Carly Rae Jepsen Releases ‘The Loneliest Time’.
Written by: Lauren Everett
Pop darling Carly Rae Jepsen released her highly anticipated sixth studio album, The Loneliest Time, on October 21, providing a poignant reflection of life over the past two years spent in isolation, and the joys of connection. Preceded by singles “Western Wind” and “Beach House”, the album features the ubiquitous 80s-inspired synths present throughout her discography, yet also introduces a cynical side new to this era. Opening track “Surrender My Heart” immediately dives into this jaded perspective, with Jepsen confessing to a partner “I hate that I still test your love/I’m trying not to fuck this up”.
The album’s title track, a space-disco-inspired collaboration with fellow Canadian Rufus Wainwright, has gained traction on TikTok recently due to its instantly catchy hook of “I’m coming back for you, baby!”, extending the reach of her album beyond her cultlike fanbase she’s cultivated since the release of smash hit “Call Me Maybe” a decade ago.
Created alongside a host of writers and producers including frequent collaborator Tavish Crowe, the album’s softer moments arrive on songs such as “Western Wind” and “Go Find Yourself or Whatever”, both produced by Rostam Batmanglij, known for his work with HAIM and Vampire Weekend. Featuring lush acoustic guitar, both tracks offer a glimpse into Jepsen’s more vulnerable side, as well as a detour from the upbeat synths found throughout much of the rest of the album.
Regarding the album’s title and overall theme, Jepsen stated “It’s been a lifelong inquiry that I’ve had with myself about my relationship to loneliness. The idea that you have to be happy by yourself — like, ‘Go be alone and be happy!’ — that’s bullshit to me. You become really happy on your own when you know you have connections out there.”