Sabrina Carpenter Bad Reviews Meaning and Review

Feb 146 min read

Updated: Feb 15

A Country-Pop Fusion Closer

Bad Reviews by Sabrina Carpenter is a standout closer for the Short N Sweet (Deluxe) album, showcasing a softer, more stripped-down side of the singer. Sabrina leans into country-inspired instrumentation that carries the track, allowing her vocals to shine through with a subtle southern twang. While it's a ballad that incorporates elements of pop, the fusion with country influences is incredibly effective. The sparse arrangement and Sabrina’s angelic voice create a beautifully intimate soundscape, making the song both soothing and emotionally powerful.

A Seamless Evolution in Sound

One of the most compelling aspects of the track is how it seamlessly evolves towards the end. The instrumental transforms into a more pronounced country sound, yet Sabrina's verse re-enters with such ease that the shift feels natural and fluid. This progression gives the song an added layer of depth, keeping the listener engaged throughout. Despite the changes in sound, it remains cohesive, with Sabrina’s voice serving as the anchor that ties everything together.

A Clever Commentary on Criticism

Lyrically, "Bad Reviews" is a clever commentary on both external criticism and personal relationships. Sabrina sings about receiving bad reviews—both from the media and from her circle of friends—but chooses to remain steadfast in her decisions. The song's title refers not only to the public scrutiny she faces as an artist but also to the opinions others may have about her love life. It’s a personal and vulnerable moment on the album, capturing Sabrina’s inner turmoil and resilience.

Love and Loyalty Beyond Judgement

What sets "Bad Reviews" apart is its dual focus. The song touches on not just Sabrina's own bad reviews but also those of her lover, creating a nuanced narrative. She expresses her willingness to stand by her partner, despite the red flags and the opinions of others. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is aware of the risks but is still choosing love, flaws and all. This theme resonates with anyone who has faced judgment for their choices, making the song relatable and heartfelt.

A Perfect Closer to the Deluxe Edition

In the end, "Bad Reviews" is a perfect closer for Short N Sweet (Deluxe). It’s raw, introspective, and showcases Sabrina Carpenter’s growth as an artist. The minimalistic production highlights her vulnerability, while the country-pop fusion adds a fresh twist to her sound. It’s a track that leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, the simplest songs can be the most impactful.

Listen to Sabrina Carpenter Bad Reviews

Sabrina Carpenter Bad Reviews Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of Bad Reviews by Sabrina Carpenter is a reflection on the complexities of love, where she navigates external judgments, personal doubts, and emotional vulnerability. The song captures the tension between criticism from others and her own resolve to stay committed in a relationship, despite the red flags and obstacles. Sabrina acknowledges the negative voices, both from the outside world and within herself, yet consciously chooses to remain in love. Through heartfelt lyrics and subtle self-awareness, Bad Reviews portrays a journey of emotional resilience, highlighting the challenges of staying true to oneself while grappling with the opinions of others.

Acknowledging External and Internal Criticism

In the opening verse, Sabrina acknowledges both external and internal criticisms surrounding her relationship. The “bad news” likely refers to public opinions or judgments from people who don’t know her personally, such as the media or online critics. The “bad reviews,” on the other hand, could stem from those closer to her, such as friends, family, or even herself. She admits that she’s had doubts and fears—“bad gut feelings”—which suggests that she’s aware of potential issues in the relationship. Despite these negative factors, she consciously chooses to stay in love, emphasizing her willingness to endure challenges and criticism for the sake of her relationship. This sets the tone of the song as a declaration of commitment in the face of doubt.

Longing for Companionship Despite Red Flags

In the second verse, Sabrina reveals her long-standing desire for companionship. She hints at having been single for a while, which has made her feel like she needs to prove something to herself and others—that she can make a relationship work. The line “If I close an eye, it’s almost like your red flags are blue” cleverly plays with the typical phrase “red flags” (warning signs in a relationship) and contrasts it with “blue flags,” which represent challenges that aren’t as severe. Sabrina admits she’s overlooking serious issues in her partner, possibly convincing herself that the problems are manageable or not as bad as they appear. However, despite acknowledging these potential flaws, she remains committed to staying in love, underlining her sense of loyalty even when it might not be entirely rational.

Emotional Complexity and Self-Awareness

The bridge delves deeper into the emotional complexity of the relationship. The reference to her partner being “fresh out of rehab” evokes the image of someone who has gone through a challenging or destructive phase, perhaps someone who has hurt her before or is trying to recover from past mistakes. Her admission that she’s “fresh out of any good judgment” shows self-awareness of her potentially poor decision-making when it comes to love. Despite recognizing that her behavior may not be the most sensible, she intentionally disregards these warning signs. The line “Just want someone to love me, who doesn’t?” reveals her vulnerability—beneath her reckless choices is a desire for love and connection, something deeply human and relatable. This adds emotional weight to the song, as Sabrina balances her need for love with her awareness of the risks involved.

Defying External Advice and Choosing Her Own Path

In the final verse, Sabrina reiterates the external pressures and concerns from her friends. The line “All the friends tryna save me while I, I cut them loose” highlights the conflict between her loved ones’ advice and her own decisions. Her friends are trying to protect her from potential heartbreak or bad choices, but she chooses to distance herself from their opinions. This shows a deep level of defiance—she’s determined to follow her own heart, even at the expense of relationships with those closest to her. The line “I refuse to be wrong again” indicates that she may have been hurt or made mistakes in the past, but she’s resolved not to let others’ opinions sway her this time. The irony of not wanting to “lose another boy that’s not even my boyfriend” speaks to the fragility of her current relationship—it’s not even official, yet she’s deeply invested. Despite all this uncertainty, Sabrina makes the deliberate choice to stay in love, emphasizing her emotional tenacity.

A Deliberate Choice to Love Despite the Odds

The outro is a simple but powerful conclusion to the song. By repeating “still, I choose to be in love with you,” Sabrina emphasizes her unwavering commitment, despite everything she has acknowledged throughout the song. This final declaration reinforces the central theme of the song—love as a conscious decision. Despite doubts, external criticism, and red flags, she continues to choose love. This line leaves the listener with a sense of Sabrina’s inner strength and resolve, even as she navigates the complexities and challenges of her relationship. In sum, Bad Reviews captures the tension between reason and emotion, highlighting Sabrina’s willingness to fight for love despite the odds. Through self-awareness and vulnerability, she portrays the complexity of holding onto love, even when it might seem illogical or fraught with risk.

Sabrina Carpenter Bad Reviews Lyrics

[Verse 1]

I've heard all the bad news and the bad reviews

Couple bad gut feelings, well, I've had them too

But, still, I choose to be in love with you

[Verse 2]

Been alone for so long, I've got somethin' to prove

If I close an eye, it's almost like your red flags are blue

So, still, I choose to be in love with you

[Bridge]

Sure, it feels a long past, like you're fresh out of rehab

And I'm fresh out of any good judgment

I'm intentionally careless, least I got self-awareness

Just want someone to love me, who doesn't?

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]