Even Sweeter: Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Deluxe Bonus Tracks // Review
Following the release of her Grammy winning album Short n' Sweet last summer, Sabrina Carpenter is giving us a taste of something even sweeter - five new deluxe tracks! Every single song on the standard edition of Short n' Sweet is pure pop perfection, the deluxe tracks only further enhance the original album. Of course, all five additions also carry through so much of Sabrina's signature charm and humor that is very present throughout all of the music she makes.
Across these five songs, she worked with all of the same collaborators as the rest of the standard edition, Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, and Jack Antonoff. Short n' Sweet was one of my favorite albums of 2024 and I've been continuously obsessed with every single song on it since it was released.
"15 Minutes" is the first of five new songs on the deluxe edition of the album, which gives the listener a glimpse into her life following the release of Short n' Sweet and the meteoric success she has experienced since this time last year. The song title is in reference to Andy Warhol's iconic quote, "In the future everyone will be world-famous for fifteen minutes". This song is for everyone who thinks her fame is fleeting and believe that soon enough she'll just be another flash in the pan. "When you're hot, it's just a matter of time", she sings in the pre-chorus.
"15 Minutes" is poking fun at the people who are waiting for her time to be up, so to speak. She's very much in on the joke, per usual. It is also full of a lot of funny innuendos too, as much of her music usually is. "I can do a lot with fifteen minutes, only gonna take two to make you finish," she sings. "Piss some people off, show 'em what they're missin', you know I can". Anyone who thinks that she's brainless or oversexualized, this song serves as sort of a wink of self-awareness and a reminder that whatever perception you have of her is very intentional and all by design.
"Where did all these parties come from? Whеn did all you bitches get so nice? Runnin' out of thе woodwork and hopin' there's no brain between my eyes", she sings. The bridge is one of my favorite parts of the song, "When my time's up, baby, I'll leak some pictures maybe, say somethin' batshit crazy, I'll do it, don't you make me". Even though fame can be fleeting and she knows there are people waiting for her fifteen minutes to be up, Sabrina has absolutely carved out a space for herself in the industry and isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The shining star of Short n' Sweet deluxe is "Busy Woman", which she wrote with Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen right after she turned in the final version of the standard album. It wasn't done in time to make it onto the official track list, but it was featured as a secret bonus track on select variants of the vinyl release. "Busy Woman" is to Short n' Sweet as "Feather" is to emails i can't send: fwd. I definitely predict this song being the next major hit for Sabrina, I've been so obsessed with it ever since I first heard it.
"Busy Woman" is about how Sabrina deals with rejection, in a very humorous and dramatic way. "I'm so mature, collected and sensible, except when I get hit with rejection, to turn me down, well, that's just unethical, I'll turn into someone you're scared to know," she sings in the first verse. Although she's a very busy woman, she will always make herself available if someone wants her, but if she gets turned down, she's going to act like she didn't even care to begin with. It's very funny, sarcastic, and full of innuendos throughout, which is what Sabrina consistently does best in her music. I love the prominent disco pop influences throughout the song too, it's so beautifully produced. "But if you need my love, my clothes are off, I'm comin' over to your place," Sabrina sings in the hilarious chorus, "And if you don't need my love, well, I didn't want your little bitch-ass anyway".
Many of these songs sound like they are an ode to some of her greatest influences, like Olivia Newton John, ABBA and Dolly Parton, just to name a few. Dolly herself is even featured on the cute duet version of the iconic "Please Please Please" as well. The original is one of the best songs Sabrina has ever made, if not the very best, so I love getting to hear a different version of it with this deluxe edition. "Please Please Please" already had the slightest country twang on the original, but I love that she went all the way with it on this remixed version. Dolly and Sabrina is such a great crossover, I love the way they harmonize together and complement each other's strengths in the song.
Olivia Newton John's influence shines through the strongest on "Couldn't Make It Any Harder". It reminds me so much of the classic "Hopelessly Devoted To You" from Grease, which is a song that Sabrina has covered several times through the years. There is one performance in particular at The Eras Tour in Melbourne, Australia that was just so breathtaking to watch. Not only is the melody very similar, but it also showcases her gorgeous vocal range in the same way as well. Her subtle use of word play is also so cleverly done too.
"Bad News", the final song on the album, also beautifully showcases her vocal range. It kind of reminds me of an alternate version of her "Lie To Girls", but with a stronger country influence. It carries through in many of the same sentiments and feelings as that song does. "I'm intentionally careless, least I got self-awareness. just want someone to love me, who doesn't?" she sings. This song is about intentionally ignoring all of the red flags in the early stages of a relationship, which was a major theme throughout the rest of Short n' Sweet. "And I can't lose another boy that's not even my boyfriend", she sings.
The deluxe edition of Short n' Sweet offers an expanded look into all of the emotions that made up the first twelve tracks of the standard album. It's a great addition onto those songs, with so much of Sabrina's signature humor and vulnerability throughout.
If you're interested in reading more about Sabrina Carpenter's music, check out my full review of Short n' Sweet, as well as song reviews + cute 7" vinyl singles for "Espresso" and "Please Please Please". This was also featured on my favorite albums of 2024 list, be sure to check that out if you're looking for more new music recommendations. Many more are linked below and coming soon!
Thanks for reading! 💋
Photo Credit: Sabrina Carpenter, Island Records
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