The Confident Return: A Review of Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend

Barely a year after her career-defining Short n' Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter is back with her new album, Man's Best Friend. The record, which arrived on August 29, 2025, sees her lean even further into the witty, unapologetic persona that captivated the world.

From the start, it’s clear that Carpenter is operating with a newfound confidence. The album's lead singles, "Manchild" and "Tears," set the tone with their breezy, clever takes on modern relationships. The production, once again helmed by frequent collaborators like Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, feels both familiar and refreshingly detailed, incorporating live instrumentation and unexpected flourishes.

This isn't just Short n' Sweet part two, however. While the sharp, observational songwriting remains a core strength, Man's Best Friend takes some interesting stylistic detours. Tracks like the '80s power-pop infused "House Tour" and the surprisingly mournful "Don't Worry I'll Make You Worry" demonstrate Carpenter's versatility. There's also the cheeky country ditty "My Man on Willpower" and the Hall & Oates-esque "Sugar Talking," which showcase her ability to meld disparate genres into a cohesive, enjoyable collection.

Lyrically, Carpenter is at her best when she's laughing through the pain. The album is filled with relatable stories of dating disappointments and the chaos of navigating adulthood. She has a talent for taking unwieldy sentences and turning them into incredibly catchy melodies, a skill that shines on tracks like "My Man on Willpower." This balance of humor and heartbreak is what makes her music so resonant with her audience.

While some might argue that the album's themes feel similar to her previous work, the execution is what truly stands out. Man's Best Friend feels more expansive and meticulously crafted. It’s a testament to an artist who knows exactly who she is, what she wants to say, and how to make a party out of disappointment.