It is hard to believe that Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen's latest surprise album drop – filled with joyous, sparkling pop songs - is essentially a collection of songs that did not make previous album Dedicated (2019).
Granted, she had 200 songs written for Dedicated to choose from- but there are some real gems on this B-side that stays in the same "modern take on 1980s synth-pop" vein.
Within that sphere, she still manages to show off her range.
This Is What They Say, co-written with English singer Dev Hynes (also known as Blood Orange) is an instant R&B ear worm straight out of the late 1980s, while the floaty, atmospheric Heartbeat is an affecting, slow burner of a ballad, complete with tinkling piano keys.
Back-to-back songs Felt This Way ("How come I can't stay away?") transitions into Stay Away with the same lyrical refrain of "How can I stay away?", almost like showing off how good she can make two different songs sound, with similar themes and lyrics.
Amid the doom and gloom of a global pandemic, her brand of positive pop music is a much needed salve. – By Anjali Raguraman/The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
Summary:
Joyous, sparkling, positive pop music salve for the doom and gloom
