As summer approaches in 2024, the pop music scene is being shaped by several standout artists. Charli XCX has marked the season with her hit album ‘BRAT,’ which continues to gain momentum ahead of her upcoming tours in the UK and US. Chappell Roan is also making waves, as her debut album ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ reached number one in the UK earlier this month, boosted by impressive festival performances and the standout track ‘Good Luck, Babe!’.
Sabrina Carpenter is rapidly rising to pop superstardom with her highly anticipated sixth album ‘Short n’ Sweet,’ following an eventful two years for the 25-year-old. Having started her music career in 2014 alongside her successful acting career, Carpenter gained significant recognition with her 2022 album ‘Emails I Can’t Send.’ The project featured hit singles like ‘Feather’ and the viral track ‘Nonsense,’ contributing to a surge in her fanbase, especially after she opened for Taylor Swift on the Eras tour and delivered a memorable performance at Coachella.
Carpenter’s place in the pop landscape has been solidified by two early singles from ‘Short n’ Sweet.’ The energetic ‘Espresso’ and the country-infused ‘Please Please Please’—which includes a music video featuring her real-life boyfriend, actor Barry Keoghan—have become summer staples and both reached number one in the UK.
The album itself is a testament to its title, consisting of twelve catchy tracks, all around three minutes long, infused with Carpenter’s distinct personality. Her humor and raw honesty shine in songs like ‘Juno,’ where she candidly sings, “Adore me/Hold me and explore me/I’m so fucking horny,” reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen’s playful style. In ‘Bad Chem,’ she playfully probes, “Said you’re not in my timezone, but you wanna be/Where art thou? Why not uponeth me?”
In the sun-soaked track ‘Taste,’ she delivers a cheeky line: “I heard you’re back together and if that’s true/You’ll have to taste me when he’s kissin’ you.” The boldness continues in ‘Please Please Please,’ where she warns a new partner, “Heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another/I beg you, don’t embarrass me, motherfucker.”
The album captures a blend of genres, featuring pop, country, and 80s synth-pop, with tracks like ‘Slim Pickins,’ ‘Dumb & Poetic,’ and ‘Good Graces.’ Catchy hooks and Carpenter’s soaring vocals deliver emotional depth alongside playful banter. Among the standout moments is ‘Sharpest Tool,’ which juxtaposes an unusual structure with captivating guitar riffs, as she reflects on past relationships with poignant lyrics.
Overall, ‘Short n’ Sweet’ demonstrates that Carpenter is not merely about catchy melodies; she embodies personality and charisma that define her position in the current pop landscape. With the album living up to its name, it serves as a delightful addition to the summer soundtrack.