Perfect Pitch: “Man’s Best Friend”

Samantha Graessle
29 minutes ago
11 min read

Welcome back to a new semester of “Perfect Pitch,” a series where members of the Belmont Vision review the latest releases in music and look for the next big thing. 

This week, we’ll be discussing the seventh studio album from two-time Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter, “Man’s Best Friend.”

Carpenter recently finished off her “Short and Sweet Tour,” which showcased her previous albums hits, including “Espresso,” "Taste" and "Please Please Please.” She also appeared performing at the Grammys and alongside Taylor Swift at the Eras Tours, highlighting the success of “Short and Sweet.”

The announcement of “Man’s Best Friend,” was greeted with controversy; its first single, “Manchild,” meeting mixed reviews upon release and her album cover stirring up controversy on the internet. Despite the public stir, upon its release, "Man's Best Friend” set the 2025 record for the most streams in a single day for an album by a female artist. Alongside the release, Carpenter also debuted the music video for “Tears,” the second track on the album.

The video featured 80s slasher aesthetics, which starred actor Colman Domingo sporting drag inspired makeup.

Trinity Selman - Vision Writer

Overall rating: 5/10

General Thoughts: Coming off of the extraordinary success of her previous album “Short n’ Sweet,” releasing “Man’s Best Friend” a year after was only bound to be an overall disappointment to Carpenter’s fanbase, especially given that she has been on the tour the entire year in between both albums. As a fan of Sabrina Carpenter’s music, it was unfortunate to find that the album was in fact, a disappointment. The album, as a whole, sounded very redundant and lacked anything particularly unique (which may be explained by Jack Antonoff’s involvement in the project). The choice to release the album so closely to “Short n’ Sweet” was definitely a poor one, and the oversaturation of Sabrina Carpenter in the current cultural zeitgeist could have only resulted in a repetitive and mediocre album, such as “Man’s Best Friend.” Given the controversy of the album cover, I was particularly disappointed by how much this album was centered not only on men, but being dependent on men. Where Carpenter once used playful innuendo and satire to reject the male gaze, on songs like “Busy Woman” and “Feather” from her previous projects, the focus has shifted from making fun of the toxic behaviors of men, to allowing men to be centered in her life. Unfortunately, this was an expected flaw in anticipation of the album, given the album cover and the lack of depth which would have been required to tackle the subject matter surrounding certain interpretations of its meaning.

Favorite Song: When Did You Get Hot?

Least Favorite Song: Sugar Talking

Favorite Lyric: “Sorry I did not see the vision. Thank the Lord, the fine you has risen.”

Based on the lyrics and productions of “Man’s Best Friend,” what direction does Sabrina Carpenter appear to be taking within the pop music industry and her musical career?

Production wise, it seems that Sabrina Carpenter is staying consistent with her use of synths, which could mostly be identified with Jack Antonoff’s production, and her use of both country and pop influences in her music. One thing I did like that was new for her sonically was her use of disco on tracks such as “Tears.” I had anticipated that she was heading in this direction after the release of the deluxe tracks from “Short n’ Sweet,” and was happy to see her leaning into it fully. Based on the lyrics, she seems to be sticking to her usual playful double meanings and witty jokes, which has been consistent throughout her last three projects. Overall, not much has changed since the release of her last album, and she seems to be keeping in the direction of being the playful popstar she is known as.

Does the controversy surrounding the album cover for “Man’s Best Friend” reflect genuine cultural critique, or is it indicative of how quickly public opinion forms and spreads on social media?

I have seen evidence of both sides online, but I think it leans towards the ladder, considering what the controversy has been about. I do think that online culture has a tendency to take an opinion and run with it, but this is a rare instance where I have seen a truly mixed reaction. I think the genuine critique of the album cover as an indicator of ways in which we are reverting back to normalizing sexism and the standard of performing for the male gaze in our culture is valid. However, at the same time, I do understand how the cover can be interpreted in many different ways, as art should be.

Anna Buescher - Vision Writer

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

General Thoughts: “Man’s Best Friend” was exactly what was expected from Sabrina Carpenter, including raunchy, playful lyrics and her classic disco pop sound. “Short N’ Sweet's” shocking sexual lyrics served as the album's “it factor,” despite most of the songs sounding relatively the same. This album serves as a nice extension of its predecessor but with more variety in genre. Carpenter gives us country, funk, 80s pop and a little R&B on top of her 70s disco magic. While I always enjoy the lightheartedness from Carpenter, I do miss the earnest, heartfelt lyrics from her older music like in “because i liked a boy.”

Favorite Song: Go Go Juice

Least Favorite Song: Tears

Favorite Lyric: “I hear it in his eyes, he sees it in my tone” - We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night

Based on the lyrics and production of “Man’s Best Friend,” what direction does Sabrina Carpenter appear to be taking within the pop music industry and her musical career?

“Man’s Best Friend” closely follows in the footsteps of “Short N’ Sweet” in both production and sexual whimsy. She’s marked her territory as disco’s pop princess through her layered, slightly overproduced songs. Carpenter’s lyrics continue to be nonsensical as she takes the comedic approach, skimming over potentially emotional topics. She’s created a brand for herself in the pop music industry, and as of now, it’s clear she wants to stick to it.

The buzz around the album cover was definitely overkill. While yes, it is one of the more overtly sexual covers in pop music, there's nothing graphically explicit about it. The cover goes hand in hand with the title “Man’s Best Friend” in a literal interpretation, mocking Carpenter as she is posed as a dog. Like she says in “House Tour,” “I promise none of this is a metaphor,” this theme is woven throughout the album and her brand as a whole. She writes with double entendres and alludes to hidden meanings throughout the album, but can always fall back on the innocent meaning. Her allusiveness tends to spark controversy, as did this album cover. While the coverage surrounding the album cover has been overdone, it doesn’t matter to Carpenter. Media is media.

Samantha Graessle - Arts and Entertainment Editor

Overall Rating:7/10

General Thoughts: Carpenter’s creative capacity to constantly put out new music is inspiring and “Man’s Best Friend” is no exception. Her ability to release a full album, filled with highly lyrical songs after being on tour for a year is extraordinary. I really enjoyed the 80s style production she took on for some of this album, while I appreciate the classic pop sound she retained from her previous albums. Furthermore, the visuals and production of the “Tears” music video, ushered in a new level of artistry for Carpenter. Although the lyrics have received backlash, I enjoyed her usual witty and flirty innuendos. I enjoyed her satirical approach to discussing male standards in relationships and the struggle women go through to find someone who meets the bare minimum. However, one critique I have for the album is her loss of emotionally vulnerable lyricism, which shined on previous albums. While she discusses the highs and lows of relationships, it still feels surface level. Another critique would be that none of the songs stuck out to me. All of them were enjoyable to listen to, but none truly stood out as excellent. Overall, I think the album is well done, fun and catchy, but lacks emotional depth and uniqueness.

Favorite Song: “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry”

Least Favorite Song: “My Man On Willpower”

Favorite Lyric: “Baby I’m not angry/I love you just the same,/ I just hope you get/ agoraphobia one day.”

Based on the lyrics and production of “Man’s Best Friend,” what direction does Sabrina Carpenter appear to be taking within the pop music industry and her musical career?

Reflecting on the past directions she's taken after the release of an album, I believe this time around, “Man’s Best Friend” reflects a turning point in her career. While I thought none of the songs specifically stood out, I believe this album feels like a gateway from one era of her career to the next. The unapologetically sexual themes while exploring a new production style and incorporating striking visuals, all felt familiar for Carpenter, while also putting an edgy spin on her traditional girly sound and look. The turn of sound and lyricism from her previous clean and sparkly sound to more experimental and mature production represents her shift from emerging artist to established woman in the industry.

Anyone who was on TikTok when the album cover was revealed, knows the endless opinions it inspired across the app. Everyone had something to say, whether it was sexist, whether it wasn’t, whether it was art, whether it was irrelevant. Carpenter knows people love to discuss the sexual imagery in her songs. The album cover for “Man’s Best Friend” is maybe her biggest poke at the public yet. In an age when all generations of all backgrounds can share their opinion on social media, certain people are bound to be taken aback by Carpenter's candor about her sexuality. However, the storm it created on TikTok demonstrates how echo chambers on social media can take simple disagreements and turn them into a bigger issue than necessary. Much of the controversy revolved around whether Carpenter was “setting feminism back.” In my opinion, if this album cover sets feminism back, then maybe it needed to be undone.

Haley Ramsey - Social Media Editor

Overall rating: 8/10

General thoughts: I went into this album thinking I wouldn’t enjoy it and would instead be skipping through the songs when my Spotify algorithm brought them up. I was pleasantly surprised when I turned it on Saturday morning and heard something with much more musical range and lyrical depth than even her previous album. Short ‘n’ Sweet seemed a big departure for Sabrina Carpenter into mega-mainstream pop, but for anyone familiar with “Emails I Can’t Send”, her latest album certainly appears to be more fitting to the singer’s personal style. While the lyrics and melodies are certainly more digestible and dance-worthy than the softer, more poetic, Emails I can’t send, there’s added maturity and confidence in the decisions Carpenter made for this album and sound.

It’s unclear whether Carpenter’s lyrical innuendos and sexualized concepts have more to do with wanting to showcase her raw personality, wishing to imitate other former Disney actresses and distance herself from her child-actress roots, or are even purely based on the internet success of her earlier single Feather. “Man’s Best Friend” seems to share some more insight into her intentions. While the lyrics bear the same cheeky metaphors fans have come to associate with Carpenter, the music and production itself show clear inspiration from genres like disco, funk, and musical theater. Paired with the music video for “Tears,” which to me read as an homage to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, it seems that Carpenter is just a flamboyant, former-theater kid who grew up in front of the entire world and is experiencing all the ups and downs of young adulthood–including sexual liberation and what that means to her.

Favorite song: Sugar Talking

Least favorite song: Manchild

Favorite lyrics: “The emotional lottery is all you’ll get from me” / “got a soft spot for a bev and a boy that’s fruity.”

Based on the lyrics and production of “Man’s Best Friend,” what direction does Sabrina Carpenter appear to be taking within the pop music industry and her musical career?

It seems like Carpenter is here to stay in the limelight. I can’t help but draw comparisons to Taylor Swift, as Carpenter herself seems on the brink of a similar, domineering success in the music industry. However, with the installation of Man’s Best Friend, it seems like she is perfectly comfortable forging her own path and sound as a pop mogul.

I don't feel too much either way on this one because to me, it encompasses a lot of cultural questions in one. Would there be the same kind of controversy if, for example, Harry Styles posed on the cover of his next album with a collar and leash on? My personal biases as a woman certainly come into play here, because I think she would’ve made people online mad regardless of what she chose as her cover art. Musicians have been singing about sex for decades and pushing boundaries with what they wear, so to me, it’s not any worse that Carpenter is more forthright with her own music than some other artists. I do believe some people were genuinely criticizing Carpenter’s choices as someone who has a predominantly younger fanbase, but again, she isn't the first by far to use mature themes in her work. Personally, these conversations always lead to questions about censorship and where or if we should draw the line as a society. Overall, I think those who appreciate Carpenter’s candor will continue to watch the singer grow into herself, and those who don’t can simply skip to another track.

Nick Singer - Vision Writer

Overall rating: 7/10

General Thoughts: Regardless if you love or hate her, or how often you listen, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” is undeniably Sabriba Carpenter. She’s found her own distinct sound that is unique to her. The chorus harmonies, silky laid-back verse vocals and slick pop production are unique to her brand. “Man’s Best Friend” has a different overall vibe than her 2024 album “Short ‘n Sweet;” but ultimately, both albums are distinguishably her own despite any shallow themes one might argue are present.

Fav Song: When Did You Get Hot?

Least Fav Song: Go Go Juice

Fav Lyric: Don’t have one

Based on the lyrics and production of "Man's Best Friend," what direction does Sabrina Carpenter appear to be taking within the pop music industry and her musical career?

Based on her lyrics, Carpenter is riding the over-sexualized road with her new music. It is catchy and relatable at times, but quickly feels repetitive and lacks serious lyrical variety and depth. Lyrically nothing seems original apart from the occasional creatively written line conveying the same cliche message as the rest of the album. An engaging aspect however was the production of the instrumentals. The music itself sounded fresh compared to other modern artists in the Pop genre. Songs like “When Did You Get Hot?” resembles a late 90’s or early 2000’s Britney Spears esque banger, who many feel Carpenter is trying to emulate in multiple aspects. Songs like “Manchild” and “House Tour” are reminiscent of 1980's Madonna chart topper.

Does the controversy surrounding the album cover for "Man's Best Friend" reflect genuine cultural critique, or is it indicative of how quickly public opinion forms and spreads on social media?

It is undeniable that the suggestive cover art for “Man’s Best Friend” is Sabrina’s way of “stirring the pot” amongst fans and critics to introduce her new wave of music with a bang. Her controversial Summer 2025 appearance on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine also gave fans a shock, further establishing the erotic direction of her new album. The large controversy surrounding “Man’s Best Friend” supports the fact that opinions can quickly spread on social media as it brought more attention to and ultimately, listeners to the album.

Edited by: Sam