“Short n’ Sweet” has officially set Sabrina Carpenter’s style. The album serves as ultimate proof that the artist has found her range, tone and iconic double meanings. If you hear one of her songs on the radio, you’ll know it’s her.
“Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)” has proved to extend this thought. This version carries four unreleased songs and a duet of “Please Please Please” with Dolly Parton.
After being awarded her first Grammy for “Best Pop Vocal Album,” Carpenter announced the release of this “(Deluxe)” version as a token of appreciation for her fans.
Released on Valentine’s Day, Carpenter presents her audience with songs that relate to different types of lovers.
“15 Minutes”
Manuela: Carpenter’s latest songs tend to fall under the “I need you too much” and “I don’t need you at all” categories. This is the first new one in the deluxe order, and I was surprised it mixes both of these categories.
Carpenter’s narrator seems accepting of the fact they cannot hold on to a relationship, or even a fling, for long. That’s where the idea of “I can do a lot with 15 minutes” comes from. If anything, the song portrays self- and world-awareness, where she is confident to say the problem is not her, it is the men she engages with.
Favorite lyric: “Take a couple bucks, turn ‘em into millions.”
Tristan: She capitalizes on her fun, playful outlook on relationships in this track. Even when her relationships don’t work, Carpenter has never been one to leave quietly. She definitely makes that known on this song.
Unfortunately for her, it seems as though it’s “hard to hold on to” her boyfriends.
She bounces back in a lovely combination of self worth, relationships and fame. I love that this track blends an upbeat tempo with a little bit of dark revenge at the end. Not to mention her effortless high range in vocals really shine on this song.
Favorite lyric: “When you’re hot, they’re gonna eat you alive.”
“Please Please Please (feat. Dolly Parton)”
Manuela: The soft country vibe of this version is immaculate. I prefer the raw instrumentals in contrast to the electronic original ones. Parton’s backing vocals bring even more whimsicality to Carpenter’s style. This is a wholesome duo.
Favorite lyric: “Whatever devil’s inside you, don’t let him out tonight.”
Tristan: I think Dolly Parton would have served better featuring on a different track like “Slim Pickins’.” Her style seems a little too sweet for this, and it just gives a weird, creepy undertone to the song.
There are some parts when the pair’s voices blend together, effortlessly. In other sections, their voices seem to fight for dominance.
I do enjoy the detail that this version is non-explicit. The famous f-bomb is excluded for Parton.
Favorite lyric: “I beg you, don’t embarrass me like the others.”
“Couldn’t Make It Any Harder”
Manuela: What happens to a person after so many frustrated encounters: that is what this song is about. Love is not easy anymore, trust is not there. Doubt and trauma lead their mind.
Carpenter raises the forever unanswered question: should you give in for love again or should you give up? Will you open yourself again? She is not willing to do so for the one who inspired this song, and she asserts the time for him to look for someone easier is to come.
Favorite lyric: “You say you can take it / But you know how hard I can make it.”
Tristan: This song reminds me heavily of Olivia Newton John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” The beat and melodies are super similar, but the meaning of Carpenter’s song couldn’t be any more different than John’s.
I like how raw and truthful Carpenter is on this song. She admits that she wasn’t putting in as much effort as her past partner, most likely as a result of a continuing cycle of toxic boys.
When it comes to relationships, both partners should want to put in equal amounts of effort, time and attention. I pose this question: Why stay in a relationship when she knew in her mind she wasn’t all in?
Unfortunately, I think her perspective when it comes to relationships tends to be more on the negative side as a result of all the men who have wronged her. That can take a toll on any person.
Favorite lyric: “Oh, one day, believe me/ You’ll want someone that makes it easy.”
“Busy Woman”
Manuela: Sometimes we have to protect ourselves by being just as bad and ignorant as the ones who hurt us. That is what this song will teach you. It is another one of Carpenter’s confidence-boosting bops, and I am here for it.
In some way, Carpenter teaches the listener a lesson on how to change the power imbalance in a relationship. If the object of your affection is indifferent toward you, then you can also be indifferent toward your feelings and be a “Busy Woman” who does not need them.
Favorite lyric: “Yeah, I’m a busy woman / I wouldn’t let you come into my calendar any night.”
Tristan: This track is ultra-fun, bringing that signature Sabrina confidence state-of-mind. She possesses so much feminine energy that it’s hard for anyone to not be infatuated with her, and that is exactly what she is singing about here.
She knows her beauty, and she knows her worth. It’s extremely respectable. Her lyrics also serve as a warning to any men who come into her life: if there’s any sign of rejection, they weren’t worth her time anyway because she is a “busy woman.”
Favorite lyric: “If you don’t want me, I’ll just deem you gay.”
“Bad Reviews”
Manuela: We know Carpenter did not mean it when she said she “can’t relate to desperation,” even if she tries to. “Bad Reviews” is that friend who is always after the wrong person or who promises their ex will change. The song’s narrator knows the emotional dangers of falling for this new fling, still, they choose to believe nothing bad will happen.
Such a universal experience fits well in Carpenter’s soft performance. Her voice maintains the tone of those who try to keep their sweet illusion going even in times of chaos.
Favorite lyric: “Been alone for so long, I’ve got somethin’ to prove / If I close an eye, it’s almost like your red flags are blue.”
Tristan: I love the double meaning in this song. Not only is Carpenter singing about ignoring those who leave “bad reviews” for her music, but she also tells us that she doesn’t care what others say about her partner. She will continuously ignore any “red flags” brought up by others and “still choose” to love this person.
Her voice is so soft, almost delicate on this song. It’s addicting to listen to.
Favorite lyric: “And I can’t lose another boy that’s not even my boyfriend.”
