Don’t be short n’ sweet, give us the longest goodbye

This Valentine’s Day, Sabrina Carpenter and Role Model released deluxe versions of their biggest albums, and let’s just say—it wasn’t all love.

Both artists had breakthrough years in 2024, with Carpenter getting everyone dancing to “Espresso” and Tucker Pillsbury (Role Model) making us cry with “Deeply Still in Love.” If Carpenter is set to become one of pop’s biggest stars, Harry Styles might want to book some studio time before Pillsbury takes the title of “biggest hot pop guy.”

Still sweet but no longer short, Carpenter added four original songs and a remix to her album’s deluxe edition. The Grammy-winning album traces her dating life, heartbreak, and self-discovery, and the new tracks fit right into that theme. “15 Minutes” brings back the cheeky innuendos that made her a social media favorite, but beyond the wordplay, she stands her ground, mocking those who think her fame will be short-lived. The only misstep? The “Please, Please, Please” remix featuring Dolly Parton. 

Remixing a hit is rarely a great idea, and while Sabrina got her dream collaboration, some things are best left untouched. That said, the Thelma & Louise-inspired music video made up for it, confirming Barry’s character from her last video to be dead. Brutal for Valentine’s Day, but hey—she warned him not to embarrass her.

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For those who remember the grainy Eras Tour live streams, on Feb. 16, Melbourne Night One, Sabrina covered “Hopelessly Devoted to You” in tribute to Olivia Newton-John. The internet never forgot, and neither did she. “Couldn’t Make It Any Harder” samples the Grease classic, this time making it clear that she’s not a hopeless romantic but someone worn down by a relationship, rejecting her partner’s advances. Unlike Sandy, she’s no longer hopelessly in love.

If you got the Short n’ Sweet(er) issue, “Busy Woman” isn’t new to you, but for the rest of us, it’s finally here in studio form. With danceable production and sharp lyrics, it’s the sister track to “Juno” and “Bed Chem,” balancing Sabrina’s pop star life with her relationships. She closes out with “Bad Reviews,” ironically titled, since this album won’t be getting any. With humor, she admits her biggest flaw: her taste in men.

While Sabrina’s deluxe ties up her album by owning her choices, Role Model’s serves as a final goodbye to his past relationship with Emma Chamberlain. If Carpenter had you dancing, prepare to cry—Pillsbury delivered heartbreak for Valentine’s Day.

Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye) picks up right where the original album left off, with Pillsbury questioning if he and Chamberlain will ever reunite. Since their breakup in October 2023, she’s moved on with Peter McPoland, and through four new songs, Pillsbury finally processes it all.

In “Old Recliners,” he reflects on their past, missing both the moments and her. The phrase “thinking ’bout you, you in the moment” loops throughout, showing how stuck he is in those memories.

“Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” has been teased for months and recently picked up traction on social media. Despite its upbeat production, it’s far from uplifting. Some interpret it as a critique of people who rush into new relationships, but for those who love dissecting lyrics, it could also be about his struggle with drinking, a recurring theme in his music.

If the last track gave a false sense of hope, “Some Protector” shuts it down. This guitar-heavy song makes one thing clear: even though his ex has moved on, he still feels the need to look out for her. Whether that’s love or something else entirely, he doesn’t seem ready to let go.

If Valentine’s Day wasn’t ruined, “The Longest Goodbye” delivers the final gut punch. With vintage-like production, Tucker finally reaches closure. Where he once ended the album saying, “It’s clear to me they’re meant to be somehow, somehow someday,” he now understands it’s over, singing, “And I don’t think I love you anymore, but I don’t think I’ll ever be so sure.” After all this, he’s finally ready to move on.

Deluxe albums can feel like unnecessary extensions, but both artists used theirs to close a chapter. In the end: Pop is thriving, love is not — and  the world is healing.