On August 23, 2024, Sabrina Carpenter took the world by storm by releasing her new album Short n’ Sweet, displaying her versatility as an artist.
This is her sixth studio album and seems to be her final stepping stone to being regarded among the top artists of the 2020s as every song in the album charted in the top 50 of the Hot 100. She sold 362,000 units in the first week as well, only behind Taylor Swift and Beyoncé this year. It should be noted that these numbers were reached without a single feature and only 12 songs, showing the world that she can do it without the hype of a big-name pop star.
Her style varies drastically from song to song, boasting a pop-vibe in “Espresso” and an almost folk sound in “Coincidence.” Clearly, she has a song for everyone in the album and is experimenting with her sound.
While some of the songs on the album such as “Please, Please, Please” and “Good Graces” are individually shallow, having traces of a superiority complex and an emotionless persona, when the album is listened to as a whole, her masterful lyricism is revealed. Through the seemingly contradictory themes of not caring about her ex-boyfriend in certain songs and her genuine hurt and frustration in other songs, she speaks to the confusing duality of the youth in modern dating culture. While having to portray an unbothered persona on social media, she implies that there is often much suppressed below the surface.
Additionally, her lyricism is complimented by incredible production and an original sound. In songs such as “Don’t Smile.” Her producer’s creativity is put on display as there are numerous layers and effects, making Carpenter sound angelic. Additionally, the instrumental behind the song establishes a slow somber mood, further emphasizing the sharp contrast between the disingenuous upbeat songs and emotional slow songs.
However, because of the album’s impressive versatility, it may be difficult to get used to some songs. She truly steps out of the box with this album and that comes with the price of her audience not being used to certain sounds. Personally, I didn’t enjoy “Coincidence” and “Don’t Smile” to the same extent as the other songs, but it is commendable to see an artist break the conventional pop-sound barrier and explore their style.
Overall, I would give this album a 4.5/5.
