A self-reflective pivot toward warm, 70s-inspired textures and organic percussion. Less of a neon dance floor, more of a sunset drive through the desert.
It's Carly Rae Jepsen's 'canyon record' where she gets weird, lonely, and really funky.
A warm, introspective collection that finds beauty and humor in the quiet moments of isolation.
Released in 2022, The Loneliest Time is Carly Rae Jepsen's sixth studio album and marks a stylistic expansion beyond her established synth-pop lane. Developed largely during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the record was born from Zoom sessions and a desire to explore a broader historical spectrum of pop, specifically 1970s folk and funk. While her previous work (Emotion and Dedicated) focused on the 'high' of romantic longing, this album investigates the 'low' of isolation and the analytical self-reflection that follows. Produced by a diverse team including Rostam Batmanglij and Captain Cuts, the album balances radio-ready hooks with experimental textures. It was preceded by the lead single 'Western Wind', which signaled the shift toward a more organic, percussion-heavy sound. Critics noted the album's emotional range and its successful integration of 'camp' elements, particularly on the title track. It stands as her most sonically diverse work to date.
Put this on for
Headlights cutting through desert fog at midnightThat specific quiet after a party ends and you're the last one awakeEmpty beach at dusk with salt in your hairStaring at old photos while the sun hits the dust motesDriving home alone with the windows down and no music on yetSunday morning coffee with a heavy heart and a clear headWalking through a botanical garden when you need to disappear
Moments worth waiting for
The transition into the theatrical, campy disco groove of the title track featuring Rufus Wainwright.
The airy, organic drum beat and flute-like synths that open Western Wind.
The frantic, obsessive energy of the chorus in Talking to Yourself that mimics a racing heart.
Sounds like
2022s production with a 2020s soul
Sits beside
Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves, Solar Power - Lorde, What's Your Pleasure? - Jessie Ware, Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa
Lyrical territory
self_examination, love_lost, nostalgia
03Deviation
The Loneliest Time · vs · Carly Rae Jepsen
Artist
This Album
Medium Energy
Energy · ↓ −22% less than usual
On this album, medium energy sits about 22% less prominent than across the rest of the artist's catalogue.
