From our TV screens to our Spotify playlists, Sabrina Carpenter has been a slow-burn star taking over the entertainment industry. Her latest album, Short ‘n’ Sweet, debuted as the top global album and has filled the top 10 songs on the Spotify charts. The album is bubbly, flirty and fun. This record encapsulates a pop princess vibe with a little country twang.
Throughout the album there are references to Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes, whom Carpenter appeared to have a one month situationship with. Carpenter was spotted with Mendes in February of this year; the couple appeared to be out on a romantic evening. In these particular songs (“Taste”, “Coincidence”, and “Sharpest Tool”) Carpenter references Mendes’s ex-girlfriend, singer-songwriter Camillia Cabello. Mendes and Cabello have been in an on-and-off relationship for many years.
In her newest pop single “Taste”, Carpenter writes, “You’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissing you”. This is a reference to the fact that after Mendes and Carpenter broke up, Mendes got back together with Cabello. Carpenter infers that Cabello will have to live with the fact that her boyfriend was involved with her, leaving Cabello “tasting” her whenever the couple is together. Carpenter also mentions in the song, “I know I’ve been known to share.” This references not only the Shawn Mendas love triangle, but the Joshua Basset love triangle she was involved in with singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo years prior. Carpenter even goes as far as having actress Jenna Ortega, another fellow Latina woman, depict Cabello in her 90’s horror-esque music video for “Taste”.
Carpenter dives further into the couple’s on-and-off relationship in her song Coincidence, writing, “Oh well you just broke up again”. After her breakup with Mendes, he and Cabello were spotted together at Coachella, and Carpenter writes “Your car drove itself from LA to her thighs”. Her sarcastic songwriting conveys the story of herself being a second option to Mendes, all while carrying a catchy folk-liketune.
In Bad Chem, Carpenter touches into a more scandalous side. Since leaving Hollywood Records, owned by Disney, she has been known to be more mature and obscure with her lyrics, showing a more inappropriate side and streaming to an older audience. This edge has recently helped her with gaining more attention since she has become more bold and honest with her audience.
Despite the album having upbeat, bubbly bangers, Carpenter also shows a more vulnerable side in the song Lie to Girls. This song expresses what girls tell themselves to look past red flags in a relationship. Many have felt a deep connection to this song, as it’s a universal experience.
Us personally, we’ve been listening to this album on repeat since it has come out. If it’s a late night drive, study session, a dance party in your room, or a good sob, this album encapsulates every mood. If you’re looking for something both short and sweet, this album is for you.
