2026 Grammys Album Review: Man's Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter

 

Its that time of year for my annual series reviewing all of the album of the year nominees. This year I graded each track out of 100, and then of course averaged it out. On albums that feature interludes, or on certain tracks that are around a minute or shorter, those won't be judged toward the album.

"Man's Best Friend" - Sabrina Carpenter

(Rights to Island Records)

1) Manchild

With a synth 80s feel, we see Sabrina being witty right off the bat; "If I'm not there, it won't get done".

2) Tears

A disco vibe, this revolves around a partner doing the bare minimum; "A little communication, that's my ideal foreplay".

3) My Man On Willpower

There's somewhat of an Abba vibe (we'll see that later on in this album). Her partner has found some semblance of independence; "He fell in love with self restraint". The chorus feels a bit clunky.

4) Sugar Talking

There's a nice slow groove. "Your paragraphs mean shit to me, get your sorry ass to mine". There's a really nice instrumental break.

5) We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night

Sabrina shows off her vocals, but this track feels sluggish.

6) Nobody's Son

This chorus really moves. "I'm the one they call for a third-wheeling".

7) Never Getting Laid

With an R&B feel, Sabrina is delightfully petty; "I just wish you didn't have a mind". The closing is really nice.

8) When Did You Get So Hot?

There's a nice beat and just overall a fun vibe; "I bet your light rod is bigger than Zeus's". A track that really grew on me....

9) Go Go Juice

We see Sabrina going with a sort of country vibe; "I'm just drinking to call someone". There's a nice fiddle that goes into a half-time break.

10) Don't Worry I'll Make You Worry

I found this track overall to be slow and plodding.

11) House Tour

With just an overall fun groove, we see Sabrina going innuendo heavy on a very catchy track; "I spent a little fortune on the waxed floors". 

12) Goodbye

Sabrina goes back to that Abba feel to close out the album. With a nice use of horns, this acts as an excellent closer.

When "Man's Best Friend" initially came out, there were immediate comparisons and debates on how this stood up to "Short N' Sweet", but this is simply a fun album. Oddly to say, while the former might have bigger hits, "Man's Best Friend" might actually be more consistent of an album. More importantly, its an album that doesn't overstay its welcome.  (82.4)

Sabrina Carpenter "Man's Best Friend" - 82.4