Sabrina Carpenter Returns for a Lush, “Singular” Second Act

While the message of the second act seamlessly connects with the first, the body of work is not as cohesive as its predecessor. Sonically, the first act provides a diverse selection – equally parts confident and intimate.

Sabrina Carpenter has been balancing several projects lately. She was recently added to the new Netflix film, Work It and is producing and starring in a YA movie adaption of The Distance From Me to You. However, despite her recent successes in film, she has returned to the music scene with one final act to her Singular release.

Eight months after the release of Singular: Act I, the sequel and final act of Sabrina Carpenter’s release has provided a similar pop and synth-inspired companion. While touring for her first EP, she gave a taste of the second act with “Pushing 20” – an empowering song about not taking in every person’s opinion and simply, doing you.

This release keeps in the theme with one of the most important aspects of this release: self-identity. Tracks like the Saweetie-assisted “I Can’t Stop Me” and “Take Off All Your Cool” provide a confident, assured message for her younger fans. This record helps provide the perfect pop-infused summer refreshment for Generation Z.

Album highlights include “Take Off All Your Cool,” “In My Bed” and “Looking at Me.” These tracks provide a fun and honest glimpse into the former Disney star. Most notably, single “In My Bed” dispels any sensual innuendos by giving listeners a raw glimpse about self-awareness and personal insecurities.

“It’s funny, because by the title, a lot of people thought it was going to be a very sensual song,” she shared in the recent track-by-track interview with People Magazine. “It ended up being about being in your head about everything and physically feeling like you cannot leave your bed.”

While the message of the second act seamlessly connects with the first, the body of work is not as cohesive as its predecessor. Sonically, the first act provides a diverse selection – equally parts confident and intimate. The second part is an equally dazzling effort, but proves to have some missteps, like the odd “Take You Back.”

Overall, Carpenter is proving that she is a young voice to be reckoned with. Her evolution from older tracks like “Thumbs” and “Why” is transparent and inspiring to watch. However, the real question is – what’s her next move?

In the same People interview, Carpenter discussed about how this EP was a transformative experience for her as an artist, while providing commentary to her next stages of growth.

“There’s been a lot that has happened in my life that made me want to reflect,” she shared. “I feel like this past year is definitely — ups and downs-wise — like a roller coaster. It’s taught me a lot, that’s for sure. But it also stretched me to different places that I didn’t think that I could go before.”

Carpenter has not yet announced any touring efforts for this record. Sabrina Carpenter’s Singular Act: Part II is available to stream here.

Photo courtesy of Hollywood Records