Hollywood Records
Release Date: January 26th / February 23rd 2024
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Sofia Carson– I Hope You Know / Joke’s On Me (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- I Hope You Know
- Joke’s On Me
It’s been no secret that the past few years have been tough beyond what everyone could have possibly imagined. At the start of the year in 2020, we all couldn’t have expected that we’d be in lockdown, quarantining, that most things like movies and music would have to be put on hold… yet there we were- stuck at home for some of us. For me though, while the past few years have been tough in probably every aspect you could ever think of; one such surprise that I have been grateful for is my introduction to up-and-coming pop singer Sofia Carson. Sofia and her discography (and her filmography!), was sort of a left field surprise for me back in late 2020; with her impacting and hopeful constant release of singles, and her relatable and powerful roles in each of her films, reminding me to keep a more focused look on her as the years progressed. Because back in 2020, I could tell she was destined for greater things. A triple threat in her own right (singer, actor, dancer!), I first heard about Sofia probably about in October 2020, when the song “Guess I’m A Liar” released.
As I was going to youtube.com and having a browse and a scan on the YouTube home page, resulting in YouTube recommending me her video for “Guess I’m A Liar” in my feed. I paid no attention- simply because I was under the impression that Sofia was just another pop star; and then it was later a couple of weeks later that my paths crossed with her music yet again- my brother and I watched the entire 3 movies of The Descendants (you can read my review here!)… and guess what? Yep, it was Sofia’s performance in these movies (acting-wise and her singing ability!) that resonated with me and captivated my attention immensely.
After watching another one of Sofia’s movies (Feel The Beat) and then me consciously exploring her discography and her singles such as “Back To Beautiful”, “Love Is The Name”, “I Luv U”, “Miss U More Than U Know”, “Different World” and “Ins And Outs”; I found myself more and more inspired and encouraged by her music. Sofia is an artist that the world doesn’t know that well- simply because she only recently released her debut album in March 2022. We reviewed Sofia’s self-titled debut album here on this site. But as God has put things in my place for me to be more familiar with her music, and for me to enjoy her music… so too will he draw Sofia’s music to others. The more I listened, the more I wanted to tell others about this young woman who is changing the world through her music, her movies and her sheer optimism and positivity. If you want to know more about Sofia and her upbringing, then google is your friend, as well as Wikipedia, and my reviews of Feel The Beat and The Descendants. I also reviewed her songs “Guess I’m A Liar” and “Hold On To Me” here, as well as her debut album. My brother Jon blogged about Sofia’s burgeoning influence– reminding us that the future of pop music is indeed bright- and so now that we’re all up to date on all things Sofia Carson, now here we are, in 2024.
While you can also read my ‘review’ of sorts of Sofia’s Netflix film Purple Hearts and the corresponding soundtrack; this year is the year that Sofia is back with new music, and these first two singles (“I Hope You Know” and “Joke’s On Me”) prove to us all that Sofia is back with a bang and that her prowess as a singer and as an entertainer cannot be denied. “I Hope You Know” is a powerful ballad about unrequited love and Sofia letting a potentila lover know of her feelings to them. And though it’s not known whether this piano ballad is autobiographical or not; what matters is that this melody is universal, and mostly everyone will feel some kind of resonance with this melody, having maybe experienced unrequited love before, either being the person who loves someone who doesn’t love them back, or being the person who doesn’t love someone who intensely loves them back. “Joke’s On Me”, another piano led melody, speaks about Sofia finally relaising that she’s in a toxic relationship and that she needs to leave the relationship, as the ‘joke’s on her’; and again this melody speaks to people in unpredictable situations and about thw feeling of being trapped, but also back the reality that you don’t have to be trapped anymore if you step out in faith and take a risk.
Sofia Carson isn’t that well known in the music industry. But with her debut album, as well as her stardom and prowess as a singer in the film Purple Hearts– as well as the meteoric rise she’s had since “Applause” was nominated for an Academy Award; she will undoubtedly be in 2024 and beyond. Sofia also released her new movie Songbird with KJ Apa in December 2020, and she has also delivered the performance of her career thus far with the Netflix film Purple Hearts as Cassie Salazar. Here’s hoping a sophomore studio album releases soon; and sky’s the limit for this inspirational and humble young woman who no doubt will be popular, but will also inspire us all to live the best lives that we can. So, as we steadily progress through 2024, what better way to keep going through this year, than to listen to “I Hope You Know” and “Joke’s On Me”? And then go back through Sofia’s discography? What do you guys reckon? Well done Sofia, I can’t wait to hear what it next for you in 2024!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Dove Cameron, Selena Gomez, Bebe Rexha, Tori Kelly, Demi Lovato, Sabrina Carpenter, Little Mix, Jess Glynne