Man’s Best Friend: A Review
Confident. Catchy. Carpenter.
by Kai-Ling Vann ★ October 7th, 2025
Design: Abby Block
Debuting with her album emails i can’t send and reaching a career peak with Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter has cemented her place not just as a rising artist but as one of pop music’s biggest stars. I’ve been a fan of Carpenter since her Disney Channel days and have enjoyed following her recent projects. Her newest album, Man’s Best Friend, sparked controversy upon release. Many TikTok users claimed the cover was sexually suggestive and anti-feminist. Others argued it was female forward, noting that the songs dismantle the assumptions implied by the artwork. Despite the debate, as a longtime Sabrina Carpenter fan, I was eager to listen and review her latest album. Here are my initial thoughts:
The album opens with its lead single,, “Manchild,” in which Carpenter reflects on how the men she’s drawn to are often immature and leave her feeling like she has to take care of them. It’s a strong choice for an opener, the scene for the rest of the record where she unpacks her experiences with relationships. The track itself is extremely catchy and has already made headlines on TikTok, with a viral dance embraced by influencers and celebrities alike. I’d rate this song a 9/10.
“Tears” isn’t my favorite track on the album. It explores Carpenter’s explicit sexual desires, and while the honesty will resonate with many listeners, I don’t think it’s the strongest album. I prefer her song “Juno” from the previous album, Short n’ Sweet, which tackles similar themes in a catchier and more compelling way. I’d rate this song a 6/10.
I really enjoyed this song because it describes the feeling of a guy slowly fading out of your life. Carpenter explains how her partner is getting too good at having the willpower not to see her, admitting it’s “getting out of hand.”The track feels raw and relatable—especially since men, in all their emotional subtlety, are rarely known for being direct. I'd rate this song a 7.5/10.
“Sugar Talking” was a skip for me. The theme feels tired and repetitive, and the track doesn’t offer much character or flare. Sonically, it echoes some of Carpenter’s other songs, but the lyrics don’t stand out enough to make it memorable. I’d rate this song a 4/10.
“We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night:”
I really liked this track, and appreciated Carpenter’s choice to weave slower, sadder songs into the album. It recalls the tone of “Skinny Dipping” from emails i can’t send, exploring the difficulty of fully moving past someone even when she knows it’s time. Thought-provoking and tender, it feels like the kind of song you’d put on if you want to cry your heart out after a breakup (though I’m not necessarily recommending it). I’d rate this song an 8/10.
In “Nobody’s Son,” Carpenter reflects on bettering herself before fully committing to a relationship. She sings “Hi, I hope you’re great, I think it’s time we took a break so I can grow emotionally,” a line that feels self-aware and refreshingly honest. I think it also can show girls that they should be intuitive with themselves and prioritize self-growth before committing to something serious. Sonically, it carries a slightly different vibe than the rest of the album, which made it stand out. I'd rate this song an 8/10.
To be honest, I also thought this song was a skip.It feels very repetitive, and the theme is consistent but getting old. I'd rate this song a 6/10.
I like the pop flair on this song. The beat feels fresh, and the content is fun and satirical. She says, “You were an ugly kid, but you’re a sexy man!”– a backhanded compliment that feels playful and perfectly on theme. I'd rate this song a 7.5/10.
Love it. This song is about drinking as a way to get the courage to call someone, , with her “go go juice” giving her the push to dial.The chorus is especially catchy, and perfectly set up by the spoken line in the pre-chorus saying, “just trying different numbers, didn’t think that you’d pick up.” The perfect flair– playful, fun and full of personality. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the album. I'd rate this song a 10/10.
“Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry:”
I love the vibe of this track. It’s sad, but the melody is beautiful, and somewhat calming, at the same time. She’s also “trolling” a guy in the lyrics, which adds a playful edge, and helps break up some of the repetitiveness across the album. I'd rate this song a 9/10.
I like the upbeat demeanor of this song, and predict that it will likely be trending on TikTok soon. It has a fun, almost party vibe, and the lyrics aren’t meant to be taken too seriously– something I always appreciate about her music. I'd rate this song an 8/10.
This is by far my favorite song on the album. I love that it serves as the closer because it wraps up the storyline so well. When she sings “Can’t call it love then call it quits, can’t shoot me down then shoot the shit,” the line flows seamlessly and immediately stuck in my head. . The track left me feeling satisfied, while also making me want to play it again. I'd rate this song an 11/10!!!
Overall, Man’s Best Friend is a confident, clever addition to Sabrina Carpenter’s discography. It’s fun, flirty, and full of the tongue-in-cheek charm that’s become her signature. While a few tracks blend together, the standouts are impossible not to replay — proof that Carpenter knows exactly how to keep listeners hooked. With this release, she isn’t just keeping up with pop’s biggest names — she’s setting the tone for what comes next.
Edited by: Chloe Rudnick