Carly Rae Jepsen (born November 21, 1985) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and actress. She was born in Mission, British Columbia to Alexandra Lanzarotta and Larry Jepsen. Jepsen first gained national attention in 2007 as a contestant on the fifth season of the television competition Canadian Idol, finishing in third place.
Early recordings and breakthrough
Jepsen's first commercial release was the debut album Tug of War, issued on 30 September 2008. She continued to write and perform, and in 2011 released the single "Call Me Maybe," which became an international hit and viral phenomenon. The song is widely regarded as one of the best-selling singles by a female artist of the 21st century.
2012–2016: Rising profile and critical success
In 2012 Jepsen issued her first EP, Curiosity, and later that year released her second full-length record, Kiss. Both releases expanded her audience outside of Canada.
Her 2015 album Emotion drew inspiration from 1980s sounds and mainstream pop. Emotion received strong reviews from many critics and developed a devoted following. The album's lead single "I Really Like You" charted internationally, reaching the top three in the United Kingdom. In 2016 she issued Emotion: Side B, an extended play containing additional tracks from the Emotion sessions.
Musical style and legacy
Jepsen's work blends contemporary pop songwriting with influences from older pop and synth-driven music. She is noted for catchy hooks, lyrical themes about relationships and youth, and a reputation among some critics and listeners for crafting tightly produced pop records that have attracted both chart success and a dedicated fanbase.
Selected discography
- Tug of War (2008)
- Kiss (2012)
- Emotion (2015)
- Emotion: Side B (EP, 2016)