After weeks of controversy and anticipation, it is finally here! Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Man’s Best Friend” is everyone’s pup of tea.
Shortly after the leading track “Manchild” dropped, Carpenter announced her seventh studio album to be released on August 29. The album cover pictured Carpenter on all fours, hair pulled by a mysterious hand. The design immediately sparked controversy within her fandom. Some said the artist was “setting back feminism,” while others believed the photo was satirical. In response, Carpenter released three additional album covers.
Firstly, it is abundantly clear that the album is satirical. The title “Man’s Best Friend” and the dog-like pose Carpenter takes are a play on the patriarchy and how men treat women like “bitches.” This is made obvious by the song “Manchild” and its music video.
Carpenter’s latest effort exceeds expectations, especially following her last album, “Short n’ Sweet.” This record has no skips, with each song being fun and danceable. Below are the tracks ranked from good, better, and best.
#12 “Go Go Juice”
“Go Go Juice” is the ninth track on “Man’s Best Friend.” It is one of those songs that inspires anyone listening to dance. The song has an upbeat tempo with catchy lyrics. On closer analysis, Carpenter sings about drinking away the pain of a breakup. Something she does often is creating a song that seems positive but actually has meaningful lyrics, so this was no surprise. Overall, this song delivers the vibes Carpenter’s reputation promises, but it is the most forgettable of the 12 tracks.
#11 “Sugar Talking”
“Sugar Talking” is the fourth track on the album. Carpenter’s vocals in this song are stunning, and again, the lyrics reveal more upon a closer listen. It has a slower tempo compared to “Go Go Juice” but still maintains an upbeat atmosphere. Carpenter sings about experiencing a low-effort relationship where sweet talk replaces action. In a generation where hookup culture is normalized, many will find this relatable.
#10 Nobody’s Son
The sixth track, “Nobody’s Son,” is about the feeling that there are no fish in the sea. Carpenter sings about being a third wheel, getting hurt, and feeling hopeless toward love. “Nobody’s Son” is dramatic in a funny way, yet somehow deep. The idea that nobody is out there to provide love for her is almost theatrical, but it reminds listeners that even the richest, prettiest, most admired women are just as insecure and doubtful as everyone else. It is a nice touch that helps humanize her image—rather than being seen as just a celebrity, she comes across as a soul.
#9 “House Tour”
“House Tour” is the 11th track on “Man’s Best Friend.” It has a retro vibe, similar to pop music from the ’80s. Yet the song is provocative. Carpenter sings about inviting a lover over after a date. Her humor shines in this track because she includes bits of dialogue throughout, almost like a skit.
#8 “Manchild”
The opening track, originally released as a single, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s pop airplay chart. Carpenter calls out the weaponized incompetence of the men she dates, blaming them for seeking her out just to hurt her instead of pursuing something serious. At the same time, she admits she enjoys ignoring the red flags because it feels like a game. It is funny, catchy, and one of the best pop songs released this summer.
#7 “Tears”
Following “Manchild,” “Tears” is the second track. This song is an attention-grabber, with wild, provocative lyrics that draw listeners in. It is similar in theme to her song “Juno” from her sixth studio album. Carpenter sings about finding responsibility in men to be a turn-on. With a strong beat that could get anyone moving, the song even includes what she calls a “dance break” toward the end.
#6 “Goodbye”
One of the more serious songs on this album, “Goodbye,” closes out the record. Carpenter sings about finding her worth in a breakup, realizing that even if it hurts, she would rather choose dignity than stay with a boyfriend. She cleverly says goodbye in multiple languages, driving home the point that leaving her was a mistake.
#5 “Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry”
“Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” is the 10th track on the album. It is a slow, almost sensual song. Carpenter sings about being emotionally unavailable in a relationship and using that to manipulate her partner. A little messed up, yes – but with amazing vocals and catchy lyrics, the track still stands out.
#4 “My Man on Willpower”
The third track, “My Man on Willpower” is about feeling like an afterthought in a relationship after previously being a priority. This song feels a lot like a sequel to “How Many Things,” which is on her fifth studio album, “emails i can’t send.” With humor wrapped in raw emotion, Carpenter sings about doing what she can to get attention from her partner, not understanding why he won’t give her the time of day. The song stands out as a highlight on the album.
#3 “When Did You Get Hot?”
In third place is the eighth track. Another provocative song – very on-brand for Carpenter – it is about feeling desperate enough to suddenly see someone she would not normally find attractive in a new light. It is a bop, with vocals and repetition that perfectly encapsulate the desire she describes.
#2 “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night”
In second place is “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night,” the fifth track on the album. This song is a masterpiece, chronicling a toxic relationship cycle of fighting, making up, and lying. The instrumentals and lyrics together convey deep meaning. While many enjoy upbeat songs about nothing, Carpenter’s tear-jerkers tend to perform even better in terms of streams. This one will land on countless playlists.
#1 “Never Getting Laid”
Finally, in first place, “Never Getting Laid,” the seventh track on “Man’s Best Friend,” deserves all the recognition. Carpenter sings about how, although she does not feel bitter about her breakup, she secretly prays for her ex-lover’s downfall. Unlike the more misandrist-coded “Manchild,” this track balances love and revenge: she can want what is best for someone while also wanting payback. The result? The best song on the album. Vocals: unmatched. Music: wow.

Jackson • Sep 4, 2025 at 10:40 am
Another great article. I’ve been putting off listening to this album since it came out; since I was a bit nervous with the controversy around it. This makes me less nervous to check it out! Awesome article, Nyah. 😀