Evolution (Sabrina Carpenter album)

Evolution (stylized as EVOLution) is the second studio album by American singer Sabrina Carpenter, released on October 14, 2016, by Hollywood Records. Sabrina began recording the album in 2015, shortly after the launch of her first studio album, Eyes Wide Open until 2016. Musically, Evolution is a dance-pop record, which departs from the folk-pop and teen pop sound of its predecessor.

The album received positive reviews from music critics, commercially the album debuted at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 11,500 copies in its first week, becoming her highest-peaking album on the chart at the time.

"On Purpose" was released as the lead single from the album on July 29, 2016. It was followed by promotional singles "All We Have Is Love" and "Run and Hide" shortly before the album's release. "Thumbs" was released as the second and final single from the album on January 3, 2017 and became her most significant chart hit in the US at the time, peaking atop the Bubbling Under Hot 100. The album was promoted with several appearances and performances. To further promote the album, Carpenter embarked on her first headlining concert tour, "Evolution Tour" in the fall as well as "The De-Tour" during Summer.

Singles
"On Purpose" released as the lead single from the album on July 29, 2016.

"Thumbs" impacted Top 40 radio as the second single from the album on January 3, 2017.

Promotional singles
The album was made available for pre-order and the first promotional single, titled "All We Have Is Love", was released on September 23, 2016. "Run and Hide" was released as the second promotional single on September 30, 2016.

Tour
Carpenter embarked on the Evolution Tour through America to promote the album. It kicked off on October 18 and ended on December 13. Another one followed called "The De-Tour", in which she toured both America and Canada during the Summer, featuring Alex Aiono and New Hope Club as special guests.

Critical reception
Evolution was met with positive reviews, with critics complimenting Carpenter's sense of maturity and growth on the album in comparison to her debut album. Christine M. Sellers of The Celebrity Cafe wrote that Carpenter "proves she's not just another Disney darling transitioning through her teenage years" and that the album "showcases Carpenter's growth as both a songwriter and a vocalist". Brittany Goldfield Rodrigues of Andpop gave the album 3.8 thumbs up, saying that "with Evolution, Sabrina is showing a mature musical side, willing to experiment with techno beats, lyrics and what she can do vocally. She provides an interesting indie yet synth take on pop music, and has clearly found a unique sound that she shines in, that separates her from the rest". Matt Collar from AllMusic gave the album a rating of 3.5 out of 5, noting its dance-pop sound and describing it as a "mix of heartfelt acoustic balladry, R&B-influenced pop, and dance-oriented anthems.

Commercial performance
Evolution debuted at number 28 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 11,500 copies in its first week.

Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Evolution.

Recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered at

 * Santa Monica, California (UMPG Studios)
 * North Hollywood, California (Sphere Studios)
 * London, United Kingdom (Rokstone Studios)
 * Hollywood, California (Loews Hollywood Hotel)
 * Los Angeles, California (Blueprint Studios, Roxstone Studios, Faculty Studios, Kite Music Productions, Sonic Element Studio)
 * New York City (Sterling Sound)

Performers and production

 * Sabrina Carpenter – vocals (all tracks); backing vocals (10)
 * Ido Zmishlany – production, engineering (1, 2, 4); additional vocal engineering (1); mixing (4)
 * Nolan Wescott – piano, vocal engineering (1)
 * Serban Ghenea – mixing (1)
 * Erik Madrid – mixing (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
 * Jorge Gutierrez – mixing assistant (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
 * Steve Mac – production (3)
 * Priscilla Renea – backing vocals (3)
 * Chris Laws – engineering (3)
 * Dan Pursey – engineering (3)
 * Mitch Allan – lead vocals recording (3)
 * Phil Tan – mixing (3)
 * Jimmy Robbins – production, engineering (5)
 * Ryan Ogren – production, engineering, guitar, synth, bass, programming, backing vocals (6)
 * Halatrax – production, engineering, programming, backing vocals (6)
 * Nick Bailey – backing vocals (6)
 * Rob Persaud – production, engineering (7, 8)
 * DJ Daylight – production, engineering (9)
 * Afshin Salmani – production, engineering, mixing, backing vocals (10)
 * Josh Cumbee – production, engineering, mixing, backing vocals (10)
 * Chris Gehringer – mastering (all tracks)

Design

 * David Snow – creative direction
 * Anabel Sinn – art direction, design
 * Harper Smith – photography