Released in the summer of 2024, the booming success of Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet, boosted her into global stardom. The critically-acclaimed album won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album, and had fans anxiously awaiting new music from the multi-talented singer and actress.
Just weeks after the Grammys, Carpenter released the deluxe version of Short n’ Sweet as an undeniably “sweet” Valentine’s gift on February 14th. The deluxe album introduces five additional tracks, including a revamp of the hit song “Please, Please, Please”— this time, featuring global icon Dolly Parton!
Despite being released months after the original, the deluxe album granted Carpenter her first No. 1 spot on Billboard’s chart for Top Album Sales. Not only her new songs debuted on this list, but even many of her older songs reentered the Hot 100.
Just three weeks after their release, the new five tracks has garnered over 150 million streams on Spotify. To understand the album’s success, let’s dive in to the five new songs and see what all the buzz is about!
Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe): “15 Minutes” & “Please, Please, Please” ft. Dolly Parton
The first deluxe track, “15 Minutes,” is a fast-paced, bubbly track. The song features lyrics reflective of Carpenter’s trademark flirty and humorous personality. Fans resonated with the same “hot summer” vibe from the original album, passionately singing along to lines like “When you’re hot, it’s just a matter of time.”
In addition to being popular, the song has some nuance which fans may find bittersweet. Carpenter uses this song to open up about the pressure she feels with her newfound fame, and how she struggles to hold on to herself. Carpenter points out pieces of gossip people may say behind her back, saying she knows she can sometimes “piss some people off.” Just another example of stardom coming with inevitable criticism!
Perhaps the most anticipated track on the deluxe album is the remix of Sabrina’s iconic song “Please, Please, Please,” that includes a feature from Dolly Parton. Carpenter says, in the caption for the new music video, she recognizes Dolly as “one of [her] biggest idols.”
It is obvious that Parton’s country background had an influence on the remix. Compared to the original song, the deluxe version includes a more twangy, country-style instrumental, plus wonderful harmonies between the two inspirational women.
The song’s music video features Carpenter and Parton as they laugh and commit crimes together. It has racked up over 10 million views in just three weeks since its release on YouTube.
Sabrina Shines a Spotlight On Relationship Drama
Shifting to a more somber tone, the next deluxe track “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” displays a much slower pace than those previous. The lyrics are introspective, following Carpenter as she speaks to a potential romantic partner, detailing all of the reasons why she is unable to reciprocate their feelings towards her— from love, lust, and everything in-between.
The lines “F***boys you’ll never meet / Well, you can thank them for why I’m so god d*** reactionary” have sparked intense discussions among fans online. With her past relationships being incredibly publicized, many pointed fingers to her ex-lovers (many of which also live in the public eye).
Considering her and famous actor Barry Keoghan confirmed their split in December 2024, fans wondered if Carpenter used this song to speak-out about the year-long relationship. Rumors heightened even further following a jab Carpenter made towards Keoghan during a recent concert in Dublin.
Between songs, Sabrina said to the Irish crowd: “Dublin, it’s so lovely to be here. You all look and sound amazing. But my goodness, these Irish boys are hard work.” Keoghan is an acclaimed Irish actor, and there have been rumors their romantic split was due to him cheating on Carpenter.
These theories carry onto the next deluxe track, “Bad Reviews,” where Carpenter throws many digs at a past romantic relationship. She claims they have “red flags” and a “short fuse,” but she is still “in love with [them].”
Recently, it seems Sabrina may have moved on with a new boo, but there has been no formal public acknowledgement from either her or her team.
So, is this all creative expression, or is she hinting at something more?
Sabrina is a “Busy Woman” Following a Tour Extension
The final deluxe track is the hard-hitting track “Busy Woman,” and is the most streamed song of the five. Carpenter radiates confident girl-boss energy, and it is a refreshing feminist anthem amidst an album centered on complex relationship drama.
In “Busy Woman,” Carpenter grapples with rejection, recognizes the her admirable qualities, and realizes that she’s just too busy to entertain the people that do not want her in their lives.
The song’s title is also an undeniable description of the singer, as she recently announced that her already months-long and worldwide Short n’ Sweet tour will be extended. New shows will be held in Pittsburgh, New York, Nashville, Toronto, and Los Angeles later in 2025. Tickets are on sale now, and many fans, old and new, are excited to for the chance to hear the new tracks live!
Seeing her trajectory over the past year has made it clear that Carpenter shows no signs of stopping her takeover of the global music industry. Despite brand-new tracks in her deluxe album, many are already anxiously awaiting a new full-length album from the successful star.
Since last summer, Carpenter has won multiple Grammys, collaborated with one of the biggest stars in music, and has toured the world. Sceptics may wonder how she can possibly get bigger or better, but fans say she is only just getting started.
As we await a seventh album, keep listening to Short n’ Sweet, and keep yourself satiated (for now!).
