“A glimmering, tongue-in-cheek anthem that skewers emotional immaturity while embracing irresistible disco‑tinged grooves” - Sabrina Carpenter Manchild Single Review

Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” – A Sparkly, Savvy Summer Scorcher

Words & Review: Jessica Kamp

Sabrina Carpenter has always had a flair for catchy pop, but “Manchild” marks a sharp new chapter—a glimmering, tongue-in-cheek anthem that skewers emotional immaturity while embracing irresistible disco‑tinged grooves. Released on June 5, 2025, and produced alongside Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, the track blends synth‑pop, disco sheen, and a subtle wink of country, delivering razor‑sharp lyrical jabs wrapped in irresistible hooks .

From the moment the track kicks in, it’s clear Carpenter is in peak form. The backing is a slick fusion of upbeat ’80s synths, toe‑tapping country rhythms, and polished dance energy—a sonic palette that feels both nostalgic and fresh . Yet the real force lies in her wit: couplets like “Did you just say you’re finished? Didn’t know we started” and “Half your brain just ain’t there” sting with a playful bite, showcasing Carpenter’s talent for turning relationship frustration into feminist comedy gold .

Lyrically, “Manchild” isn’t your usual breakup ballad; it’s more a heated roast session with disco drums. Carpenter doesn’t mince words—or syrupy metaphors. Instead she delights in humor and sarcasm, scoring savagely accurate one‑liners that hit hard yet leave you dancing. It’s a party anthem for the petty, a cathartic release for anyone who’s had enough of immature partners .

The music video, directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia, elevates the track with surreal visual narration . Set against a desert backdrop, Carpenter hitchhikes with a parade of ridiculous, cartoonish men—hydro‑bikes, recliners, shopping‑cart sidecars, and gasoline‑facewash rituals abound. It’s a manic, cinematic road‑trip as comedic as it is visually inventive, a comedic ride through male absurdity and female empowerment .

Critics are calling it “scathing, sparkly… absolutely slaps” , and “a scathing, sparkly summer anthem with bite” . Vulture applauds the audacity: “catchy himbo takedown” with clever vocals—“Why so sexy if so dumb?” they note, while fans speculate the ex‑target may be actor Barry Keoghan, though Carpenter insists the song is a broader coming‑of‑age catharsis, not focused on one person .

Commercially, the song has already struck gold—topping charts in the UK and Ireland, cracking the Top 10 in Australia and New Zealand, and positioning as a Summer “song of the year” contender .

What makes “Manchild” stand out is its tonal balance: humor, sass, and emotional punch, all packaged in a breezy, danceable three‑and‑a‑half‑minutes. Carpenter pushes the envelope without losing her charismatic charm, using comedy as both shield and spotlight.

With Man’s Best Friend, due August 29, 2025, Carpenter appears ready to lean into bold narratives, provocative visuals (the album cover alone has already polarized audiences ), and a confident, genre‑blending sound. “Manchild” serves as both teaser and proclamation: this era is unapologetically Carpenter’s, sharp‑tongued, stylish, and emotionally on point.

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Verdict: “Manchild” is a clever, kinetic blast—equal parts sass and smarts, playful yet potent. It’s the perfect soundtrack for calling out bad behavior while owning your summer stride. This marks Sabrina Carpenter as a savvy leader in modern pop: funny, fearless, and fiercely you.