Carly Rae Jepsen burst into the global music scene with the undeniably catchy “Call Me Maybe” in 2012. This infectious pop anthem, the lead single from her album “Kiss,” dominated charts for weeks, even inspiring viral lip-sync videos from celebrities and athletes alike. However, despite the single’s monumental success, “Kiss” itself didn’t achieve the same commercial heights.
The challenge to follow up such a massive hit, and to solidify her position in pop music, was significant. But Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2015 album, “Emotion,” though commercially underrated at the time, garnered critical acclaim and cultivated a dedicated cult following. This album proved Jepsen’s depth as an artist, revealing her ability to express complex emotions with sincerity and artistry. She navigates themes of infatuation, love, and vulnerability, creating music that encourages listeners to embrace feelings wholeheartedly, even if they are uncertain or fleeting. Jepsen’s musical world champions the power of emotion above all else.
Following “Dedicated” in 2019 and “Dedicated Side B” in 2020, Carly Rae Jepsen released her sixth studio album, “The Loneliest Time,” reaffirming her status as a consistent and innovative pop artist. To celebrate her impressive catalog, we’ve ranked 15 of her best songs, showcasing the breadth and brilliance of Carly Rae Jepsen Songs.
Top Carly Rae Jepsen Songs: A Deep Dive
1. This Love Isn’t Crazy — Dedicated Side B (2020)
Opening “Dedicated Side B,” “This Love Isn’t Crazy” is a persuasive plea for commitment. The song begins with a breathy, minimalist intro that builds into a shimmering synth-pop chorus. Carly Rae Jepsen’s delicate vocals, backed by Jack Antonoff’s distinctive percussion, create a captivating balance. Her background as a “Canadian Idol” finalist is evident in her vocal control and emotive delivery. Jepsen has often mentioned writing numerous songs for each album, and tracks like “This Love Isn’t Crazy,” alongside “Higher” and “Fever” from “Emotion Side B,” highlight the exceptional quality of her B-sides, deserving of equal recognition with her album tracks.
2. Comeback (ft. Bleachers) — Dedicated Side B (2020)
Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen (L) and US singer Jack Antonoff perform during day 3 of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, on June 18, 2022. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images
“Comeback,” featuring production and vocals from Jack Antonoff, known for his work with Taylor Swift, opens with the stark admission, “I’m at war with myself.” This line contrasts with the song’s overall mellow and steady rhythm, depicting a relationship in a state of limbo. The lyrics explore themes of vulnerability and hidden emotions (“Take my makeup off/ Show you my best disguise”), culminating in a bridge of self-awareness (“I’m the keeper of the beat/ And the fire under your feet”). “Comeback” acts as a sonic palate cleanser, demonstrating Jepsen’s evolution towards more nuanced indie-pop and sophisticated ballads, proving her artistic range beyond pure pop anthems.
3. I Really Like You — Emotion (2015)
With the word “really” repeated 67 times, “I Really Like You” perfectly captures the overwhelming intensity of a teenage crush. Carly Rae Jepsen embodies the giddy excitement of new infatuation, unable to contain her feelings. The repeated question, “I want you. Do you want me? Do you want me too?” echoes the anxious anticipation of early romance. However, Jepsen’s soaring soprano and the upbeat electro-pop production by Jeff Halavacs and Peter Svensson inject pure enthusiasm. Despite the lyrical repetition and overt eagerness, there’s a charming self-awareness: “It’s way too soon, I know this isn’t love,” acknowledging the often irrational nature of crushes. This track is a quintessential Carly Rae Jepsen song, blending catchy melodies with relatable emotional experiences.
4. When I Needed You — Emotion (2015)
Image Credit: Getty Images
“When I Needed You,” the 12th track from “Emotion,” details the painful realization of losing oneself in a relationship. Initially conceived with a melancholic tone, the song underwent an ’80s glam transformation thanks to producers Dan Nigro, Nate Campany, and Ariel Rechtshaid. Ethan Farmer’s driving bassline provides a strong foundation, while Carly Rae Jepsen’s vocal range shines as she moves from soprano to falsetto. The chorus is punctuated by her signature ad-libs (“Hey!”), adding to the song’s energetic feel. Lyrically, it explores the disillusionment of a relationship where dreams become compromised, a relatable theme in many Carly Rae Jepsen songs that delve into the complexities of love.
5. Call Me Maybe — Kiss (2012)
Little can be added to the existing discourse around “Call Me Maybe.” Its evolution from a mid-2010s hit to a karaoke staple confirms its enduring appeal as quintessential pop music: simply fun and universally engaging. The song evokes the cultural landscape of 2012 – the year of “The Avengers” and Obama’s reelection – and has transcended its initial popularity to become a timeless feel-good anthem. While some might consider it overplayed, “Call Me Maybe” possesses a unique ability to uplift and unite, arguably making it a contender for a song that could promote global harmony, second only perhaps to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” It remains one of the most iconic Carly Rae Jepsen songs.
6. Body Language — Emotion Side B (2016)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Carly Rae Jepsen performs on stage at Somerset House on July 11, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Gus Stewart/Redferns)
Image Credit: Redferns
Despite not making the cut for “Emotion,” “Body Language” found its rightful place on the “Emotion Side B” compilation. The chorus explodes with Carly Rae Jepsen’s characteristic repetition – “I just think we’re overthinking it/ Think we’re overthinking it” – amplified by layered vocals for an anthemic effect. “Body Language” is instantly memorable, its catchy melody and infectious energy showcasing Jepsen’s knack for crafting irresistible pop confections. It’s a testament to the depth of quality within Carly Rae Jepsen songs, even those considered B-sides.
7. Emotion — Emotion (2015)
Image Credit: WireImage
The title track of “Emotion” is, unsurprisingly, about emotion itself. However, it’s executed with a clever twist – a subtly cutting kiss-off disguised as innocent reflection. “Be tormented by me, babe,” she sings with a disarming lightness, “Wonder, wonder how I do.” Unlike typical revenge songs filled with overt aggression, “Emotion” opts for a more psychological approach. It’s a wish for lasting impact, for the ex-lover to be so consumed by thoughts of her that she becomes larger than life in their mind. This nuanced take on heartbreak, focusing on lasting impression rather than immediate retaliation, is a hallmark of Carly Rae Jepsen songs’ emotional intelligence.
8. Now That I Found You — Dedicated (2019)
Carly Rae Jepsen cuddles a cat in a cat-filled lime green kitchen.
“Now That I Found You” is pure exhilaration. The verses and pre-chorus build anticipation before launching into an ecstatic declaration of infatuation: “There’s nothing like this feeling, baby / Now that I found you.” The accompanying music video, featuring Jepsen as a stylish cat lover rescuing a feline, perfectly captures the song’s playful energy. Her lime green kitchen and whimsical cat-filled world highlight Jepsen’s artistic playfulness and lighthearted approach, even when exploring deep feelings. This track demonstrates how Carly Rae Jepsen songs can be both emotionally resonant and delightfully quirky.
9. Favourite Colour — Emotion (2015)
OTTAWA, ON – DECEMBER 31: Carly Rae Jepsen performs on Parliament Hill on December 31, 2016 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Mark Horton/Getty Images)
Image Credit: Getty Images
Carly Rae Jepsen’s songs often explore love, but “Favourite Colour” from 2015’s “Emotion” offers a uniquely mellow and intimate perspective. While many of her tracks are upbeat, “Favourite Colour” slows down the tempo, bathing intimacy in a “Technicolor dreamcoat.” Jepsen sings of being “bright baby blue” in love, and together with her partner, they “blend into [her] favorite color.” Soft, distorted background vocals create a dreamy atmosphere, becoming fully choral in the bridge, where she extends the metaphor, urging her lover to “Paint me up, up.” As the penultimate track on “Emotion,” it provides a perfect, heartfelt and shimmering conclusion to the album, showcasing the range within Carly Rae Jepsen songs.
10. Your Type — Emotion (2015)
Even Carly Rae Jepsen experiences the pangs of being friend-zoned. Produced by Rami, known for co-producing Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time,” “Your Type” blends unrequited love with pulsing synths and a dramatic snare. It’s an uptempo take on a classic tale of longing for someone unattainable. Jepsen oscillates between denial (“I used to be in love with you”) and confession (“But I still love you, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I love you”), capturing the inner turmoil of unspoken feelings. Notably, the song lacks specific details about the “type” her crush prefers or how Jepsen sees herself, emphasizing the universality of the feeling – the painful realization of being just a “flicker” in someone’s mind. This ambiguity strengthens the emotional impact of this Carly Rae Jepsen song.
11. Boy Problems — Emotion (2015)
Carly Rae Jepsen in the
“Boy Problems” is a masterclass in nonchalant post-breakup attitude. Carly Rae Jepsen, despite a recent breakup, insists she’s more concerned with her best friend’s weariness of hearing about it. Sia, co-writer of the track, lends her voice as the apathetic friend in the intro. The song unfolds into a quirky dance-pop anthem, suggesting Jepsen might be more upset by the idea of relational failure than the actual heartbreak itself. Regardless of the listener’s interpretation, the song’s infectious bassline is undeniably danceable. (The music video features a cameo from a “Euphoria” actor, adding to its pop culture relevance, and further cementing its place within the catalogue of engaging Carly Rae Jepsen songs.)
12. Cut to the Feeling (2017)
Originally featured in the animated film “Leap!” and later on the Japanese reissue of “Emotion: Side B,” “Cut to the Feeling” arguably encapsulates the essence of Carly Rae Jepsen’s entire discography. The iconic opening trill, the rapid claps, and the relentless repetition of “I wanna” all build to a track that is both intensely earnest and determined to skip the preamble and get straight to the emotional core. It celebrates Jepsen’s talent for capturing the overwhelming anticipation of romantic fulfillment while making the creation of such music seem effortless. This is a definitive Carly Rae Jepsen song, embodying her signature sound and lyrical themes.
13. Want You in My Room — Dedicated (2019)
Carly Rae Jepsen performs in the
Seduction is direct and playful in “Want You in My Room” from “Dedicated.” Carly Rae Jepsen manages to deliver the line “I want to do bad things to you” with more coyness than crudeness, softening the overture with a tenderness that defines her approach: “I’ll press you to the pages of my heart.” The production, enriched by Jack Antonoff’s vocoder work that both echoes and complements Jepsen’s airy vocals, transforms a simple 2 a.m. “u up?” text into something chic and daring. The song evokes the image of Jepsen typing the suggestive message, illuminated by the glow of her iPhone screen, perfectly capturing the blend of boldness and vulnerability often found in Carly Rae Jepsen songs.
14. LA Hallucinations — Emotion (2015)
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 22: Singer Carly Rae Jepsen performs in the Mojave Tent during Day 1, Week 2 of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 22, 2022 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)
Image Credit: Getty Images for Coachella
Los Angeles, a city of dreams and disillusionment, becomes a psychedelic backdrop in “LA Hallucinations.” Jepsen portrays a world and industry moving too fast, causing her to spiral into memories of youthful days with a past lover: “young freaks just fresh to LA.” The syncopated beat and sonic landscape evoke a “La La Land” on hallucinogens vibe, enhancing some of Jepsen’s most poignant lyrics. “The teeth come out when the camera flashes” hints at the superficiality beneath appearances. “There’s a little black hole in my golden cup” references “Bucket” from her debut album, linking to themes of failing relationships. Even amidst the chaos, Jepsen finds solace in desire: “Take me into your arms again,” she pleads, “Save me from LA hallucinations.” This track showcases the lyrical depth and thematic complexity within Carly Rae Jepsen songs.
15. Run Away With Me — Emotion (2015)
The opening saxophone riff of “Run Away With Me” is iconic. If bottled, it would be the perfect soundtrack for a carefree drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. The song’s driving beat and soaring chorus are the stuff of coming-of-age anthems for the 21st century, joining tracks like Lorde’s “Green Light” and Taylor Swift’s “Style” as defining songs about growing up and falling in love. “Run Away With Me” transcends location and time, feeling both timeless and perfectly contemporary. It’s a complete surrender to feeling, regardless of whether that feeling is genuine love or just its imitation. Distinguishing between the two becomes irrelevant in the face of such powerful emotion, making it the ultimate Carly Rae Jepsen song for embracing the moment.
