Sabrina Carpenter’s music video for her latest single “Taste” has arrived with a warning of “graphic violence,” leading viewers to anticipate a dramatic shift from the playful revenge fantasies seen in her previous videos. But as the video unfolds, it becomes clear that the violence, while exaggerated, is more comedic than terrifying. Carpenter’s dark humor shines through as the video takes inspiration from Quentin Tarantino’s signature style, blending it with references to the 1992 dark comedy film “Death Becomes Her.”
In “Taste,” Carpenter stars alongside Jenna Ortega in a series of outrageous battles over a boyfriend, portrayed by fellow “Halloween” actor Rohan Campbell. The video is filled with over-the-top scenarios that are reminiscent of classic horror-comedies, but with a modern twist. Ortega’s character puts Carpenter through a gauntlet of torturous situations—she sets her on fire, slices off her arm, throws her out of a window, impales her on a white picket fence, and even electrocutes her. However, what could have been a gruesome sequence is instead turned into a hilariously absurd showdown, thanks to the exaggerated, almost cartoonish execution of the violence.
The video’s climax is just as surprising as the rest of the narrative. After all the chaos, Carpenter and Ortega’s characters are seen walking away from the boyfriend’s funeral together. Instead of continuing their rivalry, they share a moment of camaraderie, sipping on coffees as they casually chat about their shared experiences. This twist ending not only adds a layer of irony but also reinforces the idea that the video is more about satire than serious violence.
The Making of “Taste”: A Collaborative Effort
“Taste” is not just a visual treat but also a musical collaboration that highlights Carpenter’s growth as an artist. The song was co-written by Carpenter, who has increasingly taken on a more hands-on role in her music, alongside acclaimed songwriters Julia Michaels and Amy Allen. Julia Michaels, known for her work with artists like Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, brings her distinctive lyrical style to the track, while Amy Allen, who has written for artists such as Halsey and Harry Styles, adds her expertise in crafting catchy, emotionally resonant music.
Producers John Ryan and Ian Kirkpatrick, both industry heavyweights, also contributed to the track. Ryan, who has worked with the likes of One Direction and Maroon 5, is known for his ability to create pop anthems that resonate with a wide audience. Kirkpatrick, who has produced hits for artists such as Dua Lipa and Justin Bieber, brings his knack for creating infectious beats that blend seamlessly with Carpenter’s vocals.
The result is a track that not only stands out in Carpenter’s discography but also in the current pop landscape. “Taste” balances catchy hooks with sharp, clever lyrics, making it a song that is both fun to listen to and rich in depth. The song’s playful yet dark tone is perfectly matched by the accompanying video, making it a complete package that showcases Carpenter’s evolution as an artist.
“Short n’ Sweet”: A New Era for Sabrina Carpenter
“Taste” is one of the standout tracks from Sabrina Carpenter’s newly released sixth album, “Short n’ Sweet.” The album, which dropped on Friday, marks a significant milestone in Carpenter’s career, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and a performer. With “Short n’ Sweet,” Carpenter has fully embraced her identity as an adult artist, shedding her Disney Channel image and stepping into a new, more mature phase of her career.
In a recent interview with Variety, Carpenter described “Short n’ Sweet” as the “hot older sister” of her previous album, “Emails I Can’t Send.” While “Emails” was a deeply personal project that explored themes of heartbreak and self-discovery, “Short n’ Sweet” is a more confident, self-assured album that reflects Carpenter’s growth over the past year. “It’s my second ‘big girl’ album,” she said. “It’s a companion but it’s not the same. When it comes to having full creative control and being a full-fledged adult, I would consider this a sophomore album.”
The album’s title, “Short n’ Sweet,” is a nod to Carpenter’s approach to life and music—keeping things concise, yet impactful. The album features a mix of upbeat pop tracks and more introspective ballads, showcasing Carpenter’s versatility as an artist. In addition to “Taste,” the album includes hit singles like “Please Please Please” and “Espresso,” both of which have already made their mark on the charts. Other tracks on the album include “Sharpest Tools,” “Coincidence,” “Good Graces,” “Slim Pickins,” “Juno,” “Lie to Girls,” “Bed Chem,” “Dumb & Poetic,” and “Don’t Smile,” all of which contribute to the album’s cohesive yet varied sound.
Inside “Short n’ Sweet”: Exploring the Tracklist
Each track on “Short n’ Sweet” tells a different story, yet they all fit together to create a cohesive narrative about love, loss, and self-discovery. “Please Please Please” is a catchy, upbeat anthem that captures the desperation of wanting someone’s attention, while “Espresso” is a high-energy track that compares the rush of love to the jolt of a strong cup of coffee.
“Sharpest Tools” is a more introspective track that explores the pain of being hurt by someone you trusted, while “Coincidence” is a lighter, more playful song about the serendipity of meeting someone special. “Good Graces” is a soulful ballad that reflects on the importance of forgiveness, while “Slim Pickins” is a fun, tongue-in-cheek track about navigating the dating scene. “Juno,” named after the Roman goddess of love and marriage, is a romantic, dreamy track that stands out as one of the album’s highlights.
“Lie to Girls” is a powerful anthem that addresses the pressures young women face to conform to societal expectations, while “Bed Chem” is a sultry, seductive track about the chemistry between two people. “Dumb & Poetic” is a bittersweet ballad that captures the conflicting emotions of falling in love, while “Don’t Smile” is a defiant, empowering track about staying true to yourself.
The “Sweet n’ Sour” Tour: A Must-See Event
To support the release of “Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter is embarking on her highly anticipated “Sweet n’ Sour” tour. The tour will kick off with a North American leg on September 23 in Columbus, Ohio, before making its way through the UK and Europe in 2025. Carpenter’s star power is evident, as she has already sold out 33 arena shows across North America, including iconic venues like New York’s Madison Square Garden and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
The tour is set to be a spectacular event, with Carpenter pulling out all the stops to create a memorable experience for her fans. She will be joined by a stellar lineup of supporting acts, including Amaarae, Griff, and Declan McKenna for the North American leg of the tour. These artists, each with their own unique style and fan base, will help set the stage for Carpenter’s performances, creating a diverse and exciting musical experience for concertgoers.
For the international leg of the tour, Carpenter will be joined by rising star Rachel Chinouriri, whose soulful voice and emotional songwriting have made her a standout in the music industry. Chinouriri’s music, which blends elements of indie, pop, and R&B, will provide the perfect complement to Carpenter’s eclectic setlist.
Sabrina Carpenter: A Star on the Rise
Sabrina Carpenter has come a long way since her days as a Disney Channel star. With “Short n’ Sweet,” she has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Her ability to blend catchy pop hooks with thoughtful, introspective lyrics has earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. As she continues to evolve as an artist, it’s clear that Carpenter’s star is only going to shine brighter.
The “Sweet n’ Sour” tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year, and fans won’t want to miss the chance to see Carpenter perform live. With a new album that showcases her growth and a tour that promises to be unforgettable, Sabrina Carpenter is proving that she’s not just a former child star—she’s a musical powerhouse who is here to stay.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her music, “Short n’ Sweet” and the “Sweet n’ Sour” tour offer the perfect introduction to the next chapter in Sabrina Carpenter’s career. As she continues to push the boundaries of pop music, there’s no doubt that Carpenter is an artist to watch in the years to come.
