★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
One year ago, Canadian pop starlet Carly Rae Jepsen put every other artist in the genre to shame with the release of her brilliant, 80s-inspired third album E•MO•TION. Easily one of the most exciting, complex and enjoyable offerings of 2015, Jepsen snatched the crown for most innovative pop record of that busy year. She may be primarily known as the "Call Me Maybe" singer, but Jepsen created a pristine effort carried by hard work, innovation and pulsating synths.
E•MO•TION unfortunately suffered from the lingering one-hit wonder curse, and a terrible lead single choice, however, it would be a serious tragedy if gems such as "Run Away With Me", "Your Type" and "Warm Blood" were undiscovered by most of the pop-loving public. Thankfully, Jepsen has surprised critics and fans, while igniting interest in her underappreciated third studio album, by releasing a solid companion project.
Eight tracks strong, the new E•MO•TION Side B seems to be taking Jepsen's previous trash and studio leftovers, polishing off the gold glitter dust, and turning them into our treasure. Maintaining the glistening, 80s/retro influence of its predecessor, the collections of tracks focus on sultry vocal performance, beats rolled in nostalgia, and finding a balance in life as complex as trying to decide on that perfect mix of love, hate, fear and happiness. Jepsen continues to believe in her previous studio effort, the new extended play gives a deeper glimpse of the heart and soul buried within her songwriting.
The difficultly of managing multiple emotions is highlighted on “First Time”, a bubbly production that finds Jepsen struggling to deal with heartbreak and despair. However, given the upbeat approach to the somber lyrical content, you would initially think nothing was ever wrong in the artist’s love life. That intriguing, somewhat devastating, contrast keeps with the complexity that made Jepsen’s most recent critically acclaimed effort a journey listeners were willing to go on with her.
With a slightly darker intro, the heartwarming “Higher” is strangely one of the EP’s brightest moments. Once again, the contrast between premise and instrumentals adds layers to the track’s overall effectiveness. “You take me higher than the rest, oh everybody else is second best, you pulled a gem out of the mess, I was so cynical before, I must confess,” Jepsen admits as she tries to handle the new found feelings of love and happiness in her usually uncertain world.
“The One” details Jepsen at the end of her rope, at least when it comes to searching for the ever-alluding suitor. She has taken action by just ridding herself of the pressure altogether. When it comes to a few glasses of wine, and a possible one-night fling, the artist does not seem to mind, but don’t ask for anything more. The 80s-tailored production would not sound out of place on a John Hughes film soundtrack while Jepsen’s upfront, bold attitude is welcomed and appreciated.
Devoted fans may have already heard “Fever”, it was included on a Japan-only release of EMOTION Remixed back in March, but that fact does not take away from the track’s solemn appeal and charm. Hooked on a feeling she just cannot shake, Jepsen is caught in the middle of either reveling in heartache forever, or moving forward with her own life following a breakup. Using an illness metaphor perfectly sums up an idea of a heated passion that is no good for either involved party.
Reasons why these previously unshared tracks are considered B-sides come in the form of leftovers like “Body Language”, an effort that finds Jepsen a bit more dazed and straightforward than we may have ever heard her before. “We only just started, don't say it's the end, so call me your lover, don't call me your friend,” the artist sings on a disjointed that just does not pack a powerful pop punch, or sound like anything more than a rough demo.
“Cry” is the closest we get to the ideal, Cyndi Lauper-esque, 80s pop ballad from Jepsen. With tears in her eyes, the artist forces herself to understand why her man chooses not to open up and share. Simplistic in terms of songwriting, the vocal performance carries sentiment, delivering the story of an unhappy lover with utmost conviction. The urgent nature of the production creates a moody environment that allows Jepsen’s way of storytelling thrive.
With a childish premise, tone and attitude as its adhesive, “Store” does indeed hold together well. Instead of dealing with the idea of commitment head on, Jepsen chooses to run away from the tough questions and decisions. “I'm not that good at goodbyes, sometimes it's best to just fly, ask where we're going, oh, I can't talk about it,” she admits in apparent defeat, just before the pace switches to a playful mood when the chorus rolls around.
The short but sweet new project closes out with “Roses”, a song that features many different musical styles and vocal delivery methods from Jepsen. From the sultry whispering on the verses, to the near perfect melancholy nature of the chorus, all the pieces come together for an effective, alluring finish. As the artist comes to terms with the end of a relationship, she appears to reminiscing on the good and bad past times. It’s an emotional retelling that causes quite a stir.
E•MO•TION Side B may be a collection of the parent album’s forgotten stepchildren, forced to play second part to something far more polished and superior, but they muster all the energy, excitement and passion they can from Jepsen to stand on their own. Apparently, the artist recorded over 200 tracks for her third studio album, there are telling reasons as to why these eight may not have made the final cut, but together, and released separately, they continue to prove why Jepsen is one of the strongest and most innovative songwriters in the pop genre today. Moving forward with the 80s-synth inspiration, the extended play helps to shine more light on an era that came and went too quickly.
Tracks to Hear: "First Time", "Higher", "Cry" and "Roses"
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