Sabrina Carpenter Teases and Torments ‘Short n’ Sweet’: Album Review
Sabrina Carpenter is back with a bang, unleashing her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet. Despite the number, Carpenter refers to this album as feeling more like her second. It represents a bold leap forward for the artist who has transitioned significantly from her Disney Channel roots.
From Espresso to Pop Stardom
It’s hard to remember a time before Sabrina Carpenter’s hit track, “Espresso.” Released in April, the breezy daytime disco track quickly captured hearts, dominating the charts with seven weeks at No. 1 in the UK and amassing over a billion streams on Spotify. Carpenter’s infectious charm and playful lyrics made “Espresso” a strong contender for the song of the summer, standing alongside hits like “Get Lucky.”
Carpenter explains that “Espresso” was crafted during a French holiday as a manifestation tactic during a period when romantic attention was scarce. “I’ve always been a bit delusional, in that sense,” she admits with a grin, highlighting the song’s mix of sweetness and playful ominousness.
Riding the Wave of Success
Fast forward to today, Sabrina Carpenter is enjoying the success of “Espresso,” the lead single from Short’n’Sweet. At 25, she stands as one of the biggest pop stars of 2024, a decade after her debut single. Carpenter acknowledges the recent chart success but maintains that it’s not her primary motivation for making music. “It’s like the sprinkles on top of the sundae,” she notes.
The Unpolished Pop Star
Carpenter represents a new wave of pop stars who are more relatable and less polished than their predecessors. Despite her Disney background, she avoids the stereotypical media-trained demeanor. Her small-town Pennsylvania roots and early career efforts, including mall shows and TV movies, have shaped her genuine approach to music and public appearances.
Disney Days and Beyond
Carpenter’s Disney days were filled with experimentation, shaping her current songwriting. From ukulele folk to EDM pop, her early work reflects a wide range of influences. Despite the occasional cringe-worthy moment, Carpenter credits Disney with giving her creative freedom, which is evident in her sharp, humorous lyrics.
Facing the Challenges
Carpenter faced significant challenges, including a lawsuit from former managers in 2017. She turned this experience into a song, “Sue Me,” but dealing with public scrutiny has been more difficult. The backlash following a high-profile scandal further fueled her fifth album, Emails I Can’t Send, marking a career reset.
A New Beginning
Emails I Can’t Send allowed Carpenter to leave Hollywood Records and join Island Records, offering her a fresh start. Her new style, characterized by playful and provocative lyrics, gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where ad-libbed outros went viral. Despite some controversies, including being banned from BBC’s Radio 1, Carpenter’s boldness has been a defining feature of her recent work.
No Holding Back
With her edgy lyrics and uninhibited style, Carpenter’s playful approach is evident in tracks like “Nonsense.” Supporting Taylor Swift on the family-friendly Eras tour, Carpenter balanced pushing boundaries with maintaining a PG-rated performance. The tour inspired her, showcasing the energy of pop crowds and the power of songwriting.
The Making of Short’n’Sweet
Short’n’Sweet continues the eclectic style of Emails I Can’t Send, blending various musical influences. Carpenter’s love for diverse records like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles and Lemonade by Beyoncé is reflected in her own work. Influences from Fiona Apple and SZA also shape her lyrical and structural choices, emphasizing storytelling and rule-breaking.
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Conclusion
Sabrina Carpenter’s evolution from Disney star to pop sensation is mark by a unique blend of playfulness and seriousness. With Short’n’Sweet, she proves her status as a serious artist while maintaining her distinctive voice. Whether through cheeky lyrics or heartfelt ballads, Carpenter’s presence in the pop world is undeniable, and her future looks bright as she continues to captivate audiences.
