Sabrina Carpenter has unveiled a new version of the cover art for her upcoming album “Man’s Best Friend” after facing criticism over the original design. Carpenter announced on Wednesday, June 25, that she is offering signed copies of the album, set for release on August 29 via Island Records, featuring a toned-down black-and-white cover. The new artwork depicts Carpenter with her hand on a suited man’s shoulder, looking away from the camera.
“I signed some copies of ‘Man’s Best Friend’ for you guys,” Carpenter wrote on social media. “& here is a new alternate cover approved by God.”
The decision to release an alternate cover follows backlash over the original album art, which showed Carpenter on her hands and knees touching a man’s leg, with the man holding a fistful of her hair. Critics labeled the image as provocative and sexualized, with some calling it anti-feminist. However, many defended the artwork as part of Carpenter’s established brand of sex positivity. Notably, singer-songwriter Carly Simon commented on the matter, telling Rolling Stone that the cover seemed “tame” and not particularly outrageous compared to past album art.
Meanwhile, Carpenter’s album is already gaining traction with its lead single “Manchild,” which hit No. 1 on the June 21-dated Billboard Hot 100, marking her first song to debut at the top. “I can’t tell you how much this means to me!!!!” Carpenter expressed on Instagram. “This song makes me so happy. Thank you eternally for listening.”