Courtesy of Island Records
On Aug. 29, Sabrina Carpenter released her latest album titled “Man’s Best Friend.” Ever since the June release of the single “Manchild,” there has been a flurry of criticism surrounding the album’s messages about gender roles and feminism. At the same time, many fans (myself included) wholeheartedly love the album’s upbeat melodies and resonate with the sarcastic and witty lyrics.
Since its release, I have been listening to “Manchild” nearly every day. Its humorous opening calls upon common qualms women have, but cannot voice, toward men. She sings words like “stupid” and “useless” to describe men before landing on the more accurate descriptor, “manchild.” The rest of the song is danceable, turning this frustration into something to laugh about.
The album is full of fun songs that condemn men’s poor behavior. One song that stood out to me was “Tears.” At first, it may seem as if Carpenter is enamored with the male subject as she sings, “I get wet at the thought of you.” It is only after a long pause that she clarifies that she only feels this way at the thought of him “being a responsible guy.” The song brings attention to the pitifully-low standards society holds men to in relationships with something as simple as “considering I have feelings” makes him more attractive to her. Carpenter sings in a sarcastic way, adding humor to what many women want to say to men: that they are mediocre. The tune is also cheerful, particularly towards the end, so the commentary does not feel too harsh. Throughout the album, she subtly hints at relatable frustrations with how men treat women in energetic songs that allow us to laugh despite our dissatisfaction.
Of course, it would not be a Sabrina Carpenter album if she were not making sexual jokes and passes too. One of the more positive songs, “House Tour,” is about inviting a date into her house. Carpenter insists that, “none of this is a metaphor,” but that she just wants him to “come inside.” The rather obvious sex jokes add to the raunchy and multifaceted persona Carpenter creates. She is not just frustrated with men, but is extremely attracted to them.
Much of the criticism for the album comes from the sexual position Carpenter puts herself in. The album cover alone sparked controversy online, with some saying it upholds stereotypes of women submitting to men; Carpenter kneels like a dog at the feet of a man who clutches her hair. There is also a critique that she centers men in a woman’s experience, as they are the subject of each song.
Yes, she sings solely about men in the album, but unfortunately, men are a part of women’s lives. Carpenter not only comments on how her relationships with men impact her mental wellbeing, but she also provides biting critiques of their behavior and the social expectations of men in relationships. This judgement is enjoyable to listen to and strikes a chord with any woman who has had to deal with a man’s mediocre or even abhorrent behavior. Her sexuality does not feel forced or stereotypical — instead, she seems to be in control and having fun. The album feels expressive and free in its discussion of sexuality. Even though Carpenter finds herself in traditional sex roles, she scrutinizes them and still finds power within. Mainly, though, the album is a joyful, upbeat way to vent about the many pitfalls of men and still dance through the pain.
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