Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album, “Man’s Best Friend,” was an overnight sensation. The album was released to the public on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Upon its release, the album garnered approximately 64 million listens on Spotify, marking the biggest debut for a female artist in 2025.
“Man’s Best Friend” is a 70s-inspired album about romantic disappointments. The album has 12 tracks on it, similar to the Carpenters’ previous hit album “Short n’ Sweet,” which was nominated for eight Grammy awards. Though “Short n’ Sweet” was more modest with its hidden meanings, “Man’s Best Friend” features more explicit language, something not recommended for younger ears.
Carpenter gave everyone a slight glimpse of the album with the single “Manchild,” which was released on June 5, 2025. “Manchild” has a playful, upbeat tone while stating profound lyrics that offer a raw, introspective look into Carpenter’s feelings. The next song on the track is “Tears,” where Carpenter sings about qualities in a man that she desires through a disco-type tempo that plays into the 70s-style Carpenter used in this album.
Carpenter’s voice is a wonderful mixture of breathy, upbeat and velvety goodness. Her voice can go to all octaves while still keeping up with the lyrics. This is demonstrated in track number five, “We Almost Broke Up Again.” This is a somber piece of music that cuts deep into the heart. The track is about an on-and-off relationship with a toxic couple. Listeners may feel an emotional connection with this song because of facing something familiar in the past or present. Not only is this album a catchy upbeat soundtrack, but it also carries specific themes like toxic relationships, loss of love and satire of the male gaze. Fans all over the world can relate to one way or another.
“My Man On Willpower” explores similar themes in great depth. The track uses humor to disguise the feeling of growing neglect. The song explores the painful and bewildering experience of a partner who was once so passionate, starting to become distant and neglectful.
On a happier note, the last track, “Goodbye,” is a cheerful way of saying goodbye. The use of multiple languages is an excellent way to convey her message effectively. This is Carpenter’s way of telling her listeners that this is the last track of the album, but it’s also Carpenter saying goodbye to the relationships that she has had in the past. Carpenters was very clever when she tied these two concepts together.
While some fans were mesmerized by the catchyness of the album, other fans thought it was too rushed or had some “weak” lyrics. Although some of the issues fans have raised are valid, the album counters these points with its strong rhythm and the passion invested in it. After many listens to the album, it was proven that it was a hit. There were many different undertones and hidden meanings to words that we usually look past, which were fun to figure out what Carpenter really meant. Though it did seem rushed since the album was only 38 minutes long, Carpenter usually makes her albums shorter; for example, “Short n’ Sweet” was only 36 minutes long before Carpenter added the deluxe songs. Though there were mixed reactions among the fans, it was an exceptional album.
“Man’s Best Friend” took its listeners from the highs and the lows of the Carpenters’ relationships. The upbeat tempo of several tracks contrasts with the slower tempo songs, creating a blissful harmony for the listener. “Man’s Best Friend” is a masterpiece of an album that skillfully merges multiple concepts and is executed flawlessly.
