During my first year of college I found myself wanting to expand my overall knowledge of music due to a lack of variety in my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the previous years. I thought that a good way to do this would be to listen to recommended albums straight through during the many hours I spent out running for the Cross Country team, and later review them on Strava, which is essentially social media for distance runners. I called these reviews “Long Run Album Reviews,” LRAR for short (very creative, I know), and discovered some of my now favorite songs and artists this way.
I want to bring these Strava reviews to the Weather Vane to continue expanding my repertoire, focusing mostly on new albums that may be released between production cycles. With that being said, Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Man’s Best Friend” released two weeks ago now and I have heard some mixed feelings about it. No matter though, I am here to listen with open ears and an open mind to make that judgement for myself.
Manchild
I am a sucker for synth, and this intro is real groovy. I love the lyrics, unfortunately very applicable to men in some of these current generations. “Half your brain just ain’t there,” ain’t that the truth.
Tears
Another groovy hit in my book, the overarching symbolism is really well done. I think this is probably one of the intended purposes, but it’s certainly making me question whether or not I’m a responsible enough guy.
My Man on Willpower
This song has so many great layers musically, although the intro was a little all over the place in my opinion. This is a great reminder to have your priorities in order, maybe personal willpower isn’t all it’s chalked up to be.
Sugar Talking
I like the shift in style that this song adds to the album, a little more country pop rock sort of vibe? At this point I can’t tell if she is calling out all men for our faults in relationships or if these songs are based on her own experiences.
We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night
This is certainly a more chill song compared to the first few. It’s nice, not as much my taste musically, but I’m here for the tension in the story. This song sort of feels like a possible plot to a romantic comedy.
Nobody’s Son
This is a sad song, not exactly where I thought it would go based on the title. I think it’s a pretty accurate commentary on how parents view their sons, “yes, I’m talkin’ ‘bout your baby.”
Never Getting Laid
The transition into this song was a pleasant surprise, most albums lately I feel like have moved away from that method of structuring and the songs just stand alone in a sense. This tune is giving jazzy with a hint of spite, it’s a funny combination.
When Did You Get Hot?
This song is super groovy, not sure what else to say about it. The hazy vocals are really cool in my opinion.
Go Go Juice
I like the fiddle break halfway through, then straight into the big-band esque ba-da-da section is a fun shift. Besides that, alcohol is not a good way to deal with the bad things in life.
Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry
Emotional manipulation? Gaslighting? I’m not sure what to make of it, smooth song though.
House Tour
The disco vibes are peak, I like the commentary on men thinking everything is a metaphor. Just take stuff at face value, come on now.
Goodbye
This feels like the absolute right song to end the album with, I like the variety of genres that it shifts between. Some of these lines are really funny, very well incorporated into the story.
Overall I really like this album, good social commentary will always hold a place in my heart. While I don’t think any of these songs will become radio hits like “Espresso” (thank God), there are definitely songs that stand out as ones I will be adding to my playlists. I’m very curious to see in which direction Sabrina Carpenter will go following this album, especially given the trajectory from “Short n’ Sweet” to this.