Sabrina Carpenter Has Emails She Can’t Send. Here’s Why

Sabrina Carpenter is back with the release of her long-awaited fifth studio album, emails I can’t send. Delivered in her trademarked breathy vocal style with girlish giggles that invoke the irony of her lyrics, Ms. Carpenter has delivered a deeply personal and introspective project that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Unlike her previous albums, which exuded innocence and confidence, “emails I can’t send” showcases Carpenter’s raw and gritty side, revealing her journey of resilience and self-discovery.

The album opens with the haunting title track, a poignant reflection on betrayal and trust issues. Carpenter’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a daughter grappling with the fallout of her father’s infidelity.

And thanks to you, I can’t love right
I get nice guys and villainize them…
… And, God, I love you, but you’re such a dipshit
Please fucking fix this

‘Cause you were all I looked up to
Now I can’t even look at you…

This tear-jerker lays the foundation for a collection of raw, reflective, and emotionally charged songs.

A nod to the 1975 Chicago musical and low-key piano melodies gives way to a seamless transition to ‘Vicious,’ where she explores the complexities of her own failed relationships with passion and intensity. Coupled with Carpenter’s powerful vocals and poignant storytelling, this track is a captivating listening experience that resonates with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Track #3, ‘Read your Mind,’ is a Nu Disco banger and offers a front-row seat into Carpenter’s musical evolution, blending elements of her past works with a fresh and innovative sound that signals a new chapter in her artistic journey. Ms. Carpenter’s swagger is on full display as this 70s groove melts your speakers and earbuds, and it comes complete with vintage album hisses and pops, as any proper disco record would. Thanks to her skilled producers, the vocal layering is exemplary. 

Many people can relate to Tornado Warnings. Making her finest Taylor Swift impression, Carpenter admits she sees red flags in her relationship but ignores them and tries to convince herself they aren’t real—effectively lying to herself, her audience, and the therapist she sings about in the song. 

‘Because I Liked a Boy’ lays bare Carpenter’s experiences with public scrutiny after the drama she experienced over Oliva Rodrigo‘s breakthrough hit “Drivers License.” If you missed it, the Rodrigo hit blew up because it was based on a rumored real-life love triangle. Some fans thought the song was about Rodrigo’s HSMTMTS co-star Joshua Bassett. The “blonde girl”—whom the song hints is Bassett’s girlfriend after Rodrigo—is Carpenter. Though Bassett and Carpenter didn’t directly address the rumor, they were still flooded with angry messages on their social media. Carpenter, specifically, was slut-shamed.

‘Because I Liked a Boy’ tugs at the heartstrings with its unapologetic sincerity. It is a narrative that speaks volumes, leaving no room for ambiguity as Carpenter shares her journey with unwavering honesty.

Now I’m a homewrecker, I’m a slut
I got death threats filling up semi-trucks

Tell me who I am, guess I don’t have a choice
All because I liked a boy.

As the album progresses, we are treated to a spectrum of emotions and experiences that capture the essence of love’s complexity. Tracks like ‘Already Over’ and ‘how many things’ showcase Carpenter’s lyrical prowess, drawing inspiration from the likes of Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves. The juxtaposition of paradoxical musings and vulnerable confessions mirrors the intricate dance of love and loss, vividly depicting human relationships in all their intricacies.

The album’s latter half takes a playful turn, infusing a sense of hope and nostalgia into the narrative. Tracks like ‘bet u wanna’ and ‘Nonsense’ exude confidence and boldness, showcasing Carpenter’s versatility as an artist. The transition from reflective melancholy to buoyant optimism is seamless, offering a dynamic listening experience that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

The album’s lead singles, ‘skinny dipping’ and ‘Fast Times,’ delve deeper into the aftermath of a relationship, exploring themes of intimacy and introspection. Carpenter’s experimental approach to music shines through in ‘skinny dipping,’ where the spoken word takes center stage, offering a unique and refreshing take on storytelling. The instrumental bridges in both singles envelop listeners in a cocoon of melodic bliss, creating a sonic landscape that is both captivating and immersive.

With this album, Carpenter showcases her musical talent and offers a glimpse into her inner world, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside her. Each song is a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and transform, leaving a lasting impact on all who dare to press play and immerse themselves in Carpenter’s soul-stirring melodies.