Sabrina Carpenter’s new album has shocked fans by its controversial front cover, but some think they know what’s behind it.
The 'Espresso' singer recently shared with her fans online that her new album, Man’s Best Friend, will be released in August, alongside a very raunchy front cover.
Stating that all they have to do is wait until August 29, fans were excited to know that they’ll be getting their hot girl summers on with a little bit of Sabrina, especially following the success of her latest single, 'Manchild'.
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However, the album artwork caused a whirlwind in the comments, as many fans bashed her choice of imagery.
We all know that Sabrina loves her risqué, pin-up doll style since she rebranded herself a couple years back, but it wasn’t her outfit or hair that grabbed people’s attention this time.
No, it was the fact that she was on all fours with what looks like a man standing off to the side as he pulls on her hair.
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Because of the sexual-in-nature image, some people branded the cover art as ‘weird’, and even ‘degrading’.
Someone wrote: “I'm not buying those covers, babe I'm sorry.”
Another added: “Sabrina Carpenter's new album cover is just eewww.... why is being male centered an aesthetic now? So weird honestly no creative direction just men and sex.”
A third scathed: “Why would Sabrina Carpenter choose such an image for her album cover? It’s so degrading and sends such an irresponsible message to her young fanbase!”
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However, some fans think they know what it’s all about, and that there is actually a hidden meaning behind the photo.
While Sabrina has recently began to wear cutesy outfits, sparkly getups and rolled her hair into beautiful and bouncy blond curls, akin to a Hollywood starlet, the new image could be a message to all.
One person said: “I’m seeing a lot of discourse about Sabrina Carpenter’s new album cover… for those of you who may lack critical thinking skills, the cover is clearly satirical with a deeper meaning, portraying how the public views her, believing she is just for the male gaze.”
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Another fan added: “Capitalizing on her star while it’s still burning its brightest with an album cover designed to keep the discourse going all summer long until its release.”
Over on X, the conversation continued as fans theorized the true meaning of the cover.
A fan speculated that it’s all about power, writing: “It’s going to be her taking control of the ‘men use women as objects’ narrative. Every one of her songs is her being in control. It’s supposed to be ironic. I’m here for it.”
Another wrote: “This is gonna be her feminist man ending record ! Sexually promiscuous women have been referred to as female dogs (bitches) throughout history. The album visual work is definitely ironic and you’ll see that once the album is out.”
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But others still were not convinced, as someone pointed out her young fanbase, noting: “Veryyyy weird had to unstan her bc of this just disgusting especially considering 90% of her fanbase are 12 year olds.”
Anyway, when you think it’s all over, people have also clocked on to her album title, ‘Man's Best Friend’ and the image of a dog and dog collar on the album cover.
People believe that it’s essentially calling herself a dog, or a male companion, which they think is ‘degrading’, or just ‘ew’.
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You’ve got to hand it to her, she’s got everyone waiting for the release just so they can hear what songs will accompany this art.
UNILAD has reached out to Sabrina Carpenter's representatives.
Topics: Sabrina Carpenter, Social Media, Twitter, Music
Britt Jones