Description
Carly Rae Jepsen – E•MO•TION: Side B – Vinyl Record
Carly Rae Jepsen’s E•MO•TION: Side B, released on August 26, 2016, is much more than just a collection of leftovers from her critically acclaimed 2015 album E•MO•TION—it’s a vibrant, cohesive body of work that deepens her reputation as a cult pop auteur. At just eight tracks long, Side B offers a distilled, pure shot of Jepsen’s signature blend of ’80s-influenced synth-pop, diaristic lyricism, and emotionally earnest hooks, proving that even her so-called “B-sides” can feel like A-grade material.
While E•MO•TION was celebrated for its sophisticated take on pop—fusing nostalgic textures with fresh, heartfelt songwriting—Side B amplifies that spirit in a way that’s more relaxed, slightly more lo-fi, and emotionally playful. It doesn’t strive for the same polish or radio readiness as its predecessor, and that’s part of its charm. The songs feel intimate and instinctive, like secret diary entries set to synth arpeggios and drum machines.
The opening track, “First Time,” sets a buoyant tone with its breezy beat and starry-eyed lyrics. It’s a flirtatious, youthful anthem of infatuation that harks back to early Madonna, shimmering with neon-lit nostalgia. Tracks like “Higher” and “The One” are equally effervescent—infectious pop gems that explore emotional vulnerability and romantic indecision with honesty and irresistible dancefloor rhythms.
A standout among standouts is “Cry,” a stunning mid-tempo track layered with shimmering synths and aching vocals. It’s perhaps the most emotionally raw song on the album, with Jepsen addressing emotional unavailability in a partner—delivered with a heartbreaking restraint. Here, her songwriting shifts from playful to piercing, showing the depth and subtlety that elevates her music beyond bubblegum pop tropes.
“Body Language” and “Store” offer the quirkier side of Jepsen’s personality—humorous, off-kilter, and full of personality. “Store,” in particular, raised eyebrows for its tongue-in-cheek storytelling and abrupt tonal shifts. But even in its absurdity, it demonstrates Jepsen’s willingness to experiment with form and storytelling in a genre often criticized for formulaic writing.
Sonically, Side B continues the lush, synth-heavy palette of E•MO•TION, but with a slightly more stripped-back, DIY sensibility. The production—handled by collaborators like Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Ariel Rechtshaid, and Rostam Batmanglij—leans more into lo-fi textures and experimental flourishes. The result is a pop record that feels less constrained by commercial expectations and more intimately tied to Jepsen’s artistic instincts.
E•MO•TION: Side B was hailed as another triumph, with many outlets arguing it was just as strong—if not stronger—than the main album. It further cemented her status as a “critic’s pop star”: not necessarily dominating the charts, but creating music that resonates deeply with pop aficionados and artists alike. Its release also helped solidify her fanbase, contributing to the growing recognition of Jepsen as a masterful songwriter and curator of emotional pop.
E•MO•TION: Side B is more than just an add-on—it’s a testament to Carly Rae Jepsen’s depth as a pop creator, and a celebration of the B-side ethos: unfiltered, unexpected, and sometimes even more thrilling than the main attraction. It’s a love letter to pop fans who crave honesty, melody, and a little magic in their heartbreak.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
First Time
Higher
The One
Fever
Body Language
Cry
Store
Roses
