This past Valentine’s Day, Sabrina Carpenter reminded us all that the Short n’ Sweet era is still very much alive with her release of the deluxe version of her chart-topping fifth studio album, including four new songs and a remix of “Please Please Please,” featuring country legend Dolly Parton.
The themes explored in the newly released songs are mostly consistent with those of the standard version of the album. “15 Minutes” and “Busy Woman” are upbeat numbers exuding the confidence and sexiness of “Espresso” and “Bed Chem.” “Bad Reviews,” which laments attraction to someone despite their bad reputation, mirrors the romantic frustration of “Dumb and Poetic” on the main album. This isn’t to say that the tracks don’t add anything to the record. My personal favorite deluxe track, “Busy Woman,” cleverly plays on the dichotomy that occurs in a woman’s mind when she is obsessing over someone but is too aware of her worth to accept rejection. Sabrina’s snarky remarks, as well as the song’s bright and enticing production, won me over instantly.
Another standout song from the album is “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder,” which reflects on an inability to accept a good relationship because of cynicism arising from past heartbreak. The track’s production and soaring melodic chorus are highly reminiscent of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from Grease, giving the song a vintage and nostalgic feel while simultaneously invoking an emotional dilemma many women can relate to.
In terms of the “Please Please Please” remix, I think that including Dolly Parton was a smart choice commercially for Carpenter (a #1 song combined with an iconic country voice is bound to draw attention and increase streams), but perhaps not musically. While I think Dolly’s interlude on the second verse is charming and adds a new “twang” feel to the song, I don’t believe her country-esque voice blends seamlessly with Sabrina’s more pop tone in the way that’s expected from a major collaboration. I think Dolly would have fit more logically on a Short n’ Sweet track like “Slim Pickin’s,” which already has a country vibe and twangy instrumental sound. Overall, though, I think Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe) served as an extra bit of fun and experimentation added to what I would consider a career-defining album and aesthetic era for Sabrina Carpenter, and I look forward to updates from her recently-announced extended leg of the Short n’ Sweet Tour next fall.