“Man’s Best Friend” Or Worst Enemy?

Almost exactly a year after Disney star turned Grammy award-winning Pop star Sabrina Carpenter released her breakthrough album Short n’ Sweet, she followed it up with Man’s Best Friend, a record where she attempts to build on the stardom achieved just a year prior.

At first glance, most people unfamiliar with Carpenter’s music may certainly become adversarial to the album, as the record’s polarizing title and cover hint at sexual degradation and objectification. However, the album title is ironic compared to the contents of the songs, which are often mocking men as Carpenter loathes ex-boyfriends through satirical lyrics and song titles.

Owen Camacho ‘26 claims, “The album’s cover and title really rubbed me the wrong way. I think Sabrina took it a step too far from her typical sexual references.”

It’s understandable why critics share Camacho’s viewpoint, but the album’s provocative branding is intended to draw listeners into Carpenter’s satirical commentary on relationships and gender dynamics, a component of which the star’s fans, typically women in their late teens and early 20s, find captivating.

The opening track of the album, “Manchild,” is a track already familiar to many, as it was released as a single two months before the release of Man’s Best Friend. The single was met with immense support, as it debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track has a lush chorus, in which Carpenter takes shots at an immature and incompetent lover, setting the tone for the remainder of the album.

Reflecting on “Manchild,” self-proclaimed Pop connoisseur Luke Connon ‘26 adds, “As a guy, at first you can be a little thrown off by Sabrina’s playful jabs, per se. But then [‘Manchild’] comes on the radio, your mind’s telling you one thing, but your body’s saying another. Before you know it, you’re moving with the music and singing along. If this is just the first song of the album, I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

The hits on Man’s Best Friend continue with the very next track, “Tears,” where Sabrina, in a catchy and harmonious chorus, describes being aroused by a responsible lover, one who seemingly contrasts with the lover mentioned in “Manchild.” The song was coupled with a music video at its release, which has already amassed tens of millions of views. Another standout track is “Nobody’s Son,” a track where Carpenter claims “there’s nobody’s son, not anyone left for me to believe in,” displaying her pessimism regarding future relationships. Like “Manchild” and “Tears,” “Nobody’s Son” was paired with a music video that was highly successful.

Part of Carpenter’s success with Short n’ Sweet can be attributed to her relatable lyrics, which clearly resonate with fans. From speaking about sexual desires to ridiculing men, Carpenter’s sexual innuendos incorporate humour and boldness, making her music both empowering and entertaining for fans who connect with Carpenter’s thoughts on men.

Man’s Best Friend successfully capitalized on the traction gained from Short n’ Sweet, containing many of Carpenter’s beloved satirical lyrics, along with catchy choruses that are easily quotable and perfect for Instagram posts.