With the heights Sabrina Carpenter’s music is reaching, it’s hard to believe she stands at only five feet tall. With five albums already under her belt — some dating back to her Disney Channel days — Carpenter released “Short n’ Sweet” on Aug. 23, 2024. This newest album contains a classic bubbly pop vibe that Carpenter’s Polly Pocket aesthetic perfectly mirrors. That being said, I definitely favor the replay button for certain songs over others; here is my complete ranking of “Short n’ Sweet”:
The last four songs of my ranking, in descending order, include “Juno,” “Sharpest Tool,” “Dumb & Poetic” and “Lie to Girls.” Honestly, I generally preferred the more upbeat tracks on this album. “Sharpest Tool,” for example, just didn’t compare to the energy of “Espresso” or the lyricism of “Don’t Smile.” I also appreciated some of the more unique perspectives that Carpenter portrayed on this album — “Dumb & Poetic” fell short for me and didn’t really hold my interest.
8. “Slim Pickins”
This song is relatable if you’re from a small town (or, honestly, if you go to a small school like Willamette); it can seem as though there are close to zero options, and that the “perfect” person for you does not exist. As usual, Carpenter throws in witty lyricism — for example, “As the Lord forgot my gay awakening, I’ll just be here in the kitchen serving up some moaning and bitchin’.” Sorry, Sabrina, it’s not much better on that side either.
7. “Coincidence”
Carpenter expresses frustration with her partner for still being connected with his ex. Supposedly — although not confirmed explicitly by Carpenter herself — this song is directed at Shawn Mendez and his continued infatuation with fellow singer Camila Cabello while he and Carpenter were together. Carpenter confirms that she knows where her ex’s heart has been all along, calling him out for “holding space for her [Camilla’s] tongue in [his] mouth.”
6. “Please Please Please”
I’ve had many conversations with friends dissuading each other from certain relationships, which is why the tone of this song was so familiar to me. Carpenter presents a humorous take on her not-so-great track record, explaining that she knows she has good taste, but it’s “funny and ironic that only [she feels] that way.” Carpenter places her heart on the back burner and begs her significant other to keep her ego in mind, reminding them to “Please Please Please” spare her from the embarrassment of being wrong about a man, yet again.
5. “Bed Chem”
Known for a slight talk-singing style in her songs, Carpenter uses a flirty tone to describe a “cute boy with [a] white jacket and thick accent,” which many listeners have inferred is her current boyfriend, Barry Keoghan. Carpenter’s continued use of wordplay is what earned this song a spot in my top five. The song’s playful mood combined with Carpenter’s subtle allusions to her sexuality make for a spirited listening experience (complete with a great chorus).
4. “Espresso”
While the relatability and lyricism of the top three songs earned them their rankings, I will admit that this song is here purely for its catchy tune. I unwillingly know all of the lyrics to this song; how could I not, after it took TikTok by storm? The perfect accompaniment to “Brat Summer,” Espresso may not be the deepest song, but it has a vibe akin to a cute and quirky rom-com. I’m also fond of the wordplay Carpenter sprinkled throughout, an honorable mention being “I know I Mountain Dew it for ya.”
3. “Taste”
To keep this ranking fair, I won’t bring attention to this song’s incredible music video. The lyrics are directed towards the “other woman” who simply can’t compare to Carpenter, suggesting that she is merely a rebound for the ex. Carpenter explains that she has left a long-lasting impact on her ex, again exuding an almost cocky attitude through lyricism and an upbeat tempo. This song in particular is one that I know many would like to shout from the rooftops, and I found it to be reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo’s “deja vu,” which is a favorite of mine from her 2021 album “Sour.”
2. “Don’t Smile”
Although “Don’t Smile” is the last track on the album, it is far from the worst. Carpenter’s soft vocals express the desire she has for her ex to mourn their relationship in the same way she is. The repetitions, “I want you to miss me,” and, “don’t smile because it happened … cry because it’s over,” provide a juxtaposition to the post-breakup feelings that are usually the norm. Carpenter relays the sentiment of not wanting to be hung up on somebody who has already moved on. I personally find a lot of comfort in this song, and the way that Carpenter sings about how someone can continue to control your feelings even when they are no longer a direct part of your life. The ethereal melody of the song doesn’t hurt, either.
1. “Good Graces”
This song is quite the earworm; I’ve found myself humming it absentmindedly at various hours of the day. “Good Graces” is Carpenter’s way of expressing her standards and serves as a warning to not get on her bad side. The upbeat song has a feel-good energy, with Carpenter affirming that she “won’t give a fuck about you” if you do her dirty. Carpenter’s confidence transcends the music and gives listeners a reminder to never settle, making it a staple in my “feel good” playlist.
As a whole, “Short n’ Sweet” encompasses the highs and lows of young love and lust and makes an appearance in several of my playlists — perfect for when I’m going out for a run or daydreaming in the library.
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