By Lucky Felder
In early June, Sabrina Carpenter announced that she would release her 7th album titled “Man’s Best Friend.” As someone who listens to all of her music and has attended her concerts, I was intrigued and eager to find out about this new era. As expected, Sabrina created an amazing, cohesive album that showcases who she is as an artist. Here are my thoughts on the tracklist:
“Manchild” (7.5/10)
This song is so Sabrina. With playful lyrics and an energizing synth beat, it perfectly sets the tone for the album’s vibe. To me, the verses are a bit boring, and personally, I’m not a big fan of her country-ish songs, but the chorus is definitely a banger. I love how this opening track just feels like she’s having fun and messing around.
“Tears” (9/10)
Wow, this intro makes me ascend, the jazzy piano and the vocals?? Oh my gosh. It definitely wasn’t what came to mind when I saw the title “Tears”… but I’m not mad. From start to finish, this song is perfect. The groovy instrumental, coupled with the background adlibs, makes me want to get up and dance. And of course, her lyricism is hilarious like always.
“My Man on Willpower” (7/10)
“Can I return it? Get back the version I like” has to be one of my favorite lyrics from the album. This song encapsulates Sabrina’s struggles with no longer feeling the same interest and effort she once had from her partner. I almost forgot about the sad meaning since it was disguised by the catchy instrumental and the jokes Sabrina sprinkled throughout the lyrics. It’s not my favorite, but it definitely blends with the overall feel of the album.
“Sugar Talking” (10/10)
Once again, I’m floating. Her vocals literally could not be any better, and she chose the most amazing harmonies. I really don’t have much to say other than just wow.
“We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” (9/10)
Personally, I don’t relate to the album, but for this song in particular, I can strongly feel the emotions she expresses, even without sharing a similar experience. She sings of a destructive relationship that is stuck in a cycle of fights and makeups and not wanting to let go of that person despite the mental toll. She conveys this feeling through the slow, somber melody and self-deprecating lines like “Been here a thousand times, selective memory though.” One of her more serious tracks which proves her versatility in songwriting.
“Nobody’s Son” (5/10)
One of my only skips on the album, because it feels more like a filler song. The slower beat makes the song drag on, and I am not a big fan of the bridge. However, I do appreciate her lyrics in this song and the sentiment of feeling like she’ll never find the right person.
“Never Getting Laid” (10/10)
Unlike in “Nobody’s Son,” the slow tempo of this song fits the vibe perfectly. The chill drumbeat and the electric guitar in the background instrumental are so satisfying to listen to. Most importantly, the sarcasm she uses in this song is so fun. Claiming she’s gotten over her ex, who had a wandering eye, she jokes, “I’m so at peace, yeah I can’t drink enough.” All these elements put together make for a perfect 10/10.
“When Did You Get Hot?” (101010010110/10)
Instantly my favorite off the album. This song reminds me so much of some of her older albums. I especially love it when she uses her lower register, and in this song, she shows off her whole range. I could listen to it all day and never get tired; the vibes are simply unmatched.
“Go Go Juice” (9/10)
At first, I really didn’t like this song, but after a few listens, I realized how wrong I was. I love the contrast between the quiet and hollow feeling verses, which transition to an energetic chorus. The lyric “Some good old-fashioned fun sure numbs the pain” definitely resonates with me, as doing something fun is often my solution to cover up something I don’t want to think about.
“Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry” (8.5/10)
This song has beautiful instrumentals and equally heavenly harmonies, but a deeper, more heartbreaking meaning is expressed in Sabrina’s lyrics. She admits, “I’ll never let you know where you stand,” acknowledging her faults of being an inconsistent person who has a talent for messing with her partner. I love the detail of her whispering “don’t worry” throughout the song, as it almost feels like she’s teasing the person and making sure she sticks in their head. This is an experience I definitely don’t relate to, but it’s a stunning song nonetheless, especially because I really enjoy her more ballad-y songs.
“House Tour” (10/10)
Another one of my immediate favorites, first time through the tracklist. The upbeat synth and drum beat had me bopping my head from beginning to end. It reminds me of a song that would be used in a movie during a shopping montage or makeover scene, what many would call a “glitter gel pen” song.
“Goodbye” (7/10)
The perfect closing song to the album. I mean, it’s literally called “Goodbye.” Similar to the opening song, “Manchild,” I love how it’s obvious Carpenter is just having fun with her voice and songwriting capabilities. She has the last laugh at her ex, who wants her back, asking, “Did you forget that it was you who said goodbye?” I really enjoy the comedic use of saying goodbye in as many languages as possible, like she’s really getting it through their head that it’s over. Not my most favorite from her work, but like I said, she chose a great song to close out “Man’s Best Friend.”