Carly Rae Jepsen – The Loneliest Time

The Loneliest Time reflects a new evolution for Carly Rae Jepsen. While love and longing still take centre stage as on previous works, alongside the extremities of ecstasy and heartbreak sit introspective reflection – set to danceable pop melodies.

'I just imagined all your qualities and that’s my fault / If you could put my feet back on the ground / We could try to introduce ourselves', she proposes to a lover on Far Away. Elsewhere, she speaks of going to therapy (Surrender My Heart), starkly stating to a new love: 'I’m trying not to fuck this up'. In many ways these feel like sequels to themes explored on 2020's Dedicated Side B.

Sonically, Jepsen demonstrates her pop ingenuity with disco, funk and R’n’B influences, and the tracks where this most clearly shines through – such as the deceptively upbeat title track – are among the strongest. While the depth of range is welcome and mostly works, at times the transition between tracks feels slightly abrupt: the saccharine Shooting Star next to considerably muted Go Find Yourself or Whatever feels a bit like whiplash. 

Despite this, The Loneliest Time is still a solid leftfield pop album, showcasing Jepsen’s ability to draw across eras and genres to push the boundaries of what pop can be: ultimately, this is what makes her such a compelling artist.

Listen to: Surrender My Heart, The Loneliest Time, Bends