‘Short and Sweet Deluxe’ album cover
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In the midst of winter, pop star Sabrina Carpenter released a deluxe version of her hot summer album. Although the ’80s disco pop compliments the warm weather, it turns out to be the perfect dopamine hit for winter, too.
“Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)” features a hazy image of Carpenter crossing her arms. Only her second album to be rereleased as a deluxe version, she included five new tracks. After a decade in the music industry, Carpenter finally caught her big break over the last year with numerous popular top hits. Her stardom skyrocketed in 2024 following the release of pop singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” These singles were the teaser to a full album of catchy pop songs. Of her 19 Billboard Hot 100 Hits, 16 are from “Short n’ Sweet.”.
The five new Deluxe tracks have her on top again. Four out of the five deluxe tracks hit Hot 100, with “Busy Woman” performing the best and peaking at 27.
The first bonus track on the deluxe release is, “15 Minutes,” and it is infectious and bright with a catchy beat. Similar to her songs “Nonsense” and “Bed Chem,” she flirts with the microphone. “Show ‘em what they’re missing,” she sings in a tone that suggests a wink and an air kiss.
The next track, “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” is nostalgic, reminiscent of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” in the 1978 movie “Grease.” Carpenter’s voice overflows with emotion as she warns how it isn’t easy to love her. “Oh, what I’d give to be / meeting you as the glass-half-full version of me,” she laments.
Carpenter connects with her listeners by saying that she, too, brings baggage into relationships. Though the song has a light sound, she touches on the idea of being difficult to love. “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” unpacks insecurity in a meaningful way.
Fast-paced “Busy Woman” is one of her most popular deluxe tracks. It communicates her desire for someone to want her, saying that if he wants her, she’ll be “comin’ over” to his place, but if he doesn’t, she never wanted him anyway. Carpenter makes it clear that she’s a “busy woman.” Her hesitation to let down her guard is relatable for many. Putting up walls isn’t healthy, but acknowledging them is beneficial.
Using a similar theme to one of her older songs, “Bad for Business,” Carpenter wrote “Bad Reviews.” She says she’s “heard all the bad news and the bad reviews,” but still she chooses “to be in love with you.” She ignores her man’s red flags to avoid losing him. Nearly every girl on Earth can empathize with this.
The deluxe rendition of “Please Please Please (featuring Dolly Parton)” may be new, but it is not improved. Parton’s shaky country accent doesn’t harmonize well with Carpenter’s breathy, fresh voice. However, Parton’s iconic music career makes any track a win.
Carpenter has always enjoyed toeing the line, including with her sexuality. As expected, these tracks are controversial. One of her recently released deluxe tracks, “Busy Woman,” has her dodging homophobia allegations. The controversial lyrics are sung coyly, “If you don’t want me, I’ll just deem you gay.”
Of course, Carpenter seems to enjoy shocking fans, from using risque lyrics to posing sexually on stage. It’s possible that this line from “Busy Woman” is just another way to cause a stir.
Whatever accusations people throw at her, she can be expected to keep singing explicit lyrics in her trademark tiny dresses. It is doubtful she cares much anyway — she’s used to the “Bad Reviews.”
