What makes Alien by Sabrina Carpenter notable?

The single 'Alien' garnered significant attention, reaching the top of various streaming platforms and earning praise for its infectious production and relatable themes. The collaboration with Jonas Blue further elevated Carpenter's profile in the dance-pop genre, marking an important step in her artistic evolution. In 2018, Sabrina Carpenter was transitioning from her role as a Disney Channel star to a more defined music career. 'Alien' followed her previous album 'Evolution' (2017), showcasing her growth in both sound and lyrical content as she began to establish a distinct identity in the pop landscape.

How many songs are on Alien?

Alien has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Alien

Sabrina Carpenter · 2018

2 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of dance-pop and electropop infused with youthful exuberance and catchy hooks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alien — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of feeling out of place while delivering an infectious chorus that highlights Carpenter's vocal prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The single showcases catchy hooks and vibrant production but lacks depth for lasting engagement.

What we noticed

The track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat that drives the rhythm throughout its duration.
Synthesizers create a bright, layered soundscape, with melodic hooks introduced in the chorus.
Vocals are delivered with a confident, youthful energy, emphasizing the lyrical themes of self-discovery and empowerment.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single 'Alien' marked a significant shift in her music career and gained notable attention.
Career context: In 2018, Sabrina Carpenter was transitioning from her role as a Disney Channel star to a more defined music career. 'Alien' followed her previous album 'Evolution' (2017), showcasing her growth in both sound and lyrical content as she began to establish a distinct identity in the pop landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Olivia Rodrigo· Dua Lipa· Tate McRae