Eyes Wide Open

Recording Info

Recorded from 2013 to 2015. Recording locations included The Guest House, Sleepwalker Studios, Captain Cuts Studios, The Synagogue and SOMD Studios, The Firestation (Los Angeles, California); Gordon Studio DK.

Track Highlights

• Eyes Wide Open — The opening and title track with a 'darker mood,' about finding herself and her path. Carpenter has stated this was her favorite track on the album.
• Can't Blame a Girl for Trying — An acoustic guitar-pop folk song about being foolish in love and making mistakes.
• The Middle of Starting Over — A song with country pop influences about moving on and forgetting mistakes.
• We'll Be the Stars — A song with a positive message.
• Too Young — A ballad written by Carpenter about being told she's too young to fall in love.
• Darling I'm a Mess — A Hawaiian folk song co-written by Meghan Trainor about being friend-zoned.
• White Flag — A folk-pop guitar-driven ballad about changes in life.

Personnel

• Sabrina Carpenter (Vocals, Backing Vocals)
• Mitch Allan (Producer, Vocal Production, Guitar, Bass, Programming, Backing Vocals)
• Jerrod Bettis (Producer, Additional Engineering, Programming)
• Tony Maserati (Mixing)
• Scott Robinson (Additional Engineering)
• Dan Book (Additional Vocal Production)
• Meghan Kabir (Backing Vocals)
• Brian Malouf (Producer, Keyboards, Mixing, Drum Programming, Additional Percussion)
• Chris Thompson (Engineering)
• Eric Boulanger (Mastering)

Significance

Eyes Wide Open marked Sabrina Carpenter's debut studio album, establishing her presence in the music industry after gaining recognition as an actress on Disney's Girl Meets World. The album showcased her potential as a singer-songwriter, with critics noting her unique musical persona and ability to connect with audiences through honest and relatable themes. While some critics felt that certain heavily produced songs didn't fully highlight her strengths, the album, overall, was considered a promising start to her music career. The album's release and subsequent charting on the Billboard 200 provided a solid foundation for Carpenter's future musical endeavors. The singles "We'll Be the Stars" and "Eyes Wide Open" further amplified the album's reach, with "Eyes Wide Open" winning a Radio Disney Music Award for "Best Anthem" in 2016. The album's themes of love, friendship, and personal growth resonated with a young audience, solidifying Carpenter's position as a prominent figure for teen listeners.