“Man’s Best Friend?”

Amy Lee

Staff Writer

When it comes to Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, “Man’s Best Friend,” her own words, “God, I hope it’s ironic,” are fitting.

With the release of the album’s controversial cover in June, Carpenter experienced a flood of criticism about its message. The cover art, displaying a man dragging Carpenter by her hair, brought controversy to the album prior to its release. The cover and the title, “Man’s Best Friend,” a phrase normally used to describe dogs, concerned fans who believed Carpenter was appealing to “male gaze.”

Upon the release of songs in late August, critics seem to have been disproven in their early judgment of the album, as the themes of the record appear to be just the opposite. In the album’s single, “Manchild,” she provides commentary on the weaponized incompetence of men that she has experienced in the dating world, claiming “if I’m not there, it won’t get done.”

In the popular song, “Tears,” featured in a music video upon album release, Carpenter explains her attraction for men who have “a little initiative,” and asserts that “a little respect for women can get you very, very far.” In “Nobody’s Son,” she complains “there’s nobody’s son, not anyone left for me to believe in.” These claims fail to reflect the persona of a “Man’s Best Friend,” emphasizing the irony of her dating experiences, and subsequently the irony of the album’s cover art. In light of the album’s release, the cover seems to be merely “controversy-bait,” putting the ideology of “all publicity is good publicity” into practice.

Some songs on the album discuss deeper topics, such as the presentation of a toxic relationship in “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night,” while others are simply supposed to be fun. For example, Carpenter does not really “hope” her ex “gets agoraphobia one day” in “Never Getting Laid” as it is intended to be all in good fun… mostly. Similarly, Carpenter’s intention for the cover art was not to be offensive, it was simply supposed to bring attention. The title is not supposed to bring down the feminist movement, it is simply supposed to reflect the irony of the album.

While her original cover art may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is an alternative, tamer cover available. While the album may not be what every OG Carpenter fan has been hoping for, the songs are undeniably fun. While the theme of the album may bother you, it may not once you give it a listen. Especially if you are going through a breakup or feel like contemplating your choice in men, pop in your AirPods and hit the treadmill with “Man’s Best Friend” queued.