Singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album “Short ‘n Sweet” was announced on June 3, and released on Aug. 23, with 12 tracks topping music charts. Every song has its own memorable qualities, whether it’s sassy lyrics or a catchy instrumental.
“Taste”
This song’s petty lyrics make for a perfect pop song. Carpenter boldly reminds her ex that even if he has a new girlfriend, she knows him better. This song ironically reminds me of “Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo, who Carpenter seemingly had drama with around 2021. My favorite part of this song is the memorable lyrics that make this track a great opener for the album.
Best lyrics: “I leave quite an impression/five feet to be exact”- one of my favorite lyrics from the entire album
“Please Please Please”
Carpenter begs her lover not to show off his mortifying quirks in this song that track debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The best part of this song is definitely the catchy chorus and perfectly produced instrumental. A lot of people can relate to the feeling of when you feel embarrassed by the actions of someone close to you.
Best lyrics: “Don’t bring me to tears when I just did my makeup so nice”
“Good Graces”
This sassy pop song finds Carpenter warning her partner not to break her heart, or she won’t hesitate to get her revenge. Carpenter was inspired to write this song after one of her friends went through a breakup. The nostalgic-sounding instrumental and lyrics remind me of something you would hear on the radio in the early 2000’s.
Best lyrics: “Cuz no one’s more amazing at turning loving into hatred”
“Sharpest Tool”
This breakup song alludes to Carpenter’s significant other being oblivious to all of the red flags in their relationships, such as making her “second-guess” her choices in their relationship and building a sense of hatred towards her. Their relationship seemed to change from passionate to nonexistent.
Best lyrics: “We were goin’ right then you took a left”
“Coincidence”
This song and “Sharpest Tool” bear a similar guitar instrumental, with linked themes of a bitter breakup. The best part of this song is Carpenter’s soft voice and sarcastic lyrics.. This song perfectly encapsulates the soul-crushing feeling of when someone finds out that their partner has moved on in their love life after their breakup.
Best lyrics: “Palm Springs looks nice but who’s by your side?”
“Bed Chem”
This flirtatious song’s lyrics have Carpenter listing off all of the physical traits she admires about her partner, such as his wide eyes and the way he looks at her. Carpenter’s airy and seductive vocals make for a perfect and romantic song. The thing I love the most about it is how unserious yet unique the lyrics are.
Best lyrics “Who’s the cute boy with the white jacket and the thick accent?”
“Espresso”
“Espresso” was the first single on the album, released on April 11, and peaked at #1 on the Billboard charts. It became viral on Tiktok and won Song of the Year at the 2024 VMA’s. Carpenter sings about her carefree personality, just like how summer is a season to forget about stress.
Best lyrics: “I’m working late/‘cause I’m a singer”
“Dumb & Poetic”
The moment I saw the title of this track, I knew this song was going to be one of the best ones on the album. This song strays from the rest of the ones on the album, with a somber guitar instrumental and heartbreaking lyrics. Carpenter discovers the truth about her boyfriend’s borrowed pickup lines and lack of communication.
Best lyrics: “Just ‘cause you leave like one doesn’t make you a man”
“Slim Pickins”
Though the country music-esque guitar instrumental may give this song an innocent vibe, Carpenter does not hesitate to talk trash about all of the boys she has tried to get with. This song is perfect for anyone who is constantly failing to find a partner that suits their personality and what they want in a relationship.
Best lyrics: “This boy doesn’t even know the difference between there, their, and they are”
“Juno”
This song references the Oscar-winning coming of age movie with the same name. The movie was released in the 2000’s, which coincides with the overall sound of this album. Through this reference, Carpenter emphasizes the theme of getting to know her lover. The swooning lyrics and sentimental background music make up this romantic song.
Best lyrics: “You make me want to make you fall in love”
“Lie To Girls”
Carpenter states that girls deny having crushes on boys and don’t need boys to reject them. This song is my personal favorite, mostly because of the message and how many people can relate to them The words of the song are the best written on the album. Love can be very complicated, which Carpenter perfectly encapsulates.
Best lyrics: “We love to mistake butterflies for cardiac arrest”
“Don’t Smile”
This song finds Carpenter pleading with her partner to feel the same heartbreak that she feels after they called it quits. This track serves as a melancholy crescendo to the album. The title reverses the popular saying “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Best lyrics: “Don’t smile because it happened, baby, cry because it’s over”
Without a doubt, Sabrina Carpenter blew the minds of her fans everywhere with this album, and she’ll continue to amaze with the songs she releases. Her tour, which started on September 23, is sure to be full of musical thrills. It’s no question that whatever music she releases in the future will continue to amaze.
