Short n' Sweet (Deluxe)

the take

I always had a feeling a deluxe for my favorite 2024 pop album would drop—but never did I expect (as a single man) to get a “gift” from my future wife on Valentine’s Day 2025. Thank you, Sabrina Carpenter 😭 The bonus tracks are strong overall. “15 Minutes” took a second to click, but I get slight “Fast Times” vibes, which I like. The remix of “Please Please Please” featuring Dolly Parton didn’t fully land for me, but I respect the country direction—it fits her well, even if I still prefer the original. “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” is easily the standout. The stripped-down production and lyrics hit hard—it’s one of those songs that just connects instantly. “Busy Woman” is one I previously brushed off, but revisiting it now, I get it. It feels like a retro-leaning cousin to “Espresso,” and it’s grown on me a lot. “Bad Reviews” is just okay musically, but the message really carries it. Ironically, it works better as a country-inspired track than the Dolly remix. It hits emotionally in a way I didn’t expect. These songs don’t drastically elevate an already great album, but they’re definitely a welcome addition.