Sabrina Carpenter’s latest studio album, “Man’s Best Friend,” released this August, has stirred controversy over both its cover art and lyrical content.
Some have argued the album’s cover, showing Carpenter kneeling with a man’s hand in her hair, caters to the male gaze, while others have viewed it as an expression of female sexual empowerment. While the debate has been a hot topic, I’d found myself wondering about the songs themselves. By listening to them, I gained a much clearer picture.
This album, Carpenter’s seventh full-length record, features two distinct moods. One side is about a breakup– the relationship is over and Carpenter’s wounds feel fresh. Songs like “Manchild,” the single many of us are already familiar with, and “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” are perfect for post-breakup listening with friends. The former track has more angry, he messed up, I hate him energy, whereas “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” leans into the sadness and exhaustion of a toxic relationship. “Tears” is a must-hear for date night, and a little further down the tracklist, “Never Getting Laid” sounds like wishing your ex a happy life through gritted teeth and clenched fists.
The rest of the songs match the album cover’s mood: women in control, pursuing sex, playful and unfiltered. “House Tour” is the perfect song to listen to when you’re feeling high-spirited. “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” and “Go Go Juice,” a lighthearted pop take on going to bars following a breakup, are phenomenal listens if you’re feeling a little toxic. “Sugar Talking” brings us a much slower tempo compared to “Manchild” or “Tears.” I found the shift in tempo to be an interesting choice rather than keeping the upbeat style going.
Overall, “Man’s Best Friend” is fun, enjoyable and would make a great addition to a girls’ night. It may not be a groundbreaking album, as many tracks bleed into each other if you’re not listening closely. That said, there’s nothing wrong with good, somewhat generic pop, especially when it’s well done and true to the artist.
This album fits Carpenter’s shift toward an adult sound, a move that has drawn some criticism, but it works for her. Leaning into mature themes complements the musical style she does best. The album’s breakup vibes mix surprisingly well with empowered and playful energy, a balance Carpenter deserves credit for. She makes female sexuality a main theme, and her portrayal of women enjoying sex is refreshing. Even the breakup tracks aren’t particularly sad, which gives the album more of a lighthearted vibe, though they’re not exactly all dance-floor songs.
All in all, “Man’s Best Friend” delivers on its purpose. It doesn’t reinvent pop, but maybe it doesn’t have to. Carpenter offers a fresh perspective on female sexuality, whether people like it or not. It’s campy in just the right way, which demonstrates Carpenter’s sense of style and humor. It blends retro, pop-country and disco, feeling very authentic to the aesthetic and image she’s created. It’s a fun album for anyone to check out, and not to mention, the music videos for “Manchild” and “Tears” are a fun watch too.
