Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” exemplifies the perfect blend of sharp satire and pop exuberance – and it truly delivers.
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Listen: “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
Anyone who claims pop music can’t be edgy clearly hasn’t encountered Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild.”
The two-time GRAMMY® Award winner launched into 2025 with a powerful new single that combines expertly crafted production with a fierce message. This track fuses disco glimmer, synth-pop energy, and a hint of country flair into one brilliantly acerbic creation. Co-written with her longtime collaborator Amy Allen and pop expert Jack Antonoff, who also produced the song, “Manchild” represents both a fresh start and a signature style for Carpenter: clever humor laced with catchy hooks.
Consider this: if your ex ever declared themselves “emotionally mature” before disappearing on you during a fight, this track is for you.
From the opening notes, “Manchild” is confident in what it aims to do. It features an engaging synth melody reminiscent of the ’80s, a rhythmic country beat, and a disco polish so shiny you could check your lipstick in it. This sonic combination feels both nostalgic and modern, akin to seeing Dolly Parton dancing with Carly Rae Jepsen, with a sprinkle of Donna Summer’s sparkle for good measure.
However, the standout element is not just the music; it’s Sabrina Carpenter’s incisive lyrics.
“Did you just say you’re finished? / Didn’t know we started,” she sings with a mixture of humor and venom, her sweet-sounding voice delivering a clear message. This witty couplet is only the beginning of a lyrical journey filled with dry wit, eye rolls, and specific observations that could have been taken straight from a group chat. “It’s all just so familiar, baby, what do you call it – stupid, or is it slow?” Carpenter playfully questions, twisting the knife with a grin.
Where lesser pop stars might obscure their critique with vague metaphors, Carpenter is refreshingly direct. “Manchild” isn’t merely a breakup anthem; it's a roasting session set to danceable beats, and it’s nothing short of fantastic.
The music video enhances this experience, casting the song into a vivid dream of liberation and frustration. Directed by the innovative Gal Muggia and Vania Heymann (both recognized with GRAMMY® nominations), the visuals unfold like a surreal summer journey, blending elements of desert illusions, vintage motel style, and symbolic escape. Carpenter, resembling a mix of a Western heroine and a disco diva, dances amidst sandstorms, relaxes on pink Cadillacs, and metaphorically leaves the “Manchild” behind. It’s cinematic, cheeky, and just the right amount of wild.
There’s something freeing about watching Carpenter take back her power, not through sorrowful ballads but with sharp humor and glittery boots. “Manchild” captures less the pain of heartbreak and more the absurdity of dating someone whose emotional maturity peaked in junior high. It’s not about “Why did he hurt me?” but rather, “Can you believe this guy?”
Sabrina Carpenter is known for her sharp lyrics; her previous work, “Short n’ Sweet,” showcased her ability, and with “Manchild,” she steps into a bold new chapter of confident storytelling.
It’s daring, theatrical, and humorously irritated. More importantly, it’s enjoyable. In a pop landscape often littered with cookie-cutter heartbreak songs, “Manchild” takes a different route, offering a breakup track that’s made for both belting out loud and dancing along.
With production touches from Jack Antonoff, the track maintains a rich sound without being overcrowded, nostalgic yet innovative. It carries the shimmering, layered quality expected from his productions while fitting perfectly with Carpenter’s clever delivery. Amy Allen’s lyrical talent is also evident, particularly in the catchy chorus, which hints at becoming a viral meme. The trio has undeniable chemistry, and it’s clear in the music.
At just under three minutes, “Manchild” is quick, engaging, and infinitely replayable.
It’s the type of song that elicits laughter the first time you hear it and knowing smiles on subsequent listens. Whether you’re navigating a breakup, recalling a crummy ex, or simply enjoying time with friends on a rooftop, this track defines your summer of unapologetic fun.
What’s next for Sabrina Carpenter? If “Manchild” is any indication, she’s not playing it safe. With its eclectic sound, sharp humor, and memorable visuals, this single represents a significant advancement in her career, establishing her firmly within the leading edge of pop music’s next wave.
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Sabrina Carpenter's "Manchild" blends sharp satire with pop euphoria, resulting in a track that truly resonates.