Pop star and sex icon Sabrina Carpenter recently released her newest album “Man’s Best Friend.” This album has had fans and critics at the edge of their seats, ready to pounce on her newest collection of sounds and thoughts.
Carpenter’s original cover for this album was on the receiving end of some controversy, with many finding it to be degrading and supporting the sexualization of women. Boldly, she decided on an image of her bent over, with a man in the background gripping her hair. While her brand has transitioned over the years to embrace sexuality and femininity, some fans are growing tired of this portrayal. The public seemed to come to the conclusion that the contents of the newest album would determine the message of the cover.
“Manchild,” the first song released from the album, set a positive precedent for the upcoming tracks, hitting no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Featuring vintage imagery and a scene of Carpenter hitchhiking in heels, the music video seemed on par with her previous themes. The upbeat tone of the song, coinciding with her critique on the competence of men, set the tone of “Man’s Best Friend” as fun and sarcastic.
The album itself contains 12 tracks, sprinkled with quips and theatrics. Carpenter is not known to shy away from raunchy humor and this album perfectly exemplifies that. Track two, “Tears,” for example, is not about crying, as one might think.
“When Did You Get So Hot,” has already made it into a myriad of internet edits, as it illustrates the common experience of truly noticing someone for the first time and realizing their appeal. Much of the positive feedback seems to be drawing parallels between the sound of ABBA and “Man’s Best Friend,” specifically with the album’s final song, “Goodbye.”
Carpenter has clarified that her intended audience is not the “pearl clutchers,” but those that welcome the risqué in life. “House Tour” booms with irony, with lines, “I could take you to the first, second, third floor” and “I promise none of this is a metaphor, I just want you to come inside.” The listener can hear her sense of humor coming through, as with “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry,” where she calls herself out for possible toxic behavior in relationships.
“Never Getting Laid,” describes the opposite of wishing well on an ex, with lines like, “I just hope you get agoraphobia someday” and “I wish you a lifetime full of happiness and a forever of never getting laid.” Despite not being her most loving lyrics, there are certainly many who have been in the position she is singing from.
Most of these tracks delve into her sexuality, like her previous album, “Short n’ Sweet.” After her “Juno” positions in concert and erotic rhymes, this comes as no surprise to fans of Carpenter. The songs center around relationships with men, whether it be annoyance at their inability to fulfill her, expectations for them to meet or what triggers her own desires.
Unsurprisingly, Carpenter leaning into these topics has led to a handful of opinions regarding what she should or should not be singing about. Some listeners believe she needs to diversify the contents of her lyrics, as only singing about men “holds women back.” However, many have made the argument that some albums are meant to feel fun, hot and free. Enjoyable, funny, relatable and sexy are words that capture the essence of this album and Carpenter’s image.
While this album is not necessarily a deep, thought-provoking feminist piece, many of the lyrics connect to real experiences that real women have. It is not meant to exemplify what women should strive for, or some impractical ideal. It is entertaining and, instead, provokes singing and dancing. It is exactly what the public should expect from a star such as Carpenter.
Macy Gilbert can be reached at [email protected].