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Carpenter kills expectations, no tears here

Sabrina Carpenter released her 7th studio album, β€œMan’s Best Friend,” on Aug. 29, and it was instantly accepted as an iconic popstar moment by fans of the genre.  

The lead single, β€œManchild,” dropped earlier this summer, sparking speculations on Carpenter’s next move. Sticking to her empowering-pop vibe, β€œManchild” seemed to be a callout to behaviors she had experienced in some of her previous relationships. 

While the album cover and title may lead some to believe that Carpenter would only cater to those in a relationship or aspiring to be in one, that couldn’t be more incorrect. Each song provides a different and deep commentary on Carpenter’s experiences, all while providing catchy choruses and her iconic popstar feel. With some acoustic, some synth and some traditional pop, the album is worth a listen. 

Following the lead single, which was also the album’s first track, β€œTears” is the first taste of the upbeat-yet-brutally-honest-pop-queen that many fans know Sabrina to be. The lyrics are filled with irony and comedy β€” things that Carpenter uniquely incorporates into her lyricism. The whole song β€” which has an accompanying music video starring Emmy-Award winning actor Coleman Domingo in drag makeup and costume β€” says that if you do the bare minimum in a relationship, you’ve got Carpenter’s heart.  

Each song has its own unique theme and sound, all while creating a cohesive album that features Carpenter’s signature flare and brutally honest expression.  

In β€œSugar Talkin,” Carpenter calls out a partner, telling him to β€œput your lovin’ where your mouth is,” and to stop going through the motions to have a meaningful connection. β€œNever Getting Laid” and β€œWhen Did You Get Hot?” both have similar sounds, but β€œNever Getting Laid” stars Carpenter pettily wishing someone a forever of not finding another partner, and β€œWhen Did You Get Hot?” describes a surprise attraction.  

β€œWe Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” and β€œDon’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” feature slower acoustic sounds. β€œWe Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” shows just how rocky relationships can really be, especially when a failing relationship keeps dragging on. β€œDon’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” goes into Carpenter’s toxic tendencies in relationships, and how unique she is, compared to other partners. 

The most upbeat and fun songs on the album include β€œTears,” β€œNobody’s Son,” β€œGo Go Juice,” House Tour” and β€œGoodbye.” β€œNobody’s Son” talks about how Sabrina feels hopeless in her romantic life, and how there isn’t anyone left for her to believe in. β€œGo Go Juice” talks about how heartbreak can lead someone to other vices, which can lead to some embarrassing phone calls. β€œHouse Tour” is a song about giving a romantic partner a house tour, in which Carpenter and her partner get to know one another better. According to Carpenter, there’s no metaphor intended. The album ends with β€œGoodbye.” The song has an ABBA-like feel, and describes how once you say goodbye to Carpenter, you won’t get another chance to say hello. 

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September 5, 2025

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