An abundance of candy hearts, roses and couples is one way to categorize Valentine’s Day. Many of the typical rituals have been spreading amongst us this February.
While it might be a cheerful day full of love, it can sometimes fall flat. Those who are single may notice the consumerism and ploy for the economy, as well as feeling left out because of their lack of a valentine.
But, pop star and Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter had plans to spruce up this Valentine’s Day with a surprise up her sleeves.
She excited fans with an announcement of the deluxe version of her already existing album “Short n’ Sweet.” Officially set to release on Feb. 14, 2025, Carpenter had left some teasers about more to come for the album, but this was relatively secretive. With little warning and following so soon after the Grammys, her fans were pleasantly surprised.
Fresh out of the 2025 Grammys that occurred on Feb. 2, 2025, Carpenter won Best Vocal Pop Album for “Short n’ Sweet” and Best Pop Vocal Performance for her hit track “Espresso.” Also nominated for four other Grammys and having an elaborate performance to mark her first ever attendance to the awards show, this signifies a huge shift in her career.
From starting as a Disney Channel star to opening the Eras Tour for Taylor Swift, Carpenter has been up and running into the pop world and global stardom.
Two days after the Grammys on Feb. 4, she gave the news of new additions to her repertoire. Making a post on Instagram, Carpenter released the album cover and new set list with the caption, “as a thank you for giving this album 2 grammys…”.
Certainly, no one is complaining. Many fans were thrilled for the deluxe album and anticipation built up before the release. Putting out the album on Valentine’s Day redirected excitement from the holiday to Carpenter’s new music.
Carpenter’s hard work into this new addition of the album proves that it’s definitely sweet, but certainly not short.
“Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)” officially released on Feb. 14, 2025, contains five new tracks to add on to the previous album; “15 Minutes,” “Please Please Please (feat. Dolly Parton),” “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder,” “Busy Woman” and “Bad Reviews.”
Already giving her ‘Carpenters’ (the adopted name of her fans) a sneak peak during her tour, “Busy Woman” sat as a current fan favorite before the release. Along with “Bad Reviews,” they both received some buzz about ties to ex Barry Keoghan, but these rumors won’t stand in the way of Carpenter pushing her career to new heights.
The songs “15 Minutes” and “Busy Woman” takes her previous pop style and continues to develop them with an electric keyboard and pop beats interspersed. With their light hearted feel and comedic lyrics about flings, the song is easy to like and listen to.
Notably the song with the most excitement was “Please Please Please (feat. Dolly Parton).” Being a feature and remake, the song excluded explicit content, but welcomed pop and country icon Dolly Parton.
Accompanying the release came a black and white, retro music video alluding and connecting to the original. With a jovial and comedic feeling, Parton and Carpenter were partners in crime while singing along to the lyrics.
Fiddles, drums and instrumental backgrounds replaced the pop beats of the original track, bringing in an older country feel. Parton backed Carpenters vocals, as well as joining in for the chorus and singing a verse or two of her own.
Their music styles and voices blend together nicely, both using different varieties of pop, acoustic guitar and country in their albums and songs. “Please Please Please (feat. Dolly Parton)” brought that to the table with smooth lyrics with tell-tale country licks and riffs. While the original “Please Please Please” is a pleasant listen, the new track feels fuller and Parton helps to add more depth.
Working with Parton is a vast achievement for Carpenter, demonstrating her connections and teamwork with other musicians. Carpenter also looks up to Parton as an idol, writing in her Instagram post, “and yes that does say featuring Miss Dolly Parton.”
The deluxe songs “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder,” “Please Please Please (feat. Dolly Parton)” and “Bad Reviews” include country elements full of expressive, relatable and soulful lyrics.
“Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” is reminiscent of songs from Parton and singer Olivia Newton-John, with soft ballads and sorrowful words. This song highlights her vocals and harmonizations, being an unlikely standout and will grow on listeners with more time.
Including an instrumental break with a large western feeling, “Bad Reviews” is another track that brings Carpenters musicality to listeners. With the instrumentals and her lulling voice, the song being two minutes and 21 seconds felt too short. Concluding the album, it felt a bit incomplete.
Nevertheless, her collaboration with the queen of country herself, Parton, and other country influences, Carpenter fully leaned into different sides of her music. We can predict more country music from her in the future.
Carpenter dipping her toes in country doesn’t mark her the first singer to do so. Over the past few years and especially going into 2025, there has been a surge of country music being integrated into everyday life. Artists have also been incorporating country into different genres like pop-country, soul-country, dance-country and so many more.
Putting out her deluxe album is only the next step for Carpenter, and there is plenty more to come, finishing off this era with a bang. She will continue the Short n’ Sweet Tour in Dublin, Ireland on Mar. 3, 2025, after completing the North America leg of her tour in Nov. 2024.
Releasing on the day of love, Carpenter brings in obvious ties to the holiday, with a dreamy cover and incorporating romantic lyrics and beats; but some songs also have themes of female empowerment. “She is a total girls girl,” said Clarizza Vallejos, a fan of Carpenter and sophomore at Ida B. Wells.
There has also been a large movement of celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends, cherishing aromantic relationships as well. Key-named Galentines, many women use the day to be with girlfriends or prioritize self love. “Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe)” can play into that, “I think even if you don’t have a partner, one of the songs [is] for the girls!” said Vallejos.
Singles, those in relationships and romantics alike will adore this new addition to the album. With the album conveying themes of love, relationships and self love, it is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Whether you listen during Valentine’s Day, with friends or don’t celebrate at all, it will definitely be a treat this February.
