By: Cody Englander, Staff Writer

[Island Records; 2024]

Rating: 6/10

Key Tracks: “Please Please Please,” “Espresso,” “Bed Chem”

Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album has taken over. It’s been a high speed elevator to the top for the newest superstar. If it’s been a “Brat summer,” Carpenter has also operated as quietly the most successful artist of the summer, with three Top-10 hits on the Billboard 100. 

Short n’ Sweet has all three of these hits. It’s an album constructed to be that bug in your ear, constantly begging to be played. The entire album, who’s whole thesis is based on how many songs can chart, has been an impressive feat. This is Carpenter’s most complete album, and it’s not ashamed to be a new form of bubblegum pop music, led by the popular “Taste,” a fitting tone setter for the album. 

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What stands out with this work is its sense of humor. Carpenter isn’t afraid of corny one-liners, and is extremely aware of what the album is.  While it’s similar to Olivia Rodrigo’s music and often has the same audience, it’s distinguishable through the less angsty and softer in tone and performance. “Please Please Please” is one of the better hits in recent years.

The title Short n’ Sweet is true; the album has the appeal of a cupcake, easily digestible, fairly likable and goes by quickly. But the issue is, it can never be a real cake. It will always be put in a corner, because it’s a record that relies on hits. Every song is about the same length, and with the same style 10 songs down the record, it begins to be difficult to differentiate the songs from one another. The songs are performed well, but lack variety. 

“Coincidence” is a track that could have had a lot of potential, but it plays like an intended radio hit more than a slower and more emotional song should. Again, it’s a 12-pack of cupcakes. You’ll choose one, and it’s like all the rest. Sure, that one may taste or sound better, but they’re all very similar, playable radio hits. The lack of depth really hinders the albums ability to really transcend to the next level. It plays well, the bug thrives in your ear, but it doesn’t leave as much of a lingering love as it could. 

This is the same problem an artist like Drake has. Although, Carpenter has more artistic integrity than most of Drake’s recent projects. Hit chasers tend to be products of their decade, but who says no to a cupcake?

Carpenter has the talent and pop-star iconography to differentiate herself from the other pop artists of this decade, and with a better written album, I have no doubt she’ll be able to create something special. Her delivery of just floating from line to line is what makes the album special; it’s what gives the bug in your ear a pulse. Her live performances seem special, and how albums like these are best enjoyed. As an artist her music is fun, as a performer her presence is undeniably great. 

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3iPSVi54hsacKKl1xIR2eH