Latest news with #albumcover
Forbes
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Objectifying Or Empowering? Sabrina Carpenter's Impact On Influencers
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: (Exclusive Coverage) Sabrina Carpenter performs onstage during ... More the Sabrina Carpenter Short n' Sweet Tour at Barclays Center on September 30, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor AEG) As fans anticipate the upcoming release of Sabrina Carpenter's new album, Man's Best Friend, many were shocked by the album cover art. On the cover, Sabrina Carpenter is shown on her hands and knees, wearing a short black outfit, submissively and softly touching the leg of an off-frame male figure who is grasping her hair in his fist. She suggestively looks at the camera, with opened, red lips. The sexualized image has sparked a heated debate, with some fans arguing that the cover is empowering, with Carpenter articulating a satirical social commentary on misogyny. Those who are outraged claim Carpenter is pandering to the male gaze and sending the wrong message to the young women and men who revere her. So, is the cover art objectifying or empowering? Girl Power Following in the footsteps of pop icons like Madonna, Christina Aguilera, and Rihanna, Carpenter is using sexuality as a way to subvert expectations and control the narrative of how women are allowed to act. She is expressing that women can have both sexuality and power, and they can own their own bodies. This is contrary to the tableau presented on the cover and, thus, where satire comes in. One For The Patriarchy Despite any of Carpenter's intentions, some perceivers are going to see this image as thinly veiled soft pornography, as dehumanizing to herself and to women and girls. Younger fans and those who only glance at the cover will not be able to pick up the subtle satirical message Carpenter is claiming to convey. Sabrina Carpenter's Impact on Women Influencers What does this say to other women in the spotlight who may also use their sexuality to grab attention or to make a statement? Social media influencers commonly employ sexuality to attract and engage their audience and followers. Published in the Journal of Business Research, a new study suggests that followers respond to influencers' use of sexuality more favorably than to brands who employ the same tactics with models. The difference lies in the perceived agency: that influencers are owning their bodies and choosing to create sexualized content, whereas brands are exploiting models and objectifying them with sexualized posing. Takeaways For Influencers If you are a woman influencer and decide to include sexuality as part of your branding: Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend Whether you loved or hated Sabrina Carpenter's strategy, it's certainly been effective in getting people talking. Can she push societal boundaries and challenge norms as Madonna did with 'Like a Virgin'? We'll soon see. Man's Best Friend will drop 29 August 2025.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Meg Washington: ‘Why make art at all? What's the point? Sometimes I feel like the violinist on the Titanic'
Once, in a major label meeting, Meg Washington was given a directive: show us your face. 'They tell you when they sign you that you have to put your face on your album cover and your eyes need to be open, because that statistically sells the most records,' she says matter-of-factly. 'You know how posts with sunsets get more likes, or whatever? It's just some Gladwellian reality that if humans can see the eyeballs, they subconsciously connect more.' She only half obeyed. On her platinum-selling, Aria-winning debut I Believe You Liar, Washington hid like a ghost behind a sheet – with holes cut out for eyes, to technically meet that requirement. For 2014's There There, a sketch artist drew thin, pencil renderings of her face; on 2020's Batflowers, her face was mostly covered by a cartoonish drawing of a flower. But for her latest album, Gem, Washington has finally taken the advice she was given all those years ago: the cover is her gazing at the camera; no obscurity, no tricks, just her. It's ironic that she's finally submitted to major label logic, given Gem is her first original album as an independent artist, and the one most divorced from expectations of record sales. 'I had been signed to a major label for 13 years, which is a long time to be signed to a major label. And I found myself having to re-identify myself. Like, what is [music] to you? Is this something that you do because it's gonna have a fiscal impact? No, not at all,' she contemplates with a dry laugh. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning I last spoke to Washington in 2020 for the release of Batflowers, her last album with Universal. It's been a busy few years. Since then, she has founded her own label, Batflowers Records; moved from her home town of Brisbane to the Gold Coast with her husband, film-maker Nick Waterman, and their son; released a cover of The Killers' album Hot Fuss; and continued her voice role on the hit kids' show Bluey (she plays Bluey's teacher Calypso). She even changed her moniker, for a third time: first she went by only her 'un-Googleable' last name, before adding on her first name for SEO purposes, and finally shortening Megan to Meg. But most of the last five years was spent on making her and Waterman's debut film, How To Make Gravy: an adaptation of Paul Kelly's beloved Christmas song that she penned the script for – and this new album, in 'stolen moments' here and there. Today, we're sitting in the lobby of a Sydney hotel, where Washington is visiting for a run of shows. The combination of last night's gig and this morning's dawn photoshoot means she's running on just three hours of sleep, she tells me when we meet. Exhaustion hasn't dulled her natural intensity – this is someone unafraid to ask me point-blank what I liked about her new album and prone to countering my questions with her own. But there's warmth and humour too: she drops serious-but-silly one-liners like 'the dominant religion of capitalism is money – that shit is real,' and hangs around after the recorder is off to talk shoe shopping and parenting. Last time we spoke, she was grappling with what happens to the music when you're happy – no longer in the turmoil of her 20s, which fueled her first two albums, but writing music from the quiet calm of marriage and motherhood. Is that still something she wrestles with? 'That's interesting,' she says, pausing to sip the green juice Waterman dropped off mid-interview, in an attempt to ward off tour sickness. 'This record is unique because now what I'm grappling with is a sense of the future. As a parent and as a person, looking into the future at the moment feels cloudy. I found myself really interrogating the question of, well, why make art at all? Like, what's the point? Sometimes I feel like the violinist on the Titanic.' What is worth making music about right now, Washington decided, was a 'more outward interrogation of nature'. She means 'nature' in a couple of senses. Most obviously, there's the natural world, which Washington sings about with awe on Gem. Directed by Waterman, the film clip to the woozy, tropical lead single Shangri-La – which could soundtrack The White Lotus now it's down a composer – sees Washington dance on a beach, waves crashing behind her, and in a rainforest framed by verdant green. The lyrics reference the sky, treetops, spiderwebs, seashells and flowers growing through the weeds. It's not strictly a climate album, but then again, as Washington says: 'I don't think that anybody can make any art right now and not have that be threaded through what's going on.' But Gem also weaves in her musings on her own nature and being an artist in the modern world. The pop idols we create out of teenagers ('We've got a brand-new Jesus / She's only 17'); her wish to 'live for more than money'; and even the lyric 'everybody's talking about superannuation'. 'I never thought I would put the word 'superannuation' in a song,' she laughs. But Washington found herself repeatedly writing about money because of how conflicted she feels about it. 'As an artist, you're not really motivated by money … but when you turn your passion or your joyful escape into your job, the garden can become a factory.' But while there's lyrics about burning with anger and crying at the news ('don't you?'), Washington says Gem is actually 'a totally hopeful, future-facing, wide open album', intended as an oasis. Instead of giving in to pessimism, Washington decided to write what she wanted to be true – 'like a rapper!' Take, for instance, the line on the single Kidding where she triumphantly declares over a soaring beat that she 'believes in the future'. 'You can either sing, 'I feel really scared about the future, because America just elected Donald Trump'. Or you can go the other way, and say what is not so true right now, but maybe you would like to be,' she explains earnestly. 'What would you prefer to sing?' The album's final track is Fine, a song that first appeared in How To Make Gravy, where it was sung by Brendan Maclean. This version features vocals from Washington and Paul Kelly himself. Collaborating with the legendary musician after adapting his song into a film was 'like a lovely bow on a grape', she says, in one of the unique turns of phrase Washington is prone to. Washington already has another two albums written but not recorded. Because the more music she makes, the more she realises she has to give – even if she's just serenading the sinking ship. 'As I make each record, I'm wading deeper and deeper into the sea – that's what it feels like. And the more I go, the more I learn, and the more I learn, the more I want to do,' she says. 'I am a singing animal – I just do it. I just honk. And so I came to realise that If I was shipwrecked on a desert island with nobody around, I would sing all day.' Gem by Meg Washington is out 8 August. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion Each month we ask our headline act to share the songs that have accompanied them through love, life, lust and death. What was the best year for music, and what five songs prove it? 1997! Shania Twain's You're Still the One; Radiohead's No Surprises; Kylie Minogue's Did It Again; Bic Runga's Sway; and Leonardo's Bride's Even When I'm Sleeping. What music do you clean the house to? Graceland, by Paul Simon. Or Glen Campbell. Housework feels more romantic with a vintage feeling. If your life was a movie, what would the opening credits song be? Part of Your World, from the Little Mermaid. What is your go-to karaoke song? Valerie, by Amy Winehouse/The Zutons. You can mostly sing it by talking, and I like to chill at karaoke. What's a song you can never listen to again? Venus by Bananarama, I heard it so much in the car as a child that now when I hear it I feel instantly carsick, it's pavlovian. What underrated song deserves classic status? Solid Gold by Delta Goodrem. That song is huge. What is a song you loved as a teenager? I've always loved really dense, wordy songs that are almost a puzzle to figure out, like The Real Slim Shady, or One Crowded Hour by Augie March. What is the first song/album you bought? The Australian cast recording of Hot Shoe Shuffle, a tap dancing musical. What is the best song to have sex to? Anything instrumental, please!
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sabrina Carpenter sizzles in black lingerie with a sheer gown as she reclines in latest Man's Best Friend cover... following backlash over THAT X-rated alternative artwork
Sabrina Carpenter looked incredible as she unveiled another album cover for the special edition of her new album Man's Best Friend. The pop star, 26, faced backlash over her original album cover which saw her posing on all fours as a faceless man tugged at her hair. In the new artwork which she shared on her Instagram on Wednesday, Sabrina turned heads as she lounged in a duck-egg Rococo armchair surrounded by a bunch of roses. She donned sheer black lingerie under a gossamer nightgown and added inches to her diminutive frame with a pair of black platform heels. The star finished off her look holding a calling card marked 'M.B.F.' Alongside the post, Sabrina penned: 'New special edition cover of Man's Best Friend available to pre-order now exclusively on rose vinyl.' The pop star, 26, faced backlash over her original album cover which saw her posing on all fours as a faceless man tugged at her hair Following the post, fans took to the comments to gush over the new artwork. Users penned: 'Exactly… why wasn't this the cover in the beginning... THIS IS MY FAVORITE ONE SO FAR... OMG THIS COVER IS EVERYTHING WOW... 'She said 'since ya'll keep talking about the cover i'm gunna give you OPTIONS BABY... The prettiest cover yet!!!!... This cover is everything!!!' It comes after Sabrina released an alternative album cover for Man's Best Friend - and with a defiant message for those put off by her original, provocative visual. The singer unveiled a second cover that is a complete 180 from the original, with the black-and-white image capturing Sabrina holding a handsome man as she works a sexy retro gown. In a message that addressed the criticism she faced over the original cover, Sabrina said this new image was 'approved by God.' 'I signed some copies of Man's Best Friend for you guys,' she wrote in the caption. '& here is a new alternate cover approved by God. available now on my website.' Sabrina's original album cover was called out by a leading domestic violence charity who accused her of 'reducing women to pets' in addition to various online commentators. 'Pathetic. Wtf is she thinking,' one critic previously wrote, while another commented, 'Dumpster humanity.' For those concerned about the fate of her original cover, the record will still be available. The second released image graces the cover for the cassette packaging, while the original still fronts the CD. The album's record is available in both the new and original cover. It's certainly not the first time Sabrina has faced controversy over her embrace of sex. The new image graces the cover for the cassette packaging, while the original still fronts the CD. The album's record is available in both the new and original cover The Espresso singer famously simulates sex positions while performing her song Juno during her Short n' Sweet Tour, but not everyone is a fan of the NSFW displays. 'It's always so funny to me when people complain,' she told Rolling Stone of her Juno moments. '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. 'It's in my show. There's so many more moments than the 'Juno' positions, but those are the ones you post every night and comment on. I can't control that. If you come to the show, you'll [also] hear the ballads, you'll hear the more introspective numbers. 'I find irony and humor in all of that, because it seems to be a recurring theme. I'm not upset about it, other than I feel mad pressure to be funny sometimes.' In a subsequent phone call with the magazine, the topic was broached again: '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.' As the reporter noted that Swifties were taking photos outside of Taylor Swift's iconic Cornelia Street, Sabrina elaborated: 'That's what I'm saying.' 'We're in such a weird time where you would think it's girl power, and women supporting women, but in reality, the second you see a picture of someone wearing a dress on a carpet, you have to say everything mean about it in the first 30 seconds that you see it,' she continued. Sabrina even wrote a song hitting back at the criticism she's received online, Needless To Say, a vinyl-only bonus track for Short and Sweet. Some of the lyrics state: 'A pretty dress, an awkward angle/I bet you zoomed in close and held it up to show all of your friends.' 'It's something that keeps coming back,' Sabrina added. 'We just have to grow thicker skin, but they don't have to learn how to shut their mouths.'
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Diana Vickers backs ‘sexy' Sabrina Carpenter amid album cover backlash as she opens up on sex and orgasms in new podcast
DIANA Vickers has thrown her support behind Sabrina Carpenter after the pop superstar faced backlash for her provocative new album cover. US siren Sabrina came in for criticism for the Man's Best Friend image, which shows her on all fours as a man holds a fistful of her hair. 4 4 The pint-sized singer then released an alternative version, recreating a classic Marilyn Monroe photo, and joked it had been "approved by God". But Diana, 33, whose new podcast Just Between Us with relationship guru Alice Giddings debuted this week, doesn't believe Sabrina should be judged for how she uses her own body. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, she said: "I absolutely love Sabrina Carpenter, I think she's amazing. "I think she's absolutely gorgeous and playful and beautiful and talented and I just rate her. I think that women should be able to be sexy and do whatever they want with their bodies and not have any judgement. "I think that we think that we're moving forward but sometimes you go on TikTok and look at comments and there's these trolls, isn't there? You think that you're taking a step forward but people are so quickly to turn and judge about female bodies and being over sexual, but then people say if you're not sexual enough then they judge you as well, it's like women sometimes just can't get it right and it's hard. "People are always going to say something, but I think that she is absolutely, I'm obsessed with that girl, so I think go for it girl." Diana, who found fame in 2009 when she reached the semi-final of The X Factor, has always been an open book when it comes to her own love life. She even turns her dating past into hilarious comedy songs on her other podcast Ki & Dee. Now she's being more candid than ever, exploring topics including female orgasms and losing virginity. "I've always just been quite open about who I am and I don't hide away from those conversations," she said. Diana Vickers goes topless to show off sunburn after 'drinking three bottles of wine at 11am in the sun' on holiday "We had a caller the other day and she was talking about losing her virginity and we just have to sort of open up and talk about all of our experiences, and I guess I've never really spoken about that publicly before, but you sort of just get stuck in and end up having a really interesting conversation and learning about everyone's different experiences. "A caller rang me the other week and she couldn't have any orgasms. No table is left unturned and you've sort of just got to deep dive in." When it comes to her own love life, finding time to fit in dates around her hectic work schedule is proving tough. Single and ready to mingle, Diana, 33, recently squeezed in a brunch date and found herself getting to know a guy over eggs and avocado. 4 4 She said: "I do think with me it's quite important to be with someone that's in the creative industry, I've always sort of gone for those people and I think that it helps understand because it's all a bit mad, there's no schedule, it's all over the place. "I'm super creative and I need someone to connect with and understand me. "I think some people have been a bit overwhelmed by things before, about how fast paced things go with me." A creative powerhouse, Diana scored a number one in 2009 with both her debut single, Once, and album, Songs from The Tainted Cherry Tree. Her follow up LP, Music to Make Boys Cry, charted at 37. In the years since, Diana has made a name for herself on stage, most recently playing Gwyneth Paltrow in I Wish You Well - a comedic musical retelling the actress's 2023 court case in which she was sued after colliding with a man on a ski slope. But Diana hasn't forgotten her first love of creating original music, and we could soon hear new material. She said: "I have got some stuff there and it's really, really good, and I have got a team around me that we are working on. It's just now about when to launch it sort of thing, but it's really good and it's really exciting, and I do want the world to hear it. "I've said I'll always make a comeback for the gays and the girlies, I have a really big gay following and this year I headlined Edinburgh Pride. I do a lot of gay gigs and they just really, really love it."
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sabrina Carpenter Faces Backlash for Provocative ‘Man's Best Friend' Album Cover
Songbird Sabrina Carpenter's S&M–themed cover for her Man's Best Friend album has outraged even her most devoted fans. The photo depicts the 26-year-old in a minidress and heels posing on her hands and knees while a man appears to be grabbing her by the hair. Online commenters called out the image as 'misogynistic' and even claimed it encourages violence against women. 'Sabrina was definitely aiming to be a little provocative, but she never expected this kind of reaction!' an insider says. 'It's very hard for her to wrap her head around how riled up people are over this when plenty of other pop stars have pushed the envelope.' 'Just look at Madonna — this isn't nearly as hardcore as some of the things she's done and she's seen as this feminist icon. So it's just very shocking to Sabrina to be getting so much backlash. 'She is a global powerhouse right now but that doesn't mean she can afford to be tarnished with a scandal.' According to the source, both Sabrina and her team are very worried the backlash could snowball out of control. 'They realize cancel culture is still very real and very unpredictable.' Although the former Disney star is putting on a brave face in public, privately she's freaking out that this could derail her golden-girl reputation and send her back to obscurity. Her team is now scrambling to contain the damage so it doesn't permanently hurt her image. 'The good news is her new song 'Manchild' is doing really well on the charts, so she's focusing on those numbers and trying to drown out the noise,' a source says. 'But no doubt this negative reaction has taken a lot of the shine off of her success.' While half the internet seemed to be condemning the 'Juno' singer, 'You're So Vain' songbird Carly Simon, 82, defended her, saying, 'She's not doing anything outrageous. It seems tame!' She points to the Rolling Stones' 1971 album Sticky Fingers. 'Now that was out there in terms of sexual attitude. So I don't know why [Sabrina's] getting such flak.'
