Carly Rae Jepsen’s album Kiss is pop music that deserves far more credit than it’s getting. Yes, it’s anchored by the viral sensation “Call Me Maybe,” a track so catchy it is practically rewriting the rules for what a pop hit should be in the 2010s. However, to reduce ‘Kiss’ to its lead single is to overlook the depth, cohesiveness, and sheer joy imbued in the rest of the album.
Kiss is a dazzling collection of synth-pop and dance tracks that showcase Jepsen’s knack for catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. It’s easy to dismiss it as just another pop album, but that would be to ignore the craft that goes into producing music that feels both universally relatable and intimately personal.
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Kiss is More than Call Me Maybe
First, consider the immense shadow “Call Me Maybe” casts – an omnipresent song that transcends cultural and generational divides worldwide. Yet, Jepsen didn’t merely rest on her laurels; the rest of ‘Kiss’ proves she is no one-hit wonder. Tracks like “Good Time,” a collaboration with Owl City, continued to ride high on the charts, offering an anthem for endless summer nights and joyous escapism. Meanwhile, songs like “Tiny Little Bows” and “This Kiss” are glittering examples of synth-pop, combining irresistible hooks with lyrics ranging from playful to poignant.
Critics often pigeonhole pop music as the low-hanging fruit of the culture industry, implying it lacks the depth and artistry of other genres. But ‘Kiss’ challenges this notion with every track. Carly Rae Jepsen doesn’t just create pop music; she carefully crafts songs that resonate deeply emotionally while making you want to dance your troubles away. It takes a special kind of artistry to balance popularity with emotional authenticity, and ‘Kiss’ achieves this balance in spades.
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The album’s production is top-notch, blending electronic beats with crisp, clear vocals that allow Jepsen’s emotive delivery to shine. While each track fits the cohesive upbeat tempo of the album, it stands on its own, offering something unique in melody, rhythm, and sentiment. This variety within a distinct sound makes ‘Kiss’ such a compelling listen from start to finish.
In retrospect, ‘Kiss’ can be seen as a pivotal moment in the evolution of 2010s pop music. It bridges the gap between the dance-pop of the late 2000s and the more nuanced, genre-blending sounds that are dominating the charts now.
Kiss is not just a better-than-average pop album; it’s a masterclass in pop music production, songwriting, and emotional resonance. Anchored by “Call Me Maybe,” yes, but sailing far beyond its wake, the album stands as a testament to Carly Rae Jepsen’s talents and contribution to the pop genre. Dismiss it as trivial at your loss, for within its tracks lies a vibrant world waiting to be appreciated.
