Alongside a string of hit singles and the Billboard-topping album Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter has solidified herself as a popstar icon. Although it might seem like her emergence into the spotlight is sudden, Carpenter has been in the industry for almost a decade. From releasing her debut record at 15 to her five subsequent albums, here’s a guide to getting to know Carpenter and her discography. 

Short n’ Sweet (2024)

• Length: 36 minutes
• Release date: Aug. 23, 2024
• Favorite song: “Juno”

Immediately from the first few songs on this album, it’s easy to see why there’s so much buzz around Sabrina Carpenter. Starting here gives you a feel of Carpenter’s trademark essence — her syntax-breaking lyrics, her catchy, atmospheric melodies and most notably, her nonsensical charm. Balancing relatability with clever wordplay, this album isn’t trying too hard to make big statements — Carpenter is just trying to have a good time. And in an industry where albums often try to take themselves too seriously, Carpenter brings the fun back.

Singular Act I (2018)

• Length: 25 minutes
• Release date: Nov. 9, 2018
• Favorite song: “Sue Me”

Released under Carpenter’s old label, Hollywood Records, Singular Act I did not get the same spotlight that her latest work has. Still, it effortlessly flows with the pop energy on Short n’ Sweet. Although missing the flawless cohesiveness of the most recent, you can tell Carpenter is promising from this album. Tracks like “Sue Me” and “Diamonds are Forever” deserved more recognition, especially with her stunning vocal range on display. 

Eyes Wide Open (2015)

• Length: 40 minutes
• Release date: April 14, 2015
• Favorite song: “Eyes Wide Open”

This album is pure candy pop, which makes sense as it hails from the debut album of a Disney star (Carpenter starred in the show “Girl Meets World” for 4 seasons). Don’t expect what you’ve been hearing so far — this album is all teen crushes and a sugary-sweet sound. Some of the lyrics are endearing, though, and listening to this album lets you appreciate just how much she’s grown over the years. 

Singular Act II (2019)

• Length: 28min
• Release date: July 19, 2019
• Favorite song: “Tell ‘Em”

You might think Singular Act II should be listened to alongside its counterpart, but listening to Carpenter’s debut first gives me a fresh appreciation for this album. Carpenter is growing into her own here, shifting out of random tracklists and into a more confident, put-together sound. If you’re a fan of some of Carpenter’s latest hits, you’ll love these, too. 

EVOLution (2016)

• Length: 33 minutes
• Release date: Oct. 14, 2016
• Favorite song: “On Purpose”

Although not my favorite album, this album feels like the predecessor for emails i can’t send, especially if you can consider Singular Act II and Short n’ Sweet a pair, too. Carpenter’s sound here is more conventional, missing some of the playfulness but still jam-packed with her concept-based pop songs. Tracks like “Thumbs” are fun standouts, although Carpenter seems to shy away from them (especially in live performances). This record requires a particular taste, but I can find myself revisiting some of these now and then. 

emails i can’t send (2022)

• Length: 51 minutes
• Release date: July 15, 2022
• Favorite song: “things i wish you said” & “skinny dipping” 

You’ve got to save the best for last. Carpenter’s switch to Island Records led to some of her most vulnerable and beautifully written songs to date. This record dials back the overproduction shown on some of her other works, letting the lyrics take center stage instead. “Nonsense,” “Feather” and “Fast Times” still echo some of what we’ve come to expect throughout her discography. This record has an honesty, but unlike that of Short n’ Sweet’s winking authenticity–it’s more like a heartfelt confession you’re a bit embarrassed to admit to yourself. It’s no wonder Carpenter’s popularity began to soar after this release–it proved to the world that Sabrina Carpenter is an artist worth paying attention to.