Sweet n' sour
Sweet n' sour: a comparative review on two albums
Amanda Orozco '26
Arts and Entertainment Page Editor
“SOUR” by Olivia Rodrigo and “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter are unique albums that have changed the game in contemporary pop culture. Each album title sets a contrasting tone and expectation for the listener, with the most obvious difference depicted in the titles.
“Short n’ Sweet” is an album that spotlights Carpenter’s short past relationships and their faults. The tracks are more uplifting, with simple and concise lyrics, compared to the more bold and confident approach in Carpenter’s lyrics from her previous album, “emails i can’t send.”
“Please Please Please” and “Espresso” were basically in everyone’s summer playlists this year. These catchy tracks really showcase Carpenter’s distinct voice and relatable lyrics. Although the album is fairly new, it is without a doubt that it will only gain more popularity and build a stronger foundation for Carpenter’s music career.
“SOUR” is a breakup album highlighting teen angst and bitterness. Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album gained massive popularity for its honest and relatable portrayal of feelings of loneliness and how life slowly turns sour as you get older. This album is for the people who have experienced the stages of a bad relationship that leads to a breakup: feelings of putting effort into a worthless relationship, wasting time, betrayal, jealousy and eventually getting over the breakup.
Although “SOUR” was released three years ago, it is safe to say that the hit tracks at the time, “Driver’s License” and “good 4 u” are still fan favorites and the most popular numbers with over 2 billion streams and top streamed song of Spotify in 2021. The album hit records such as the most-streamed album in a week by a female artist and won three Grammys. Rodrigo’s latest album, “GUTS,” is already receiving the same amount of love from her listeners.
The choice between “Short n’ Sweet” and “SOUR” depends on the listener’s music taste and emotions. Sabrina Carpenter's album connects to someone that is looking for music that offers positive and gratifying tracks. Her listeners are usually people who want to listen to lighthearted, catchy music. Olivia Rodrigo’s album has authentic feelings that could connect to someone who wants to be able to express their angst and tense emotion about life through music. Her listeners tend to be people who want to hear music with deeper meanings that relate to them.
Both albums display their vulnerability through relationships and breakups, but they differ musically, emotionally and the audience they are trying to reach.
Artwork of Olivia Rodrigo (SOUR) beside Sabrina Carpenter (Short n' Sweet) by Ferlyn Alvarenga '26