You simply can’t escape the infectious melodies of this pint-sized pop sensation, Sabrina Carpenter. From the cheeky line “That’s that me espresso” to the playful “Don’t embarrass me, mother trucker,” Carpenter’s catchy hooks have dominated the airwaves, becoming the soundtrack of not just the summer, but an entire year of pop music. 

At just 4’11”, Carpenter may be small in stature, but her presence in the entertainment world has been anything but. For over a decade, she has been in the public eye: first capturing audiences as the star of Disney’s Girl Meets World and then transitioning into a music career that has been steadily gaining momentum.

While her rise was gradual, it became impossible to ignore her in the past year when her single “Nonsense” made waves, peaking at no. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking only her second time on the charts. What truly set “Nonsense” apart, though, was its success on Billboard’s Top 10 Pop Airplay chart, where it reached no. 10, signaling that Carpenter’s music career was hitting a new stride.

The success of “Nonsense” was further amplified by the unique live experience she brought to her Emails I Can’t Send tour, where she surprised fans each night by improvising new outros to the song, keeping performances fresh and exciting. Riding the wave of this success, Carpenter followed up with the release of “Feather” on the deluxe edition of Emails I Can’t Send: fwd.

This track took her success even further, reaching no. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming her first-ever entry into the Top 40. It also marked Carpenter’s first no. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart. Internationally, “Feather” made its way into the top 20 in countries like Honduras, Latvia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, cementing Carpenter’s global appeal.

With the world eagerly anticipating her next move, the release of her sixth studio album on Aug. 23 was met with excitement from both fans and pop music enthusiasts in general.

The album kicks off with the bold and energetic debut track “Taste,” a song that sets the tone for what fans have nicknamed the “ovulation” album: a perfect description for a record that delves into themes of desire, confidence, and feminine empowerment. “Taste” establishes the confident, cheeky tone of the album, offering an infectious blend of pop sensibilities that quickly grabs the listener’s attention.

The third track on the album, “Good Graces,” stands out with its heavy influences of both mainstream pop and K-pop, combining vibrant melodies with a playful, energetic beat. It’s one of the most fun and memorable tracks on the record, showcasing Carpenter’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. The song’s irresistible hook makes it a fan favorite, adding a new layer to the album’s diverse sonic landscape.

It’s an album that not only captivates but also proves that Carpenter is here to stay, her melodies becoming the defining soundtrack for fans worldwide.

Another standout is the 11th track, “Juno,” inspired by the beloved 2007 film of the same name and the Roman goddess of fertility. The song has been affectionately nicknamed the “sister song” to “Nonsense” due to its playful and raunchy themes.

“Juno” is a flirtatious anthem filled with witty lyrics about lust and making someone fall in love. The upbeat, bouncy instrumentation and Carpenter’s sultry vocals make it an undeniable hit, adding a mischievous charm to the album. The song’s catchy melody and tongue-in-cheek lyrics make it both fun and addictive, proving Carpenter’s talent for crafting pop anthems with a playful edge.

The album’s final track, “Don’t Smile,” offers a stark contrast to the lively energy of earlier songs. Slower and more introspective, the song reflects on the bittersweet nature of endings, playing on the classic phrase, “smile because it happened; don’t cry because it’s over.” It’s a deeply emotional track that captures the sentiment of looking back on a relationship or moment in life with a mixture of sadness and gratitude.

Musically, “Don’t Smile” is influenced by the R&B-inspired niche of pop, much like the sound pioneered by artists such as Ariana Grande. The minimalistic production combined with Carpenter’s soulful, vulnerable vocals allow her voice to take center stage, showcasing her impressive range and control. It’s a stunning conclusion to the album, offering a sense of closure while leaving listeners with a lingering emotional impact.

Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album is a masterclass in blending fun, flirtatious pop with deeper, emotional undertones. From the upbeat energy of tracks like “Taste” and “Good Graces” to the reflective beauty of “Don’t Smile,” the album solidifies Carpenter’s place as a pop star with both versatility and staying power. It’s an album that not only captivates but also proves that Carpenter is here to stay, her melodies becoming the defining soundtrack for fans worldwide.

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featured image graphic by EMILY STEPHENS