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Sabrina Carpenter has returned to the spotlight with her seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, released on August 29, 2025. The lead single, Manchild, debuted at No. 1 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, marking the biggest opening week for a female artist in the UK. Ahead of its release, the album sparked debates—some critics argued it perpetuates the male gaze, while others celebrated it as a clever feminist satire. Sabrina, however, has clarified that the lyrics aren’t meant for the “pearl-clutchers.”
What Inspired Man’s Best Friend?
Fans speculate that the album, which features witty, retro-styled pop with a breakup theme, draws inspiration from Sabrina’s past relationships. During a Q&A with Owen Thiele, the singer revealed she began working on the album immediately after her previous project, Short N’ Sweet, which earned her two Grammys.
“I started writing this album pretty much the day after I finished Short N’ Sweet because I was in the midst of a lot, personally, in my head, and I was like, ‘It would be really bad if I just stopped writing,’” Sabrina said.
Hidden Hints About Exes in the Lyrics
Fans have been dissecting the album, noting that several lyrics seem to hint at Sabrina’s exes. For example, in the track Go Go Juice, names like “Gosh,” “Larry,” “John,” and “Villian” appear—sparking speculation that these are playful nods to former partners Joshuya, Barry, Shawn, and Dylen.
In Never Getting Laid, Sabrina showcases her sassy side, simultaneously wishing her exes well while delivering subtle curses. The album closes with Goodbye, rounding off what fans see as a cheeky, empowering pop record.
Sabrina herself has embraced the guessing game, saying she enjoys leaving fans to decode which songs reference which exes rather than revealing all the details herself. This playful ambiguity has only added to the album’s appeal, keeping listeners engaged and entertained.