Short and sweet is the perfect way to describe Sabrina Carpenter’s 6th album. “Short n’ Sweet” was released August 23, 2024, with two singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” having been released April 12 and June 6, 2024.
The heavily anticipated album, including 12 songs and totalling 36 minutes, officially reached its spot as the number 1 album on the Billboard 200 on September 7, 2024.
When listening to the album, the first songs heard are “Taste” and “Please Please Please.” These two songs are similar in their upbeat melodies, as well as most songs off this album. “Taste” is told from the perspective of someone’s past lover getting into a relationship with their ex-partner. “I heard you’re back together, and if that’s true…you’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissing you.”
“Please Please Please” is similar in style, but is told from the perspective of a new lover, begging their new partner to act as a good person for them. Including the lyrics: “Heartbreak is one thing, My ego’s another, I beg you don’t embarrass me…”
Songs like “Good Graces” and “Bed Chem,” follow these upbeat rhythms, these songs use the upbeat rhythms to reflect the energetic nature in the lyrics. Good Graces is about leaving someone, and letting that person know that one does not need to rely on them, and being able to move on to someone that would treat them better.
The music then takes a sharp turn with songs such as “Sharpest Tool,” as well as the last four songs on the album taking a slower rhythm, and more heartfelt lyricism. “Sharpest Tool” talks of putting the most into a relationship, and the other person not caring the same amount. Carpenter used a bird to symbolize another girl, and her partner leaving due to this “bird” so easily.
This song is more of a ballad, in contrast to the other songs featured on this album. Carpenter talks about being left alone to second guess her and this person’s relationship, and never talking about it.
“Sharpest Tool” feels like the twin sister to “Casual” by Chappell Roan, going in detail of the emotions behind a back and forth relationship. Carpenter uses a mix of metaphors and real situations to give the listener a window into what she’s talking about.
“Slim Pickins” is a big change from Carpenter’s usual discography, taking on a country sound. Swapping her usual high and fast beats for picking patterns and more inflections in her voice. Her songwriting was heightened with the simplicity of the guitar background.
The second to last song on this album is “Lie To Girls,” which sheds light on lying about a partner to friends to paint them in a good light. Similar to “Sharpest Tool,” Carpenter talks about the tribulations of having a rocky relationship with someone who isn’t good for oneself.
This album is yet another in Carpenter’s discography where listeners can hear the blood, sweat, and tears she has put into this, bearing her heart for millions to hear. This album, along with the many others over her long career, gives teenage girls and grown women alike an anthem to their heartbreak, letting them know they are not alone.
