On June 11th this year, Sabrina Carpenter, the queen of tongue-in-cheek lyrics and pop-country melodies, announced the release of 7th album “Man’s Best Friend”. Fans worldwide first heard the news via social media where Sabrina revealed the project on an Instagram Live and also gave a first glimpse of the bluntly satirical album cover.

Flash forward to midnight local time on August 29th, when I along with millions of fellow ‘Carpenters’ hit play for the first time, ready to indulge in 38 minutes of sassy songwriting and unapologetic jibes. Number 1 single and chart-topper ‘Manchild’ was first up with its fiercely playful yet sympathetic nature and the familiar ‘stupid, or is it slow?’ set the scene in true Sabrina fashion. We all knew there was only more cutting wit and compelling riffs to follow:

1. Manchild - 3:34
2. Tears - 2:41
3. My Man on Willpower - 3:18
4. Sugar Talking - 3:04
5. We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night - 3:24
6. Nobody’s Son - 3:03
7. Never Getting Laid - 3:29
8. When Did You Get Hot? - 2:26
9. Go Go Juice - 3:14
10. Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry - 3:43
11. House Tour - 2:50
12. Goodbye - 3:46

Image Credit: Raph_PH from Wikimedia Commons

Cover Art Controversy

Before the album’s release, Man’s Best Friend had naturally received immense attention, although not all for the right reasons. The cover art, which portrayed a man pulling Sabrina’s hair while she kneeled on the floor, ruffled many a feminist feather. Terms like ‘regressive’ and ‘mysogynstic’ were hurled, accusing the American singer of virtually comparing women to pets. Vicious.

In response, Sabrina demonstrated genuine shock at the public distaste. Although she admitted room for interpretation of the image, in her mind it stood for "being in on the control, being in on your lack of control, and when you want to be in control”. Fans backed her up, recognising the cover as a metaphor for women being treated as ‘accessories’ or lesser individuals.

But for those who still didn’t get the picture (pun intended), Sabrina shared an alternative artwork. The black and white piece, conventional and “approved by God’, would hopefully put to bed the heated backlash.

One glance at the original album cover though and it isn’t difficult to predict controversy surrounding it. I think an overlooked yet significant aspect is not actually the differing opinions, however, but in fact the way Sabrina’s work once again lit the fire for debate on stigmatised subjects like women’s autonomy and misogny. These contentious topics are being much more openly spoken about, and Sabrina is using her music as a platform for free, uninhibited discussion.

Image Credit: Raph_PH from Wikimedia Commons

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Divided Opinions and Harsh Criticisms

Upon first listen, my initial thought was that Man’s Best Friend spotlights just how far Sabrina has come in formulating her coquette self-brand and signature style. From early fame singing on Disney channel to pop-folk vulnerability with Emails I Can’t Send, we all recognised sixth album Short n Sweet as a huge stylistic change. And Man’s Best Friend reinforced the transformation, treating us to even more lighthearted pessimism and carefree femininity.

Sabrina amped up the wit and lyrical satire, again using distinctive humour to make light of her personal relationship struggles. “Not for any pearl clutchers” were her words to describe the album, and the unrelenting lines of sarcasm and defiance make it pretty hard to disagree. For most.

Some felt Man’s Best Friend simply couldn’t supersede the massive appeal of Short n Sweet. Even I myself recognise the new album’s lack of addictively catchy hooks and fresh melodic ideas. Man’s Best Friend fails to gift the same irresistible quality that Short n Sweet effortlessly delivered.

Alongside this, critics have taken their disapproval a step further, expressing what I deem as rather baseless disappointment with Sabrina’s lyrics writing. The humour and puns were deemed forced and over-used, unable to enhance the listening experience as with Short n Sweet. In their eyes, Sabrina's wordplay was unnecessarily frequent, predictably repetitive, and at times almost clumsy.

Image Credit: Raph_PH from Wikimedia Commons

Top Pickins

When Man’s Best Friend came out, I found myself playing a select handful of its songs on repeat. As often happens though when I’m listening to a new album, I gradually explored tracks I’d been less keen on and these too found a place in my heart and a spot on my playlist. It wasn’t easy to pick out my favourites, but I’ve given it a try:

1. My Man on Willpower - this song’s buoyant energy is undeniably infectious, incorporating a balanced mix of country, pop and funk. The downhearted lyrics and joyous vocals present a unique and memorable contrast, making this a true standout on the album. Although Sabrina is referencing a clearly heart wrenching experience, her skill to transform this into a bubbly listen is unparalleled.
2. Nobody’s Son - Many a listener found this one particularly relatable, as it addressed the all too familiar experience of disappointment in dating with lyrics like “He’s like the rest, so fine and so deceiving”. For me, this song is a favourite because of its candid rawness and authentic storytelling. The 80s sound created with synths gives Nobody’s Son an almost ABBA vibe - perky, catchy and cheerily dynamic.
3. We Almost Broke Up Again - This melancholy yet truthful ballad centres on an unstable relationship which is continually on the verge of coming to an end. What I love the most about this track is its emotional sincerity. The dreamy sound coupled with the slower pace allows the pains of a hot and cold romance to be frankly expressed and openly revealed.

Man’s Best Friend could easily be considered a no-skip album and a work which fortifies her position to pursue the subjects of love, heartbreak and relationship struggles in the same vein. I find it difficult to imagine Sabrina straying from her distinctive playfulness just because of some negative reactions - especially since this is one of the characteristics making her music so widely loved. There seems one thing for certain - a great deal more cheeky puns, direct quips and relatable emotions are to come for Carpenters across the world. Oh, boy.