Another vicious record review

Sabrina Carpenter was 22 years old when her life turned upside down, after being referenced as “that blonde girl” in Olivia Rodrigo’s hit single “driver’s license.” Carpenter faced relentless bullying as the song gained popularity, leading to widespread speculation about her relationship. It wasn't until her fifth studio album came out that she openly expressed her feelings regarding the matter.

Emails I can't send

The title track sets the tone for the album with its introspective lyrics. Carpenter shares her raw emotions about her father's affair, expressing the hurt and broken trust it caused. Lyrics like “And thanks to you, I, I can't love right / I get nice guys and villainize them” or “Cause you were all I looked up to / Now I can't even look at you” It's a powerful introduction giving listeners an insight into how vulnerable this project was for the singer.

Vicious

This song is a sharp departure from the softer opening, addressing a toxic relationship in the bridge. “You don't feel remorse, you don't feel the effects / 'Cause you don't think you hurt me if you wish me the best / I shoulda known all along, I was only the next one / To take your love songs as a promise” The production is edgy, and her vocal delivery is assertive, making it a standout track that many can resonate with.

Read your Mind

With a catchy chorus and relatable lyrics, "Read your Mind" explores the desire to know what someone else is thinking after struggling with mixed signals. “You say that you need to be alone / But night and day, want me at your beck and call / You say you know that you might be crossin' a line / I can't read your mind” It’s fun and easy to sing along to.

Tornado Warnings

This song has a metaphorical depth, comparing ignored red flags in a relationship to disregarded tornado warnings. “He didn't hold me in his arms / We didn't stumble over the pages of our relationship arc / Ignoring tornado warnings” It's a clever play on words, and allows for Carpenter's storytelling to shine through.

Because I liked a boy

Here, Carpenter addresses the judgment she faced in the public eye, regarding her last relationship with fellow singer and actor Joshua Bassett. The chorus stating “I'm a homewrecker, I'm a slut / I got death threats fillin' up semitrucks / Tell me who I am, guess I don't have a choice / All because I liked a boy” Even going as far as to tell listeners that everything went down after the couple had broken up. It's a personal ballad that discusses the consequences of her actions simply because she liked a boy.

Already Over

Reflecting on the end of a relationship, this song examines the delicate state of a relationship that's overstayed its welcome, detailing how she and her partner should have remained friends but are stuck in the pattern of being more. “Yeah, I say I'm done, but I'm still confused / How am I supposed to close the door when I still need the closure? / And I change my mind, but it's still on you / How am I supposed to leave you now that you're already over? The production compliments Carpenter's voice well, creating a somber yet beautiful atmosphere. 

How many things

Being one of the more underrated songs on the album, this one delivers a heartfelt punch with its raw lyrics and her crisp vocals. “I feel myself fallin' further down your priorities / And I still make excuses for you constantly / I wonder how many things you think about / Before, before you get to me” It perfectly captures the bittersweet act of reminiscing about someone you miss. Simple yet powerful.

Bet u wanna

Combining catchy beats with confident lyrics. Carpenter's voice carries the tune with an infectious energy that's sure to get listeners hooked. “Bet you miss me, bet you're reminiscin' / I bet you hate the way that you said goodbye / And you still can't even tell me why” It's an upbeat song that embodies the thrill of moving on to better.

Nonsense

This track originally gained popularity when the singer began changing the outro for each performance, making audiences excited to hear it live. It sets a playful tone for the album with its catchy beat and spirited vocals. “You gotta keep up with me / I got some young energy / I caught the L-O-V-E / How do you do this to me?” The lyrics are lively, and the production is clean.

Fast Times

A song that captures the fast-paced nature of growing up. “These are fast times and fast nights, yeah / No time for rewrites, we couldn't help it” It's a vibrant showcase of Carpenter's ability to craft a melody that's both memorable and energizing.

Skinny Dipping

A vulnerable and reflective song that showcases Sabrina's ability to craft a compelling narrative. Following running into your ex at a coffee shop and joining them for lunch as both of you think back to the relationship you once shared “And we won't say it, but both of us, we'll be thinkin' about / How different we are from those scared little kids that had those / Arguments in your garage / All the ways we sabotaged it / What it was and what it wasn't” The stripped-back instrumentation allows her voice and storytelling to take center stage.

Bad for Business

With a more mature sound, this track delves into the complexities of a relationship that's both irresistible and forbidden. “He's good for my heart, but he's bad for business / Tears me apart when he grants my wishes / All of my friends think I've gone crazy / But they don't know me like my baby” Her vocals are effortless, conveying the thrill that comes with a new relationship.

Decode

One of my personal favorites, the closing track offers a heartfelt ballad that reflects on the desire to understand where things went wrong throughout your relationship while simultaneously acknowledging how much you’ve grown as you reflect on your breakup as a whole. “But now I wonder why / I let your confusion keep me up at night / I'm so tired / Reread every single undertone and I / Overanalyzed it / Front, back, and beside it / Where else can we go? / There's nothin' left hеre to decode” Carpenter's vocals are emotional, and the outro is haunting.

Each song on "emails I can't send" contributes to the album's narrative, revealing different facets of Sabrina Carpenter's artistry. From the nonsensical fun of "Nonsense" to the emotional depths of "Decode," the album takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of her personal experiences, all while showcasing her vocal and lyrical expertise.