'Please, Please, Please' featuring Dolly Parton
This new version has a country twang to it, an ode to Parton’s music style. The best part of this release is the new music video of this song with the two driving off into the sunset like mother-daughter criminals. It’s amusing that a man, who coincidentally is dressed like Barry Keoghan in the original music video, is tied up in the back. Barry… she warned you from the start! While I enjoyed this collab, it would have been interesting to see Parton join in on the album’s country-like song, 'Slim Pickins'.
'15 Minutes'
This tune matches Carpenter’s usual innocent-sounding yet sexual lyrics and I’m here for it. It’s another bouncy pop song that I see myself dancing around my room to. If 'Juno' was too much for you, I’d suggest this one instead.
'Couldn’t Make It Any Harder'
This one surprised me because of its much slower and yearnful energy. I’m unsure if this was on purpose but it reminds me a lot of 'Hopelessly Devoted to You', from Grease, which she has sung on tour before. It has a similar sound and feels like a roles-reversed version of the song where she’s Danny instead of Sandy, addressing that she’s making it difficult for the other person to love her.
'Busy Woman'
If you need a song to strut down the street to and get you to class fast this one’s for you. This is another song that Carpenter sang on tour but is now providing a full release. It’s an amusing way to excuse rejection by blaming it on her being a “busy woman”. But who would reject Ms. Carpenter anyway?
'Bad Reviews'
The album wraps up with a lighter, acoustic song. This closer is a bit similar to 'Please, Please, Please', lyrics-wise, in that she ignores her friends' advice and she “refuse[s] to be wrong again”. She’s always ready to let us be delusional. Thanks girl!
Overall, I think these songs were a fun addition to an already great album, but I’m not sure any of them rank higher than the original album’s hits. Nevertheless, they certainly fit the vibe and in a way wrap up one era while possibly teasing a new one.