortment of plucky acoustic guitars, hinting at a potential future pivot into country music.
Reference to Leonard Cohen emerges in the track “Dumb & Poetic,” where Carpenter reflects on a character embodying the negative traits of self-help culture. The song features sharp commentary, invoking Cohen’s legacy in a playful yet biting manner.
Carpenter also explores retro influences, particularly in the album’s opening song “Taste,” which serves as a catchy dismissal of an ex’s new partner. The track’s melody recalls Kim Carnes’ classic “Bette Davis Eyes,” showcasing Carpenter’s ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary pop elements seamlessly. Throughout Short n’ Sweet, she proves her unique touch and keen understanding of musical history.