Overview

• Carpenter’s seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, is set for release on Friday, Aug. 29.
• She told Gayle King the project is “not for any pearl clutchers,” though she expects even skeptics may smirk at certain lines when listening alone.
• Carpenter said some lyrics feel “really bold” and “almost too TMI,” echoing King’s description of the songs as sexual, powerful and vulnerable.
• The singer acknowledged prior backlash to the original cover image and has issued alternate artwork variants for the album.
• The rollout has been anchored by lead single “Manchild,” released ahead of the album announcement.