ADVERTISEMENT‘Espresso’ singer Sabrina Carpenter has shared an alternate album cover for her upcoming seventh studio album ‘Man’s Best Friend’, following significant backlash for the original artwork.
Carpenter posted the new cover and cheekily added that this second take is “approved by God” – a reference to the pearl-clutching accusations of sexism after the release of the first image, which depicts the artist kneeling on the floor as an unidentified person stands over her and pulls her hair.
Some criticised the suggestive – but hardly explicit – cover, shot by Bryce Anderson, as being “regressive” and leaning on “tired tropes that reduce women to pets.”
Others defended the Grammy-winning artist’s choice, saying it was satirical and a commentary on power dynamics. Or as one viral postput it: “Let women be horny.”
We said in our 20 Most Controversial Album Covers Of All Time article that Carpenter “has every right to express herself and her sexuality – in this case what some may perceive as a submissive kink – in any way she sees fit and crucially, without being policed or harassed.”
Still, now fans have options – with a black and white photograph of Carpenter leaning on a suited man. It’s a gorgeous image. If somewhat less playful.
Here is the original – and controversial cover:
And here’s the alternate:
This is not the first time Carpenter has received complaints about her MO, which has always been pop-horniness and a desire to distance herself from the self-seriousness of the current pop landscape.
Carpenter’s live performances often see the singer embrace her sexuality, playfully striking suggestive poses. This year at the BRIT Awards, the singer’s racy performance proved controversial, prompting some viewers to joke about OFCOM complaints.
Some viewers expressed that the provocative moments were “unnecessary”, with one viewer writing: “It’s like watching live pornography. It’s supposed to be a family show.”
Despite the controversies, Carpenter refuses to be shamed, and has responded to criticism by saying: “My message has always been clear – if you can’t handle a girl who is confident in her own sexuality, then don’t come to my shows.”
“It’s always so funny to me when people complain,” she told Rolling Stone. “They’re like, ‘All she does is sing about this.’ But those are the songs that you’ve made popular. Clearly you love sex. You’re obsessed with it.”
Carpenter added: “I don’t want to be pessimistic, but I truly feel like I’ve never lived in a time where women have been picked apart more, and scrutinized in every capacity. I’m not just talking about me. I’m talking about every female artist that is making art right now.”
Elsewhere, the leader of a New York City church where the pop star filmed “provocative” scenes for a music video was stripped of his duties last year after church officials said an investigation revealed other instances of mismanagement.
That part was hardly Carpenter’s fault.
Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, ‘Man’s Best Friend’, drops on 29 August. It comes just one year after the global success of her album ‘Short n’ Sweet’ – which features the chart-topping hits ‘Espresso’, ‘Taste’ and ‘Please Please Please’.
Check out our article on the 20 Most Controversial Album Covers Of All Time.
