Empowering young ladies through stereotypes:
Sabrina Carpenter, the popular pop star known for hits like "Espresso" and "Please Please Please," has released her latest album, "Man's Best Friend." The record, which runs for 38 minutes, showcases Carpenter's assertiveness and enjoyment.
The lyrics on "Man's Best Friend" are rich in references, reflecting the influence of collaborators Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, who have also worked with Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and Justin Bieber. Carpenter herself contributed significantly to the songwriting process.
The album's title, "Man's Best Friend," is a play on gender stereotypes, implying ambiguity about the identity of the man's best friend. The tracks on the album have ironical themes and are heavily influenced by the 1970s, with the disco sound of ABBA and the Bee Gees frequently heard.
The first single from the album is titled "Manchild," and it features airy keyboard riffs and a video clip reminiscent of the late 70s blonde look, a la Farrah Fawcett. The album demonstrates that Carpenter is still a woman who knows how to hold her own and have fun.
However, the initial cover of "Man's Best Friend" caused controversy due to its depiction of Carpenter kneeling in a black mini dress while a headless male figure in a black suit pulls at her blonde hair. Critics argued that it caters to male fantasies and does not empower women. In response, Carpenter released an alternative cover showing her standing in an elegant outfit and leaning on a man's arm. She described the new cover as "blessed by God" on Instagram, but the level of flirtation and calculated scandal involved remains unclear.
Despite the controversy, the greatest strengths of "Man's Best Friend" lie in its catchy, extremely accessible melodies. Carpenter's voice is not particularly virtuosic, but the melodies and lyrics on "Man's Best Friend" are stronger than on her previous album "Short n' Sweet." The lyrics on "Man's Best Friend" are smart, funny, and full of references.
Carpenter started her career as an innocent Disney starlet from the teen series "Girl Meets World," but she has since moved away from that image. Her new image is that of a curvaceous blonde, reminiscent of Hollywood's golden age, and she has been known to flirt with both men and women.
The new music and image have been met with both praise and criticism, reflecting the ongoing debate about artistic expression and its impact on societal norms. Carpenter's album "Man's Best Friend" is undoubtedly a bold and provocative statement, one that is sure to keep listeners talking.
