Sabrina Carpenter has navigated a remarkable journey to become one of today’s most recognized talents in entertainment. She began her acting career at just 12 years old, performing in Disney Channel’s beloved series Girl Meets World. In 2014, alongside her acting pursuits, she embarked on her music journey by signing with Disney’s Hollywood Records, marking the start of a multi-faceted career that fans have eagerly followed.
Carpenter’s music repertoire is extensive and showcases her evolution as an artist. Before she released the well-known album Short n’ Sweet, she had already produced a collection of records that highlighted her growth. From the youthful charm of Eyes Wide Open to the more assertive tones of Singular Act I and Singular Act II, Carpenter’s discography reflects her transformation from a girl next door to a confident pop sensation. Notably, her artistic journey spans five impressive albums leading up to her latest offering, which deserves attention when analyzing her expansive career.
5 Eyes Wide Open
Hollywood Records (2015)
At the young age of 15, Sabrina Carpenter released her debut album, Eyes Wide Open. This initial foray into the music industry included several tracks from her earlier EP, Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying, and established her as a fresh pop sensation. The album features a blend of influences, weaving together teen pop and subtle folk elements. Carpenter’s remarkable vocal range and dynamic performance style attracted many fans from her Disney Channel background, paving the way for her musical endeavors.
The singles from her EP, particularly “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying”and “The Middle of Starting Over,”drew favorable comparisons to the early work of pop superstar Taylor Swift. These songs capture the youthful exuberance of teenage love and the innocent missteps of adolescence. Additional highlights from Eyes Wide Open, including the title track, “Darling I’m a Mess,”and “Best Thing I Got,”delve deeper into young romance and relationships, presenting a relatable perspective. This album proved to be a promising glimpse into Sabrina Carpenter’s potential for achieving significant success.
Eyes Wide Open saw considerable recognition, especially due to extensive radio play on platforms like Radio Disney. It even earned Carpenter her first entry on the Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 43. The album, while anchored in teen pop, served as a pivotal moment that highlighted Carpenter’s journey towards broader success.
4 EVOLution
Hollywood Records (2016)
With the subsequent release of EVOLution in 2016, Carpenter took a significant step towards mainstream fame. This album showcased a departure from the folk influences of her debut, embracing a more dance-centric pop sound. This transformation marked a crucial turning point in her artistic direction, a change Carpenter herself acknowledged by naming the album after this personal evolution.
EVOLution is often regarded as one of Carpenter’s most underrated works. The album produced her first Billboard-charting song, “Thumbs,”which gracefully reached number 28 on the Pop Airplay chart. This infectious dance-pop track is a representation of Carpenter’s fun side, enabling her to reach a broader audience. Its release coincided with her appearances on national television shows like The Today Show and The Late Late Show with James Corden, marking her growing prominence in the music industry.
In support of the album, Carpenter embarked on her inaugural headlining tour, initiating a wave of admiration for her exceptional live performance skills. With powerhouse tracks like “On Purpose”and “Feels Like Loneliness,”she demonstrated her impressive vocal ability to live audiences, reinforcing her reputation as a performer.
3 Singular Act II
Hollywood Records (2019)
As she concluded her contract with Hollywood Records, Carpenter unveiled Singular Act II, a mature reflection on her experiences and emotions. As the continuation of Singular Act I, the album unveils a more vulnerable side of Carpenter, revealing her growth as both an artist and a woman. The lead single, “Pushing 20,”addresses self-identity and liberation from external perceptions, while the poignant track “Exhale”captures the emotional depth of her evolving artistry.
This record also earned Carpenter another entry on the Billboard 200 chart, as she delved into genres previously unexplored in her body of work. Fusing her signature dance-pop style with elements of R&B, Singular Act II represents Carpenter’s willingness to experiment while revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings.
One standout from the album, “Looking at Me,”has become one of her most streamed tracks, encapsulating the overarching message of the album. In an interview with Popcrush, she stated:
The album is all about that — it’s all about that owning your confidence. It’s like, yeah, I’m the center of attention right now, and I’m going to deal with who I am and love it.
Singular Act II, regarded as one of Carpenter’s most heartfelt albums, contrasts significantly with its predecessor. While both albums showcase her authenticity, the emotional tone of this release sets it apart, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her personal journey.
2 Singular Act I
Hollywood Records (2018)
In 2018, Carpenter’s Singular Act I continued the evolution of her musical style, pushing her distinct dance-pop sound further. This album was her most sophisticated release at the time, reflecting a glamorous, Hollywood-inspired aesthetic. The lead single “Almost Love”introduced an edgier vibe, diverging from her earlier, more youthful sound and offering fans a preview of her artistic maturation.
Alongside this album was the fan-favorite single “Sue Me,”an empowering anthem that begins with jazzy undertones and evolves into an upbeat electronic party track. Throughout the song, Carpenter showcases her vocal prowess, delivering some of the most striking vocal performances of her career to date. The closing track, “Diamonds Are Forever,”conveys a message of self-worth and empowerment, reinforcing Carpenter’s confidence throughout this project.
This album also featured stunning music videos and visuals, establishing a signature look that Carpenter would carry forward. The visually striking music video for “Paris”highlighted her sparkling persona, adorned in glamorous attire and cementing her style. On stage, she dazzled audiences with sequined outfits, creating a memorable visual identity that would define her brand.
1 emails i can’t send
Island Records (2022)
With the release of emails i can’t send, Sabrina Carpenter embarked on a new chapter as she transitioned to Island Records. This album exemplifies her emotional authenticity, presenting her most unfiltered self to date. The record denotes a reinvention in her style, marked by both a sonic shift and minimalist visuals.
Opening with the poignant piano ballad “emails i can’t send,” the album encapsulates her genuine feelings, serving as a powerful introduction to her new artistic direction. The title track reflects the internal monologues and unvoiced emotions we often grapple with, including candid references in her lyrics that address personal challenges.
Additionally, the album delves into the complications arising from her involvement in a high-profile love triangle featuring fellow Disney stars Joshua Bassett and Olivia Rodrigo. Carpenter portrays her experience as the “other girl,”skillfully weaving her emotions into songs exploring complex relationships, including the standout single “because i liked a boy.”
Despite its heavier themes, the album shines with upbeat highlights like the playful anthem “Nonsense”and the vibrant track “Fast Times,”showcasing her ability to balance vulnerability with infectious energy. Emails i can’t send stands as one of Carpenter’s most remarkable achievements, reflecting her evolution as an artist unafraid to expose her deepest fears and joys.