Sabrina Carpenter is shifting gears in her new single, “Manchild,” which is set to drop June 5, and it’s already teasing a harder, sharper edge.
Known for her cheeky but polished pop tracks, Carpenter is trading sweet for something a little more jaded. The singer has been previewing the single across her social channels, dropping teasers that transitioned from whole beach house lounging visuals to something more sun-soaked, deserted, and enough attitude to signal she’s not playing nice this time.
“Manchild” arrives four months after the deluxe edition release of Short n’ Sweet, a project that’s kept momentum following her Grammy Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance wins for “Espresso.” But this isn’t just another pretty pop song. Fans are bracing for something more direct, possibly messier, and definitely unapologetic.
In New York City, Carpenter’s fans are staging a drive-thru theater experience to celebrate the single’s debut on June 6. It’s a nod to the cinematic vibe that has defined much of her current rollout and a clear signal that the song might carry more weight than just being a summer bop.
Carpenter has been riding high after opening for Taylor Swift across her 2023 and 2024 tour, but “Manchild” could be the pivot that sets her apart from the usual post-tour glow-up. Rumored to be the lead single for her upcoming seventh album, the track lands just as she heads into a packed festival season that includes Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Primavera Sound.
