Sabrina Carpenter Announces Tracklist for Upcoming Album "Man's Best Friend"
Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter is making waves with her upcoming album, "Man's Best Friend," set to release on August 29. The album, which consists of 12 tracks, includes songs like "Manchild," "Never Getting Laid," "We Almost Broke Up Last Night," "When Did You Get Hot?," "Don't Worry I'll Make You Worry," "House Tour," "Goodbye," and a new addition, "Go Go Juice."
However, the album cover art for "Man's Best Friend" has stirred up controversy, prompting Sabrina Carpenter to release an alternative black-and-white cover. The original cover depicts Carpenter in a submissive pose on all fours while a man pulls her hair, sparking widespread criticism for being offensive and seen by many as a regressive sexualized portrayal of women.
Critics argue that the imagery reinforces objectification and misogynistic tropes, with the title “Man’s Best Friend” playing on the phrase typically used to describe dogs — implying women are expected to be loyal and obedient like pets in relationships. This led to debates over whether the cover was anti-feminist or socially regressive.
In response to the backlash, Carpenter released alternative album covers. One alternative showed her in a classic black-and-white Marilyn Monroe style next to a man in a suit, which she called the “God-approved” version, and another featured a softer, garden-themed photo.
The debate highlights broader tensions in the music industry about provocative imagery and feminist messaging, with some defending Carpenter’s use of satire and social commentary, while others view it as pandering to male fantasies or lacking nuance. Some commentators note that past pop stars have used similarly controversial or sexualized imagery without such intense backlash, suggesting shifts in cultural expectations or interpretations.
Sabrina Carpenter started teasing the names of the songs on her upcoming album on social media last week. The lead single of the album is titled "Manchild," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The full tracklist for "Man's Best Friend" was revealed one by one before the full release, and fans were asked to post the track titles along with photos of them posing with puppies.
As the release date of August 29 approaches, the controversy surrounding "Man's Best Friend" continues to generate discussion and debate. The album has not been reviewed or rated yet, leaving fans and critics eagerly awaiting its release.
The upcoming album "Man's Best Friend" by Sabrina Carpenter promises an array of enticing music with tracks like "Manchild" and "Go Go Juice." However, the initial album cover, regarded as controversial for its portrayal of women, has sparked heated debates about objectification and feminist messaging in the music industry.