Sabrina Carpenter beats Taylor Swift on Spotify pre-saves

Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming album beats Taylor Swift in pre-saves as fans debate its bold cover and direction.

Sabrina Carpenter has taken the lead over Taylor Swift on Spotify’s pre-saves chart, with her upcoming album Man’s Best Friend securing the top spot. Swift’s much-anticipated The Life of a Showgirl, set for release in October, sits in second place. The achievement marks another career milestone for Carpenter, who has steadily risen in pop’s ranks and is now positioning herself as one of the year’s most talked-about artists.

The lead single Manchild, released on 6 June, was co-written and co-produced with Jack Antonoff, a long-time collaborator of Swift’s. Amy Allen, known for her work with artists including Shawn Mendes and Halsey, also contributed to the track. The playful yet pointed sound of the single set the tone for the rest of the album, which will include twelve songs ranging from the tongue-in-cheek Never Getting Laid to the reflective Nobody’s Son.

Reactions online have been mixed, with some celebrating Carpenter’s boldness and others questioning the controversial artwork accompanying the album. Critics of the cover accused it of pandering to the male gaze, while defenders argued it was a deliberate satire. Fans flooded Reddit and X with opinions, with one writing, “Can we stop pitting Taylor and Sabrina against each other! Both albums deserve to be celebrated.”

Carpenter recently invited a select group of fans in Los Angeles to a private album playdate, offering them a first listen to the full project before its official release on 29 August. The intimate event gave attendees an exclusive glimpse into the personal and provocative themes explored throughout the record.

Meanwhile, Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl is scheduled for release on 3 October, and anticipation remains high despite Carpenter’s temporary edge on streaming charts. Whether the momentum carries into sales and critical reception will become clear in the weeks ahead.