Sabrina Carpenter is once again making headlines, but this time, she’s letting the visuals speak for themselves.
After sparking controversy with the original cover of her upcoming album “Man’s Best Friend,” Carpenter has released a bold new version for a limited-edition vinyl. The updated artwork is a clear departure from the original, and from the male gaze entirely. In this version, she’s seen reclining alone in an elegant room, dressed in delicate lingerie and surrounded by lavish flower arrangements. She holds a card with the initials “M.B.F.” as if to say she’s still in control of the message, just in a quieter, more self-assured way.
“Man’s Best Friend” Cover 1
The original cover sparked immediate backlash when it was unveiled. That version showed Carpenter on all fours with a man gripping her by the hair, which many saw as provocative or even inappropriate. Reactions online were intense, with some praising its boldness while others criticized the message it seemed to send. In response, Carpenter released a second cover featuring a glamorous black-and-white photo of herself leaning on a suited man, styled like a Marilyn Monroe throwback. She playfully described it as “approved by God.”
“Man’s Best Friend” Cover 2
Now, with this third version, she removes the male presence completely. The mood is more understated but just as intentional. It feels like a clear statement that she alone controls her image and her story. The new cover accompanies a dusty rose-colored vinyl, available exclusively through her online store.
“Man’s Best Friend” is shaping up to be Carpenter’s most daring project to date. It follows the huge success of her 2024 album “Short n’ Sweet,” which spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 and helped solidify her place as a major force in pop music. So far, only one track from the new album has been released. That song, “Manchild,” came out in June and debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her second chart-topping single.