When Sabrina Carpenter dropped her smash single “Espresso” in April 2024, few could have predicted that it would become not only her biggest hit to date but also the anthem of the summer. As the world found itself savoring every sip of that infectious “me-espresso” vibe, Carpenter fueled the excitement by announcing her new album “Short n’ Sweet,” set for an August release.
“Short n’ Sweet” reflects on Carpenter’s brief encounters that have left a lasting impact on her, she said in an Apple Music interview.
On her 2022 album “emails i can’t send,” Carpenter delved into deeply personal themes. She explored heartbreak, parental infidelity, and the aftermath of a love triangle linked to a certain “driver’s license.” However, with “Short n’ Sweet,” Carpenter shifts gears, embracing a lighter, more carefree vibe—she’s here for a good time.
The tracks on this project represent the catchiest, funniest, and most authentic music of her career. Across 12 tracks and 36 minutes, Carpenter effortlessly blends a variety of genres and influences. With a fusion of pop, R&B, and country, her sound defies easy categorization—but that’s precisely what makes it so compelling.
Carpenter’s artistic influences are clear on this album. Tracks like “Bed Chem” and “Good Graces” showcase Ariana Grande-inspired melodies and vocal arrangements that effortlessly draw the listener in. Meanwhile, on songs like “Juno” and “Slim Pickins,” she channels the country charm of early Taylor Swift. It’s as if Carpenter has become a perfect blend of Grande’s vocal finesse and Swift’s honest storytelling—a hybrid in the best possible way.
The beauty of this album lies in Carpenter’s ability to sing about heartbreak and pain through a lens of humor and absurdity.
“So much of this album was made in the moments where there was something that I just couldn’t stop laughing about,” Carpenter told Apple Music. “And I was like, well, that might as well just be a whole song.”
Overall, this album is funny, honest, and undeniably addictive. What truly sets Carpenter apart is her ability to infuse her music with her signature humor and charm, creating a sound that’s distinctly her own.
4 out of 5 stars.
