Sharp Lyrics, Big Beats, and One Shocking #1 – Ranking Sabrina Carpenter’s Best Songs Yet !
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Sabrina Carpenter has become one of pop music’s brightest stars, captivating audiences with her sharp lyricism, genre-blending versatility, and magnetic charisma. From her early days as a Disney Channel darling to her chart-dominating era with hits like Espresso and Please Please Please, Carpenter’s evolution is nothing short of remarkable. With her upcoming performances at BST Hyde Park on July 5 and 6, 2025, and a sold-out Short n’ Sweet UK arena tour, she’s cementing her status as a global sensation. To celebrate her meteoric rise, we’ve ranked her top 10 songs, exploring the artistry, emotion, and cultural impact behind each track. This 1000-word journey through her discography highlights why Carpenter is a force to be reckoned with in modern pop.
1. Espresso (Short n’ Sweet, 2024)
Topping our list is Espresso, the song that propelled Carpenter into pop superstardom. Released as the lead single from her 2024 album Short n’ Sweet, this synth-pop banger is an irresistible blend of cheeky confidence and infectious melody. With lyrics like “Say you can’t sleep, baby, I know / That’s that me, espresso,” Carpenter delivers a masterclass in playful innuendo. The song’s retro-inspired production, complete with funky basslines and shimmering synths, evokes a late-night coffee shop vibe—perfect for its flirtatious energy. Espresso didn’t just dominate charts; it became a cultural juggernaut, fueling TikTok trends and earning endless radio play. Its universal appeal and Carpenter’s sly vocal delivery make it her definitive anthem, a track that encapsulates her wit and star power.
2. Please Please Please (Short n’ Sweet, 2024)
A close second, Please Please Please is Carpenter at her most dynamic, blending vulnerability with biting humor. This country-pop gem, co-written with Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, is a plea to a lover to behave, wrapped in a glossy, radio-friendly package. The chorus—“Please, please, please / Don’t prove I’m right”—is both catchy and emotionally raw, showcasing Carpenter’s knack for turning personal stakes into universal relatability. The song’s music video, featuring a Bonnie-and-Clyde-inspired narrative with Barry Keoghan, adds a cinematic layer to its storytelling. Its genre-blending production and Carpenter’s emotive performance make it a standout, proving she can tackle heartbreak with a wink and a smile.
3. Nonsense (Emails I Can’t Send, 2022)
Few songs capture Carpenter’s personality as vividly as Nonsense. From her 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send, this bubbly pop track is a whirlwind of clever wordplay and carefree charm. Lyrics like “I don’t want no one else / Unless they got a lot of wealth” are delivered with a mischievous grin, while the song’s upbeat tempo keeps it endlessly replayable. What elevates Nonsense is Carpenter’s live performance tradition of improvising city-specific outros, turning each show into a unique experience for fans. This interactivity, combined with the song’s infectious energy, has made it a fan favorite and a testament to her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.
4. Sue Me (Singular: Act I, 2018)
Long before her mainstream breakthrough, Carpenter was crafting empowering anthems like Sue Me. Released on her 2018 album Singular: Act I, this bubblegum-pop track is a bold kiss-off to an ex, dripping with confidence and attitude. The lyric “Sue me for looking so pretty tonight” is a perfect encapsulation of her unapologetic swagger. The song’s polished production and soaring vocals highlight her early potential as a pop heavyweight. While it didn’t achieve the chart success of her later hits, Sue Me remains a fan favorite for its defiant spirit and timeless catchiness, proving Carpenter’s knack for crafting radio-ready bangers even in her teens.
5. Feather (Emails I Can’t Send Fwd:, 2023)
Feather, from the deluxe edition of Emails I Can’t Send, is a breezy, dream-pop gem that showcases Carpenter’s versatility. The song’s airy production and featherlight melody contrast its biting lyrics, which serve as a subtle middle finger to a toxic ex. Lines like “I’m so done with you / I’m lighter than a feather” are delivered with effortless cool, making it a perfect blend of sass and serenity. The pastel-colored music video, with its whimsical choreography, amplifies the song’s laid-back vibe. Feather is a reminder of Carpenter’s ability to make even her most scathing sentiments sound like a summer breeze.
6. Bed Chem (Short n’ Sweet, 2024)
Leaning into her sultry side, Bed Chem is a standout from Short n’ Sweet that balances seduction with playfulness. The song’s nostalgic synth-pop production, reminiscent of early 2000s hits, pairs perfectly with Carpenter’s suggestive lyrics about undeniable chemistry. Phrases like “Who’s the cute boy with the thick accent?” are delivered with a knowing smirk, making the track both provocative and fun. Its sleek arrangement and Carpenter’s confident vocals make Bed Chem a masterclass in modern pop, proving she can push boundaries while keeping things accessible.
7. Because I Liked a Boy (Emails I Can’t Send, 2022)
One of Carpenter’s most vulnerable tracks, Because I Liked a Boy is a raw exploration of the fallout from rumored drama involving Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett. The song’s stripped-back production and confessional lyrics—“I said I was fine / But it wasn’t true”—lay bare the pain of public scrutiny. Carpenter’s vocal delivery is heartbreaking yet restrained, letting the story take center stage. The track’s emotional depth and relatability make it a cornerstone of Emails I Can’t Send, showcasing her growth as a songwriter unafraid to tackle personal controversies.
8. Slim Pickins (Short n’ Sweet, 2024)
Carpenter’s country roots shine on Slim Pickins, a twangy, tongue-in-cheek lament about the dating pool’s shortcomings. With lyrics like “He doesn’t even know how to spell ‘you’,” the song is both hilarious and heartfelt, delivered with Carpenter’s buttery vocals. The acoustic-driven production gives it a rustic charm, hinting at her potential to dominate the country-pop crossover scene. Slim Pickins is a testament to her ability to blend humor and authenticity, making it a highlight of Short n’ Sweet.
9. Fast Times (Emails I Can’t Send, 2022)
Cinematic and sultry, Fast Times captures the chaos of living life at breakneck speed. Its sleek production, complete with pulsing synths and driving percussion, feels like a high-speed chase through a neon-lit city. Carpenter’s confident vocals and vivid storytelling—“I’m running on adrenaline”—make it a thrilling addition to Emails I Can’t Send. The song’s energy and polish highlight her ability to craft pop songs that feel both intimate and larger-than-life.
10. Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying (Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying EP, 2014)
A nostalgic nod to her Disney beginnings, Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying is a charming slice of teen pop from Carpenter’s 2014 debut EP. Written by Meghan Trainor, the song’s earnest lyrics and acoustic melody capture the innocence of young love. While it lacks the edge of her later work, its simplicity and sincerity make it a timeless gem. It’s a reminder of Carpenter’s early promise and a fitting bookend to this ranking.
Why Sabrina Carpenter’s Music Resonates
Carpenter’s journey from Disney star to pop icon is defined by her ability to evolve while staying true to her voice. Her pre-Emails I Can’t Send albums, like Singular: Act I and Act II, laid the groundwork for her signature blend of pop, R&B, and country influences. With Emails I Can’t Send and Short n’ Sweet, she’s embraced vulnerability, humor, and genre experimentation, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Her songs resonate because they’re authentic—whether she’s poking fun at herself, baring her soul, or delivering a sassy takedown, Carpenter’s personality shines through.
Her live performances amplify this connection. From improvising Nonsense outros to commanding arenas on her Short n’ Sweet tour, she’s a performer who thrives in the spotlight. As she prepares for BST Hyde Park and her UK shows in 2025, fans are eager to see her bring these songs to life. Tickets for her performances are available through Ticketmaster, though high demand has pushed many to resale platforms like viagogo. Fans should review terms to ensure a seamless experience.