Don’t judge this book by its cover: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album is more than what meets the eye
Fresh off the success of "Short n' Sweet", Sabrina Carpenter didn't wait long to release her next project, dropping "Man's Best Friend" less than a year after its predecessor and building on its momentum. Sonically, "Man's Best Friend" retains the same sassy, innuendo-driven lyrics and familiar collaborators Jack Antonoff, John Hill, and Amy Allen, but in many ways, it improves on the last with a more elevated production and musical arrangements. Staying true to her signature short album format, the album features 12 tracks and runs for 38 minutes, just two minutes longer than "Short n' Sweet".
"Man's Best Friend" sparked controversy ahead of its release, with its album cover depicting Sabrina Carpenter on her knees, a man holding her hair. Many feminists online argue that the image blurs the line between satire and harm, claiming it rebrands degradation as empowerment and enables patriarchal standards. Others, however, feel the reaction is overblown, suggesting that Sabrina has never labeled herself a feminist and that the cover fits within her established, sexually charged persona.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Personally, I lean toward the latter view. Sabrina has often built her brand around playing with traditional gender roles, sometimes mocking men in her music videos. She doesn't appear to cater to the male gaze, but rather explores her own sexuality. As Carpenter explained, the cover was meant to be "cheeky, airy & playful," with her in control, despite the apparent submission.
But it is true that if she has to explain herself as being in control, the depiction isn't clear and could easily be misinterpreted. But either way, a different approach would've been better as the former might be too strict in assuming any sexual expression from women is catering to the male gaze, and the latter is too lenient in oversimplifying a complex cultural conversation?
According to Sabrina, "This album reflects how unfortunately human it feels to experience love and loss! On top of the world one second, humbled the next, emotionally pulled by a leash and begging for treats (treats being the bare minimum)"
It might seem like she did not put much thought into the cover and just did it for the aesthetics because of the lead singles and because the explanations seem contradictory in each interview. In reality, the themes are more or less explored on the album. Like "Sugar Talking". The sultry groovy, jazzy song is elevated by her belts and riffs. It blends 1980s new wave and synth-pop influences, with electric guitar and synthesizers creating a layered, dynamic sound.
The track explores the frustration of empty words and unfulfilled promises, with Carpenter expressing her exhaustion from giving a partner their "seventh second chance" despite their failure to act. These correlates with what she said about the cover and "begging for treats".
"We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night" talks about being trapped in a loop, constantly making up only to fall back into the same toxic patterns and the emotional fatigue of it; where apologies and temporary resolutions only lead to the same issues resurfacing. The folky song, paired with Carpenter's head voice belting and intricate vocal layering gives beautiful depth to the track.
"My Man on Willpower", the poppiest song on the record (except for maybe 'When Did You Get Hot?') covers similar themes where she says she doesn't feel as desired or even recognises her man anymore after he suddenly discovered self-restraint. She asks for the version she fell for. And ultimately, "Nobody's Son" talks through dynamic punchy trumpet beats, about how she has lost all faith in men. "Don't worry I'll make you Worry" is a classic Jack Antonoff's airy atmospheric production. Paired with Sabrina's beautiful runs, the song is an experience.
After Taylor Swift's last few albums, Billie Eilish, even Ariana's latest albums, sad pop songs had become a trend. Sabrina offers a refreshing digress, where sadder themes are explored through upbeat and catchy music. Go Go Juice's funky production and catchy hooks, and that sudden dragged out bridge with harmonica, almost distracts you from how it's about numbing your pain with alcohol.
The album is a blend of songs about heartbreak with some hilarious sexual punchy punny innuendo-like songs sprinkled in the middle. With "House Tour" she talks about how she'll let him "come inside" and asks him to "never enter through the backdoor".
The lead single "Manchild" blends groovy basslines with snappy percussion, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Sabrina's songs are as much the vocal work as the visuals and Sabrina is no stranger to experimenting with bold visuals and storytelling.
The video gives homage to films like "It Happened One Night and Thelma & Louise", with Carpenter's character hitchhiking through various absurd scenarios involving inept male companions. Its surreal elements, including scenes with pigs in hot tubs and men driving off cliffs, add layers of absurdity and ambition which is akin to high-budget films.
The second single "Tears" does the same where Carpenter's character explores a spooky house and meets the Frank-N-Furter-esque figure of Coleman Domingo, embarking on a whimsical, darkly comedic journey. Directed by Bardia Zeinali, the Tears music video immerses us in a 1960s-inspired, Golden Age Hollywood world. Adorned in diamonds, hairspray, and hypnotic dance moves,
The song incorporates brass instrumentation, including a trumpet taking inspiration from 1960s Motown, in vintage pop and soul influences. The title leaves expectation that it might be something ballady yet it takes a hilarious turn when we realise it about how a responsible man makes "tears run down her thighs."
The closing track "Goodbye," stands as a powerful and theatrical farewell drawing heavy inspiration from ABBA, featuring orchestral disco elements that evoke the lush arrangements of the '70s and '80s. Plus, I like how her closing tracks perfectly align with the album's overarching theme of loss and heartbreak, while also featuring a title and lyrics that make for a fitting conclusion. "Short n' Sweet" ended with "Dont smile because it happened, cry because its over" and "Goodbye" ended with her multilingual farewell to her ex-lover with "sayonara," "adiós," "arrivederci," and "au revoir".
Sabrina Carpenter began her musical career at just 14 with Disney, and 11 years and six albums later, she's developed a unique sound that seamlessly blends multiple genres of pop. From folk and country to funk and 60s Motown, her range reflects her willingness to explore different styles while maintaining a distinct, cohesive voice that is fitting with her brand. This evolution extends beyond her music, as her fashion has also transformed, merging Old Hollywood glamour with modern elements. It's impressive how she has drawn inspiration from icons like Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Brigitte Bardot only to create a signature aesthetic that is uniquely her own.
Comments