Sabrina Carpenter's seventh studio album, "Man's Best Friend," released on August 29, 2025, continues her trajectory as a sharp-witted and charismatic pop star. Following the monumental success of her sixth album, "Short n' Sweet" (2024), which earned her two Grammy Awards, Carpenter delves deeper into themes of modern dating and relationships with her signature blend of humor and campy innuendo.
"Man's Best Friend" is a concise, 12-track record that draws inspiration from '70s disco and nostalgic sounds reminiscent of Dolly Parton, ABBA, and the Bee Gees. Carpenter co-wrote every track, collaborating with Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, and John Ryan, who also contributed to "Short n' Sweet". The album showcases her growth as a songwriter, with lyrics that approach the drudgery of modern dating with a wink and well-timed jokes.
The album's lead single, "Manchild," released on June 5, 2025, immediately grabbed attention, topping charts in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Co-written with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff, the country-tinged pop song adopts a playful tone as it critiques immature male behavior. The music video, inspired by fast-paced movie trailer editing, further amplified the song's impact. "Tears" was released concurrently with the album as the second single, accompanied by a "Rocky Horror Picture Show"-inspired video, leaning into 70s disco.
Carpenter's witty approach shines through in tracks like "My Man on Willpower," which humorously addresses a partner's excessive focus on self-improvement to the detriment of intimacy. "Sugar Talking" sees Carpenter being provocative, urging a love interest to act on their desires. The acoustic track "We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night" explores the repetitive cycle of a relationship on the brink. "Never Getting Laid" is an acoustic track featuring sweet melodies but carrying a curse to an ex. "Go Go Juice" also sees the return of the country sound. "Don't Worry I'll Make You Worry" is an ethereal track where Carpenter's softer side comes out. The album closes with "Goodbye", a feisty kiss-off.
The album cover generated buzz, initially featuring Carpenter on all fours, which some found controversial. She responded with an alternate cover "approved by God," featuring her embracing a man. Musically, "Man's Best Friend" blends pop, dance, R&B, and country elements, showcasing Carpenter's versatility. Critics note that the album feels more confident and cohesive than her previous work, with Carpenter injecting plenty of personality into the 12 tracks.
Sabrina Carpenter's journey from a Disney Channel star to a global pop sensation has been marked by consistent evolution and a willingness to experiment. With "Man's Best Friend," she solidifies her position as a pop innovator, unafraid to push boundaries and explore relatable themes with humor and wit.
