by Cayce Hansel
Valentine’s Day is known for candy, pink and red decorations, bows, and love. But wait—did I forget something? Oh, right. Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, Short and Sweet Deluxe.
Carpenter, a favorite for many including myself, has once again captivated listeners with her new songs. Tracks like “Espresso,” “Taste,” and “Please, Please, Please” have gained traction, quickly climbing the charts. In celebration of her win for Best Pop Vocal Album at the Grammy’s, Carpenter released the deluxe version of Short and Sweet, featuring an appearance by award-winning country icon Dolly Parton. The album includes the original 12 songs, along with five new tracks, including the Parton collaboration “Please Please Please.”
The first new addition to the album is “15 Minutes.” A nod to the phrase “15 minutes of fame,” the track reflects Carpenter’s rise in the industry. Carpenter, no stranger to the spotlight, gained significant popularity in recent years. As a fan who remembers listening to “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying” in my childhood bedroom, it’s fascinating to hear Carpenter capture her journey through pop stardom. With lyrics like, “The clock is ticking. Lately, I guess that means I’m doing something right; it’s been a long time, baby, but gosh, I hope I make it through the night,” she offers insight into her experience. It’s a signature pop track with an edge that fans can’t help but connect with.
The next track is “Please, Please, Please” featuring Dolly Parton. While the lyrics remain the same, the song’s arrangement has been reworked with a country influence, featuring a banjo and a jamboree-like feel. Parton contributes one verse, with her signature voice weaving through the track as background vocals. Carpenter’s voice remains at the forefront, with Parton’s contribution adding an extra layer to the song. It’s a fun and catchy addition to the album, and I’ll be adding it to my daily playlist.
“Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” follows, offering a poignant reflection on the aftermath of a past relationship. The song explores how unhealed wounds can affect future interactions with potential partners. “You say you can take it, but you don’t know how hard I can make it,” Carpenter sings with raw emotion. The track’s bittersweet tone is further amplified by her ethereal vocals, especially as she ends with, “One day, believe me, you’ll want someone that makes it easy,” suggesting a longing for simplicity after emotional turmoil.
“Busy Woman” is a standout track, one I can’t stop playing after it was initially leaked as a podcast episode. The upbeat song captures the struggle of balancing a busy life with the desire to fall in love. As someone juggling multiple commitments, I deeply resonate with the lyrics: “Yeah, I’m a busy woman; I wouldn’t let you come into my calendar every night.” It’s a fun, infectious anthem that’s sure to get stuck in your head, as it has in mine.
The final track, “Bad Reviews,” is about choosing to stay with someone who carries a questionable reputation—an emotional decision fueled by the fear of being alone. The song features a fiddle, further reflecting Parton’s country influence. The narrative is relatable and genuine, with Carpenter maintaining the pop essence while exploring the complexities of relationships.
Short and Sweet Deluxe is a rich, multifaceted album, blending Carpenter’s pop roots with new influences and collaborations. Whether through emotional ballads or fun, catchy tracks, this album captures the full range of Carpenter’s musical journey.
THE ECHO 
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