Sabrina Carpenter confronts her ex on the new single, “Vicious” from her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, emails i can’t send.
‘emails i can’t send’
IS OUT JULY 15th 💌
+new song vicious out tonight!
thank u for being patient with me :’)
i think it’s worth the wait
presave in bio
Presave the album here.
“Vicious” by Sabrina Carpenter
“Vicious” is the (supposed) third single from emails i can’t send, behind “Skinny Dipping” and “Fast Times” (not confirmed through tracklist yet). The song is a justified pointed stab at her ex, Joshua Bassett, who did nothing to help her amid the Olivia Rodrigo drama. The sound has similar production to Selena Gomez‘s “Bad Liar,” with Carpenter’s beautiful breathy vocals and laidback guitar and claps.
On the first verse, she says, “You’re lucky I’m a private person / I’ve quietly carried your burden / And everyone thinks you’re an angel / But shit, I would probably use different wording.” With the chorus, the production doesn’t pop (which isn’t bad!) but instead places heavy emphasis on her message of betrayal: “Oh, you’re so vicious / Love me, then pretend you didn’t / Crush my heart and wreck my image / Why you gotta be so vicious?”
The soft chill production didn’t change much until the song’s bridge, which went momentarily viral on Twitter upon its release. The guitars amp up; there is a punch, fire, and vocal distortion. This part drives home her frustration and hurt regarding the Bassett-Rodrigo ordeal. She screams, “You don’t feel remorse, you don’t feel the effects / ‘Cause you don’t think you hurt me if you wish me the best / I shoulda known all along, I was only the next one / To take your love songs as a promise.” Although that wasn’t the song’s final moment, it was its most memorable lyrics.
Catching Up with Sabrina Carpenter
The notable pop culture Twitter account, Pop Base, promoted Carpenter’s album announcement, but one user wasn’t particularly happy. With a reach of over 275k followers, it was inevitable that the former Disney star would see. But, better yet, she responded to it with a TikTok.
Sabrina Carpenter shares Pop Base tweet in new TikTok. pic.twitter.com/nEqoMfWcIJ
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 30, 2022
Although the punchy comment wasn’t directly from Pop Base, the account apologized under Carpenter’s TikTok video. The young artist kept spirits high with this self-deprecating response: “it’s ok!! it’s my fault i was born!!” The pair seem to be on good terms. Regardless, the crude moment generated buzz for the stripped-down song.
However, there is no downplaying Carpenter’s success and busy schedule. 2022 is a year full of appearances and releases for the young singer (both in music and film). She released two singles earlier this year, “Fast Times” and “Skinny Dipping,” with the “Fast Times” music video giving major Britney “Slave 4 U” vibes. She appeared at the annual MET Gala with a custom metallic golden gown dress from fashion house Paco Rabanne. Also, she stars in the Amazon Prime exclusive “Emergency” and reprises her supporting role in Netflix’s “Tall Girl 2.”
Now, the singer-actor is preparing to release her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, emails i can’t send (out July 15).
What do you think about Sabrina Carpenter’s new single, “Vicious”? Let us know in the comments!
