The summer soundtrack of 2024 in the pop music scene has been shaped by several leading artists. Charli XCX has marked the season with her powerful album ‘BRAT,’ which continues to gain traction as she gears up for tours in the UK and US. Chappell Roan has also made a significant impact, with her debut album ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ clinching the top spot in the UK earlier this month, fueled by impressive festival performances and the standout track ‘Good Luck, Babe!’
Sabrina Carpenter is emerging rapidly as a pop superstar with her highly anticipated sixth album, ‘Short n’ Sweet.’ This release follows an incredible two years for the 25-year-old, who has been a staple in the music industry since 2014 alongside her successful acting career, which began with Disney Channel. Carpenter’s previous album, ‘Emails I Can’t Send’ (2022), marked a pivotal moment in her musical journey, featuring breakout hits like ‘Feather’ and the viral sensation ‘Nonsense.’ Her fanbase has expanded significantly, especially after her role supporting Taylor Swift on the Eras tour and her lively performance at Coachella.
Carpenter solidified her pop star status with the two singles from ‘Short n’ Sweet.’ The first, the infectious ‘Espresso,’ was followed by the country-infused ‘Please Please Please,’ which includes a music video featuring her real-life boyfriend, actor Barry Keoghan. Both tracks have become essential listens for summer playlists, each reaching number one in the UK.
The album ‘Short n’ Sweet’ indeed lives up to its name, featuring 12 catchy pop tracks, each around three minutes long, that showcase Carpenter’s unique style. Her humor and candidness shine through, as reflected in lines like “Adore me/Hold me and explore me/I’m so fucking horny” from the track ‘Juno,’ reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen. In ‘Bad Chem,’ she playfully questions a romantic interest with, “Said you’re not in my timezone, but you wanna be/Where art thou? Why not uponeth me?”
The sun-drenched track ‘Taste’ features Carpenter cheekily referencing her romantic competitor, while in ‘Please Please Please,’ she warns a new partner about the potential for heartbreak and ego bruising.
The album’s crisp pop sound incorporates elements of country, folk rock, and 80s synth-pop, resulting in catchy choruses complemented by Carpenter’s airy vocals. Among the album’s engaging tracks is the insightful ‘Sharpest Tool,’ which combines an unconventional song structure with flowing guitar melodies, providing a backdrop for her candid lyrics reflecting on relationships.
Overall, ‘Short n’ Sweet’ showcases that Carpenter is more than just a creator of catchy tunes; her distinct personality and charisma are critical to her ascent as a leading figure in pop music, making this album a noteworthy addition to her discography.