Sabrina Carpenter’s New Album Art Sparks Debate: Satire or Step Back for Feminism?
You guys, we have got to talk about Sabrina Carpenter because she just released the artwork for her upcoming album, Man’s Best Friend, and people have a lot to say about it. Some are not happy, some are calling it satire—it’s a whole situation. Let’s break down the reactions and what Sabrina herself had to say in a recent Rolling Stone interview where she opened up about her humor, criticism, and more.
The Announcement
Sabrina announced Man’s Best Friend this week, sharing two images: one of her on her hands and knees and another featuring a pet collar with the album’s title. She captioned the post: “My new album Man’s Best Friend is out August 29th, 2025. Can’t wait for it to be yours. X pre-order now.”
Fans were surprised by the quick follow-up to Short n’ Sweet, especially since her tour for that album runs through November. Sabrina addressed this in her newsletter, explaining:
*”I didn’t plan on releasing a new record. However, when inspiration strikes, I go to the studio… This time, I felt so at ease making *Man’s Best Friend* that it felt like a gift. Different from my previous projects where I’d bang my head to crack numerous codes, this one felt like riding a bike… I was surprised to find so many of my favorite artists (Stevie, Dolly, Donna, etc.) put out a new record every year for a long time. Can’t say that is or will be the norm for me, but this time it really eased my mind about putting something out when it feels right.”*
The Controversy
The cover art—featuring Sabrina on all fours—immediately sparked backlash. Critics called it “degrading,” arguing it sets feminism back, while others defended it as satire. Here’s what people are saying:
- Critics:
- “I feel like that one friend who’s too woke right now, but Sabrina, girl… The cover? Woof woof. That is disgusting.”
- “It’s so degrading. Everyone’s saying, ‘Oh, it’s a play on how men view women,’ but that doesn’t mean we should play into it.”
- “The album cover is giving 1950s women degradation. So disappointing.”
- Defenders:
- *”Are they forgetting the lead single is called *Manchild? It’s obviously satirical.”
- *”She’s criticizing the exact thing they’re mad about. The cover shows how men *feel* about women, not her actually being a dog to a man.”*
- “26 years of her jokes not landing. Bless her. Satire. Hope this helps angry people.”
Some fans speculated the album’s later tracks will provide context, suggesting this might be a setup before she “rips men to shreds” in songs like Manchild. Others pointed to her history of calling out toxic behavior in past tracks, arguing the cover is commentary on being treated poorly.
Sabrina’s Response (Before the Backlash)
In her Rolling Stone cover story, Sabrina discussed her humor and how women are scrutinized—eerily foreshadowing this debate:
“Anytime I didn’t really want to be nice and please people, I could use sarcasm as a tactic of being transparent without coming across as rude… Jokes help soften the blow. When I’m writing, it’s harder for me to say something without a wink because that’s how I communicate—with friends, family, lovers.”
She also addressed the pressure women face:
“I’ve never lived in a time where women have been picked apart more. I’m not just talking about me—every female artist making art right now is scrutinized in every capacity.”
The Bigger Picture
Producer Jack Antonoff, who worked on Manchild, hinted at the album’s theme:
“Most of the lyrical content is about disappointment in relationships… It’s a celebration of those who let you down.”
Sabrina also touched on her more provocative moments:
“It’s funny when people complain, ‘All she does is sing about this,’ but those are the songs they’ve made popular… If you come to my shows, you’ll hear ballads too. I find irony in that.”
Final Thoughts
Is the cover satire? A misstep? A deliberate provocation? With Sabrina’s track record of tongue-in-cheek critiques, it’s likely more nuanced than critics assume. But one thing’s clear: the discourse proves her point about women being dissected for every creative choice.
What do you think? Is the backlash justified, or are people missing the point? Sound off in the comments!
Jenifer
