Sabrina Carpenter is on fire right now with the release of her newest album, Man’s Best Friend, and the final leg of her “Short n’ Sweet” tour closing Nov. 23. But before her recent rise in popularity, Carpenter made a bold move in 2023 by releasing Fruitcake, a Christmas EP. While it didn’t gain widespread attention at the time, Fruitcake is a delightful holiday collection that feels destined to become a seasonal classic.
The EP opens with “A Nonsense Christmas,” a festive remix of her hit song “Nonsense,” immediately setting a fun, playful tone. The track is a jolly, pun-filled rendition of a fan favorite and serves as a successful fusion of pop and Christmas music, making it a strong introduction to the project.
The tone briefly shifts with two moodier tracks, “Is It New Years Yet?” and “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do.” While both songs stand out, “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do” is the stronger of the two. Carpenter leans into her emotions, blending heartbreak with wintery vibes to create a song that feels both personal and relatable.
“Cindy Lou Who” is another standout, as Carpenter channels her inner Dolly Parton in a song reminiscent of “Jolene.” The EP also includes one cover, “White Xmas,” a modern spin on Bing Crosby’s classic “White Christmas.” Carpenter’s vocals add a fresh warmth to the song, making it a fitting and heartfelt way to close the EP.
My personal favorite. In my opinion, the best track on the project is “Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do.” Despite being a Christmas song, it has a unique sound that works year-round. Fans of moody, breakup or emotional music will find plenty to love in this track.
Though short and sweet, Fruitcake packs a powerful holiday punch, and its songs are sure to earn a place in many playlists this season.
