Aside from a few songs, this album was a snoozer. Usually, artists release albums when they have something to say or new tricks to show, but it seems like Sabrina Carpenter just wanted to cash out again.

I am just so over her whole schtick. Feel free to write music exclusively about being horny and dating terrible men, but at least make it interesting, girl. I actually really enjoyed her pre-Espresso album, Emails I Can't Send, because she showed range, perspective, and self-awareness. The latter is severely missing on this album. Her songwriting is tired, but gets away with it by being wrapped in shiny production.

Speaking of production, that is definitely my favorite aspect of this release. I would love to see her lean entirely into the funk sound she displays on some of the songs here. I think it suits her voice and brand well, and would be an interesting addition to the modern pop music scene.

Lastly, I would be remiss to not mention my thoughts on the feminist debate this album has created. I personally found her album cover to be harmful, especially considering that her fan base is full of young girls and women. People love to say that opinion is prude-ish and that the whole thing is actually satirical. After listening to the album, I'm failing to see the satire. Instead, I see the rollout of this album as a cope, like she opted to make it seem like a joke to lessen the sadness of her situation. It really is just a dehumanizing album cover paired with a tracklist full of stories of a successful, capable woman lamenting over being treated subhumanly. Maybe I am a prude, but I feel to see the humor here.

I appreciate Sabrina Carpenter as an artist who can make great singles, but her mainstream albums have continued to disappoint. Almost all of these could've been released as an EP or a side B to Short and Sweet, and some of them just could've stayed unreleased. This is a fine album sonically, but just feels like a lesser version of her past releases. Take a break, girl.