Sabrina Carpenter keeps going harder and harder

taylor swift and sabrina carpenterPhoto byvogue magazine

Sabrina Carpenter is a fire new artist dominating the charts with tracks like “Please Please Please” and “Taste” has become an icon of late and a household name but what led to her fame? Today on the 2020 report we will be doing a deep dive on Sabrina Carpenter, rise to fame and her path and impact on the music game.

To understand her story is understanding the underdog slow rise which is what I found personally compelling about her story. Sabrina stated quote “In moments of frustration it can always feel like a let down, but it turns out, it’s a good thing. I have loved getting to know the mindset of a slow rise” end quote She began her music career at the age of ten and was discovered by Disney via an audition for a Miley Cyrus esc tv role. Bringing her onto ‘Girl meets World’ at the age of fourteen signing with Disney Hollywood records.

Sabrina carpenterPhoto byrolling stone

In 2021 she steps into mainstream awareness when she signs to a bigger record label island records. Without much surprise Hannah Montana was one of her biggest inspirations later building her career success off that early aspirational foundation. Leading to an intriguing paradox, Sabrina Carpenter very well may be inspiring an unknown young girl out there to follow in her footsteps much as she did with Hannah Montana before her, what a positive and loving feedback loop don’t you think?

Now back to her career backstory, she first gained mainstream buzz or shall I say notoriety thanks to a controversy over one of her relationships which turned out to be an entire love triangle. In her song “Because I liked a Boy” she describes the situation, “Everything is derailing was only trying to hold you close while your heart was failing it’s not internet illusions just two kids going through it. You said it’s too late to be your first love but I’ll always be your favourite. Now I’m the homewrecker, I'm the slut,… tell me who I am. I have no choice all because I liked a boy.”

Within this song's theme of frustration and heartbreak her vocals were on full display as she showcased her sorrowful tone. Transitioning her from a Disney star to full fledged Music Artist; And what solidifies this transition was her ability to set herself apart from the likes of Taylor Swift by foregoing the squeaky clean image and dipping into a raunchy almost humorous style more accustomed for a teenage to early adulthood audience rather than looking for wider appeal as Taylor Swift did putting her on the map as a unique new female artist.

She also added unique outros to her live shows giving something each of her concert audiences could record and post on social media (especially TikTok).

This did two things adding variety to her performances while simultaneously making the expectation of a good and unique performance. Rather than the usual rehashed performances of other artists. This incentivizes her fan base to buy her concert tickets to not miss the live shows' unique closing performances. Which she recently reinvigorated this love triangle theme in her latest hit “Taste” where she featured jenna ortega playing as Olivia Rodrigo presenting for us the drama, heartbreak and jealousy that can culminate out of it (of course with some intimate scenes we won’t touch on here).

sabrina carpenterPhoto bytumblr

Ms. Carpenter stands in contrast to the countless internet sensations to rise and fall in the music industry, with her body of work making it clear she’s here to stay.

What makes her standup the most though and what I like personally most about her is her ability to make positive pop music giving listeners a break from the frustrated Sad girl era seen with the likes of Taylor Swift, Billie Eillish, Summer Walker, SZA and Lana Del Ray’s of the world.

Yet she manages to keep it classy and not too arrogant, in contrast to Meghan thee Stallion, Cardi B and the Ice Spice’s of the world. A teenage girl’s life has depth and is often characterised by either feeling on top of the world or depressed and Sabrina Carpenter beautifully illustrates that the former theme can be accomplished without relying too heavily on the negative aspects of a teenage girl's life which is what draws audiences to her.

If you haven’t noticed already Sabrina separates herself in not just her themes and vocals but also her aesthetic: despite having a girly aesthetic like Taylor Swift she remains distinct with her Marilyn Monroe, Madonna-esk West side story, 50s style damsel in distress look.

But don’t be fooled by her looks she does every once in awhile indulges in some spicy flair with lines like “M**F** ahh” in her song ‘Please Please Please’ adding authentic and comedic relief that leaves one at utter disbelief.

sabrinaPhoto byrolling stone

To put it lightly, 2024 has been Sabrina’s year dominating the charts at number one and number two with “Please Please Please” and “Espresso” topping the charts with just two songs proving not only she is not a one hit wonder but a versatile artist here to stay.