Sabrina Carpenter’s recent summer hits, “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” have heightened the excitement for her new album, Short n’ Sweet. On her sixth release, the pop artist showcases her clever songwriting skills while effortlessly blending R&B and folk-pop influences. The album explores the complexities of contemporary romance, further establishing Carpenter’s presence in pop music.
Carpenter’s wit shines through in her latest project. In singles like “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” she shares her humorous take on life as a singer and the quirks of everyday experiences. Short n’ Sweet continues this theme, featuring amusing 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.” She cleverly addresses grammar issues and even incorporates playful references to Shakespeare, displaying her delightful blend of charm and intelligence.
In this album, Carpenter finds herself navigating yet another love triangle, a familiar theme from her previous works. The songs on Short n’ Sweet feature notable figures in the pop world, including what appears to be references to Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. Carpenter embraces this intrigue, candidly sharing that her songwriting reflects her true feelings, which naturally piques public interest.
Sabrina Carpenter has long been influenced by Taylor Swift, but she seems to be drawing inspiration from other country pop icons like Kacey Musgraves and Dolly Parton. The track “Slim Pickins” particularly embraces country elements, showcasing her vocal abilities reminiscent of these artists. With plucky acoustic guitars and a distinct country flair, Carpenter’s sound on this album hints at a potential future full of twang.
In a nod to the late Leonard Cohen, Carpenter incorporates clever references in the song “Dumb & Poetic.” This acoustic ballad criticizes a self-help guru type and weaves in sharp commentary, including the line about Cohen’s lyrical prowess. With this track, Carpenter reinforces her status as pop music’s current muse, continuing to draw inspiration from influential figures.
While many pop artists may rely on generic 1980s revival sounds, Carpenter stands out with her unique approach. The album kicks off with “Taste,” a catchy song that reminisces about Kim Carnes’ classic hit “Bette Davis Eyes.” Carpenter’s ability to invoke this vintage nostalgia while making it distinctly her own underscores her artistic growth and creativity in the pop landscape.