Ten years ago, Carly Rae Jepsen burst onto the scene as a pop sensation with her irresistible anthem “Call Me Maybe.” The song dominated 2012 and quickly became a global earworm, thanks to its catchy chorus and playful take on infatuation. Since then, Jepsen has continued to carve out her niche, delivering albums that explore every angle of romance with her trademark blend of sincerity and pop polish.
Her sixth album, The Loneliest Time, is a product of the pandemic era and reflects her time in isolation. It keeps the spark of her beloved albums Dedicated and Emotion alive, while adding a new introspective edge. Lead single “Western Wind” is a prime example, showcasing a dreamy, wistful vibe that hints at her venturing into new sonic territory. With its spacious production and bittersweet mood, it’s the closest Jepsen has come to creating a dream-pop track, evoking nostalgia for happier times.
But The Loneliest Time isn’t all softness and reflection. It’s also brimming with energetic tracks that balance pop sweetness with a little extra bite. Take “Talking to Yourself,” for example, which features an edgy ’80s guitar riff and a sharp bass line that propel Jepsen’s defiant vocals. Here, she calls out an ex, delivering biting lines like “Could’ve been somethin’ beautiful / But you made it impossible to stay,” making the song feel like a cathartic dance-floor anthem.
“Bad Thing Twice” picks up the pace with a sultry, late-night vibe as Jepsen questions her own choices in love: “Is it my destiny? I wanna do a bad thing twice.” Then there’s the cheeky “Beach House,” a satirical look at the pitfalls of modern dating. With a bouncy beat and sardonic lyrics, Jepsen recounts the failed romantic promises of would-be suitors — from a guy whose perfect picnic was secretly made by his mom to another who forgot to mention he was already married. The chorus playfully imagines a world where dating profiles come with disclaimers: “I’ve got a beach house in Malibu / And I’m probably gonna hurt your feelings.”
One of the biggest surprises on The Loneliest Time is “Go Find Yourself or Whatever,” a tender ballad that reveals a more vulnerable side of Jepsen. The song addresses heartbreak with a simple but powerful arrangement, letting her voice and the mournful strings carry the emotional weight. The phrase “go find yourself or whatever” could easily sound dismissive, but here, it’s delivered with such genuine sadness and disappointment that it feels heartbreakingly sincere. Jepsen’s years of pop experimentation have turned into a deep exploration of human emotions, making this track a standout moment on the album.
The record wraps up with the title track, a captivating duet featuring Rufus Wainwright. It’s an unexpected but fitting collaboration, with both artists bringing their unique takes on romance and storytelling. Jepsen’s bright, soaring vocals and Wainwright’s more contemplative tone blend beautifully, capturing the uncertainty of love as they reflect on missed connections and timing. When they sing, “We reached the moon / But lost in space I think we got there all too soon,” you can feel the bittersweet realization settling in. While it’s not the happiest ending, it leaves room for hope, suggesting that Jepsen’s musical journey is far from over.
Overall, The Loneliest Time is another strong chapter in Carly Rae Jepsen’s career — one that balances infectious pop melodies with a deeper sense of introspection and growth.