Photo courtesy of Island Records
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Following her massively successful “Short n’ Sweet” album released Aug. 23, 2024, Sabrina Carpenter‘s anticipated “Man’s Best Friend” had big shoes to fill.
“Manchild” is the debut single released June 5 and was the first song Carpenter released from the album. It sets the tone for the album and what was to be expected on the Aug. 29 release of “Man’s Best Friend.”
With lyrics in “Manchild” such as “If I’m not there, it won’t get done, I choose to blame your mom,” Carpenter is no stranger to adding comedy into her lyrics and embracing her girl power side.
“Man’s Best Friend” features 12 songs, most of which are steamy and at-times-raunchy. Carpenter told TV personality Gayle King in a preview Thursday, Aug. 28, “the album is not for any pearl clutchers,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The album has already shattered records, earning 64.4 million streams on Spotify within its first 24 hours and securing Carpenter the 2025 title for the most single-day streams of an album by a female artist, according to Billboard.
The most streamed song from the album so far is “Tears,” with 9.2 million first-day streams, according to Digital Music News.
“Tears” stands out for its inventive structure: The chorus relies entirely on minor chords (G minor, A minor, D minor), while the verses shift to major. This deliberate contrast is an uncommon choice in pop, where choruses are typically major, giving the song a nuanced and sophisticated edge that sets Carpenter apart. Layered over this is a disco-pop sound that channels the glittering energy of ’70s dance floors while still feeling sleek and contemporary.
That retro influence continues in “House Tour,” the album’s 11th track, which leans into a disco-funk pop groove. With playful synth chords and a punchy bass line, the song radiates a carefree, danceable energy.
One of the most memorable songs in the album is “When Did You Get Hot?” It shines through its bold honesty, infectious groove and confident playfulness, feeling both fun and unexpectedly biting.
Some of the most notably honest and funny lyrics include “You were an ugly kid, but you’re a sexy man,” or “When did you get hot? All the sudden, I could look you up and down all day.”
Carpenter’s lyrics push boundaries with explicit candor. As if “Short n’ Sweet” wasn’t raunchy enough, “Man’s Best Friend” truly pushes the boundary.
The unfiltered nature of her songwriting, while captivating for many fans, makes clear that her music isn’t crafted with younger audiences in mind as she steps fully into her role as pop’s newest global powerhouse.
What’s next for the pop diva? Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 8-10. This will be her first scheduled concert after the debut of the album.
And while she may call it “Man’s Best Friend,” fans will likely agree it’s actually “Girl’s Best Friend” — the soundtrack to unapologetic confidence and playful chaos.
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Contact Alexa McGlathery via email: alexa.mcglathery@pepperdine.edu
