## Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega Embrace Absurdity in "Taste" Music Video, Showcasing "Short n' Sweet" Album's Playful Edge
Sabrina Carpenter's latest
music video for "Taste" from her sixth studio album, "Short n' Sweet,"
is a masterclass in playful absurdity, blending dark humor with a visual feast
of exaggerated gore. The video, featuring a cameo from fellow "Halloween"
actress Jenna Ortega, throws caution to the wind, embracing the unconventional
and injecting a dose of Tarantino-esque energy into Carpenter's already vibrant
musical landscape.
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## Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega Embrace Absurdity in "Taste" Music Video, Showcasing "Short n' Sweet" Album's Playful Edge
The "graphic violence
"
warning that precedes the video, while initially hinting at a dramatic shift in
tone, quickly becomes a playful misdirection. Carpenter and Ortega, locked in a
battle over a shared love interest (played by fellow "Halloween" actor
Rohan Campbell), engage in an over-the-top, cartoonish display of violence. Ortega
sets Carpenter ablaze, severs her arm, throws her from a window, impales her on
a fence, and even electrocutes her, all to a soundtrack of Carpenter's
infectious pop melody.
The absurdity of the violence
is undeniable, making the video both darkly comedic and visually captivating. It's
a stark departure from Carpenter's previous work, which leaned heavily on
themes of heartbreak and self-discovery, but it's this playful exploration of
the macabre that elevates "Taste" from a simple music video into a
creative statement. The video's aesthetic, with its bright colors and
exaggerated violence, calls to mind the visual style of films like "Death
Becomes Her" and "Kill Bill," showcasing Carpenter's willingness
to push boundaries and experiment with genre.
The comedic element
is
further amplified by the surprising twist ending, where Carpenter and Ortega, having
seemingly murdered each other and their shared lover, walk away from his
funeral, sipping coffee and discussing the deceased. The scene is both darkly
humorous and strangely relatable, highlighting the universal experience of
shared grievances and the occasional need for a laugh in the face of adversity.
Beyond the captivating
visuals, "Taste" also serves as a compelling preview of the
overarching themes and sonic landscape of "Short n' Sweet." The album, which follows the success of
Carpenter's 2020 album "Emails," embraces a more mature and self-assured
sonic direction. Carpenter, who co-wrote "Taste" alongside
songwriting powerhouses Julia Michaels and Amy Allen, has described the album as "the hot
older sister" of "Emails," showcasing a newfound confidence and
playful exploration of themes that resonate with her growing adult fanbase.
While Carpenter
has
consistently released music that explores complex emotions, "Short n' Sweet"
marks a significant evolution in her songwriting and production. The album, featuring
the previously released singles "Please Please Please" and "Espresso,"
delves into themes of self-discovery, romantic relationships, and the
complexities of navigating adulthood. This
is evident in the diverse range of songs on the album, including the poignant
ballad "Good Graces," the upbeat pop anthem "Sharpest Tools,"
and the introspective "Juno."
The "Short n' Sweet"
album and its accompanying tour are testament to Carpenter's dedication to her
craft and her ambition to push creative boundaries. The album's playful exploration of dark humor,
its focus on mature themes, and its diverse musical palette showcase Carpenter's
artistic growth and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal
level.
The "Sweet n' Sour"
tour, which will kick off on September 23 in Columbus, Ohio, will further
showcase Carpenter's dynamic performance style and the album's musical
diversity. Carpenter has already sold out a run of 33 arena shows in North
America, including dates in
Carpenter's willingness to
embrace the unexpected and her commitment to crafting music that resonates with
a diverse audience are key to her continued success. The "Taste" music
video, a playful and subversive take on the usual pop music video formula, showcases
Carpenter's ability to surprise and delight her fans while leaving them wanting
more. With the release of "Short n'
Sweet" and the upcoming "Sweet n' Sour" tour, Carpenter is
poised to solidify her place as one of the most exciting and innovative artists
in the pop music landscape. Her music
continues to evolve, reflecting her own personal growth and her commitment to
pushing creative boundaries, making her a force to be reckoned with in the music
industry.