Album Review: Man's Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter ignites discussion with Man’s Best Friend, her new album released barely a year after Short ‘n’ Sweet, hailed as an anthem for girls, gays, and theys, and criticised by some as “man-hating.”

Manchild

Manchild was the first and only single for this record. It sparked a lot of conversation online, from people debating the lyrics to others participating in the dance trend inspired by it. Either way, it was very important to pop culture history for the summer of 2025. Sonically, it’s very upbeat and has a very electronic-pop sound to it. The lyrics are very cheeky, some calling them “man-hating”. The song centers around how many women feel like men rely on them for every little thing. One of the lyrics that really encapsulates this idea is the lyric “If I’m not there, it won’t get done.” The whole chorus in itself explains everything about this track, and exactly what it’s supposed to mean. Manchild is a track for all women who have had to baby a man, or for those who were dying to see Ashe’s ad-lib in “Save Myself” on her past summer tour.

Tears

An almost runway-esque track, Tears, is a very open track. It’s so similar to Manchild, but also vastly different at the same time. The track focuses on how men doing the bare minimum turns Sabrina on. “I get wet at the thought of you being a responsible guy” is the very first lyric on this track, and it helps display how all women ask for nowadays from men is the bare minimum. Even then, most women aren’t treated with that. Despite the lyrics and connections with current events, this specific song is very fun, upbeat, and belongs on an “iconic pop girly’s for when you feel cutesy” playlist.

My Man on Willpower

This song is upbeat yet also thought-provoking. The chorus feels empowering, even though the lyrics are actually pretty sad. One line that stands out is, 'he used to be literally obsessed with me I’m suddenly the least sought after girl in the land.' Sabrina’s humour comes through with, 'my man wouldn’t touch me with a twenty-foot pole,' a funny twist on the usual saying.

Sugar Talking

Sugar Talking is a fast, upbeat, and fun song that feels like the sassier sibling to Manchild and Tears. The line, 'Put your loving where your mouth is, your sugar talking isn’t working tonight,' shows she’s still let down by him, but wants real love instead of empty words.

We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night

Right from the start, the line 'bullshit repeats itself' sets the tone. This song has a dreamy, ABBA-inspired feel. 'We’ve been here before and we’ll be here tomorrow' sums up the cycle perfectly.

Nobody’s son

This song feels nostalgic in both its sound and lyrics. Many can relate to the cycle she describes, like in the line, 'Here we go again, crying in bed what a familiar feeling.' another stand out line is “That boy is corrupt, could you raise him to love me maybe? He sure fucked me up and yes im talking bout your baby”

Never getting laid

The title says it all about our feelings toward some men, but Sabrina puts it perfectly: 'wish you a lifetime full of happiness and a forever of never getting laid.' She doesn’t hold back with, 'I just hope you get agoraphobia some day.' Agoraphobia is a fear of embarrassment and often means people are afraid to leave home which makes this line all the more ruthless!

When did you get hot?

This track is super upbeat, fast, and fun! “Take me to naked twister back at your place”

“I bet your light rod’s bigger than zeus’ ” is an amazing penis joke!

Go go juice

This track is a great follow-up to When Did You Get Hot, but with a more relaxed sound. The lyrics, though, are anything but chill. It’s fun how she calls out several exes at once with lines like, 'Ain’t nobody safe when I'm drunk, could be John (Shawn Mendes) or Larry (Barry Keoghan) Gosh (Joshua Basset) who's to say, or the one that rhymes with villain (Dylan O’Brien), if I’m feeling that way.'

Don't worry, i’ll make you worry

This song is slower and dreamy. Sometimes it sounds like she’s singing from the man’s perspective about his bad behavior, and other times she’s sharing her own pain.

House tour

House Tour is upbeat, empowering, and a bit cheeky, packed with double meanings and innuendo. The song mixes house tour references with playful jokes about sex. Lines like, '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,' are fun, even if the humor sometimes takes over. 'I’m just so proud of my design' can be seen as a body-positive message. Other lines, like 'I just want you to come inside but never through the back door,' and 'I spent a little fortune on the waxed floors,' are memorable puns that add to the song’s playful vibe.

Goodbye

This song is incredibly catchy and a bit salty, which makes it all the more fun. Lines like, 'If something got lost in communication, well sayonara adios you’re not bilingual but you should know goodbye means that you are losing me for life,' and 'Arrivederci, au revoir, forgive my French but fuck you, ta-ta,' are clever and especially entertaining for international fans.

​Closing Statement

I’d like to add a special thank you to Jade for helping me finalise this article. She’s truly a sweetheart and has helped me in so many different ways— this article being one of them. I love ya!