Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen has brought joy to her fans with an exciting tweet announcing a follow up to her most recent studio album.

“Dedicated” dropped a year ago and was an instant hit with fans and critics alike. Now she has come out with “Dedicated: Side B,” 12 tracks of poppy bliss. Her tweet offering the news warned us we would likely dance, and boy was she right. The album is fun, flirty and everything we’ve come to expect and love from the singer.

As with many B side albums, listening to it, you find yourself wondering how she managed the tough decision of leaving these songs out of her previous release. These tracks are bubbly, enjoyable and a treat for all pop fans. None of them feel forced or contrived. Jepsen has a beautiful, naturally positive energy that flows effortlessly into her music. And the songs on this album are no exception.

The release has come as a complete surprise, despite the “whispers” to which she refers in her announcement tweet. Very few saw this coming, judging by the surprised and delighted replies she’s received from her fans on social media. And the love has just kept rolling on in as more and more have had the opportunity to hear this treat of an album. The songs instantly lift your mood with their upbeat tempo, and catchy lyrics, delivered in her distinctive vocal style. 

Even the more sombre tracks still feel like fun. The theme of this one feels like an endless switch between fond remembrance and longing, while staying happy and hopeful. It’s so apt for the current state of the world and will have you feeling everything, but mostly, joy and a need to hear more.

There has been some debate as to her vocal range, but to the trained ear, there is little doubt that she is a mezzo-soprano, not a soprano as some have argued. Jepsen is utterly divine at the lower end of her vocal range, but can more than hold her own up top, allowing for a gorgeous fluidity in her songs and seemingly endless variety. Everything about this latest offering just feels like so much fun. It’s a joy to listen to from start to finish and a very worthy companion piece to her previous album.

 pop 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.