Top Pops: Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet

    The hype for this album was real. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year after "Feather" and "Espresso" took off. And I must say, it's a joy. Short n' Sweet is a lot of fun. It's main draw is Sabrina Carpenter's personality. She's so funny. She's spunky. She has a unique sense of humor that comes through the album with its lyrics.

    And speaking of lyrics. There's little secrets spread throughout them. Just listen to opening track "Taste." It's the type of songwriting that leaves you dying to know who the subjects are. And the speculation is half the fun. The other half of the fun is the wavy, summery sounds and glossy, throwback production. 

    "Taste" gives me Katy Perry One of the Boys vibes. Especially the opening and title track of that album which is a song I've adored for over a decade now. So now I'll have a new song to enjoy for the next decade in "Taste."

    We've already talked about "Please Please Please" and "Espresso." But they're both still fantastic. They fit right in with the rest of the tracklist snug as a bug in a rug. 

    There's little nuances throughout the songs. The plucky, stringy guitars in the background of "Please Please Please," the glossy high class sheen of synths on "Good Graces," and the little background vocalizations of "Juno" are case in points of this. 

    "Coincidence" needs to a be a single that will be blasted at coffee shops and hipster restaurants for weeks. It's juicy gossip in song form. And it's catchy. And super duper relatable. 

    The ballads can hit hard too. But what really carries them through are Carpenter's personality and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Just check out those verses of "Dumb & Poetic." 

    "Don't Smile" is a nice ender for the album. It gives me major "Midnight Pretenders"-vibes from Aran Tomoko. Though "Don't Smile" has more dreamy vibes. It's so dreamy. I loved it from the first listen.

    Overall, I think Short n' Sweet is a solid album from one of this year's biggest breakout stars. You've probably listened to it already, but if you haven't, I highly recommend! Especially if you like to have fun!

Rank: A Rank

Recommendation: when you feel short... and sweet.

Standouts:

    The singles

    Good Graces

    Don't Smile

    Coincidence 

    Juno