Day and Night - We Go Hard in This Family!
Popheads should be rightfully thrilled to see a new release from Carly Rae Jepsen, this time in the form of a double album, Day and Night. The ambitious eighth (!) album from Jepsen is more mature in both instrumentation and lyricism. Day and Night moves away from her traditional bubblegum pop sound - the Day half of the album pursues a more refined production of guitars, pianos, and live instruments, whereas Night returns to Jepsen's familiar, dancier side of things with more pronounced basslines and house-inspired drum beats. The transition from Day to Night is noticeable and yet seamless, an impressive transition between sounds. This is an album that feels like it would be welcomed with open arms.
For those who may have lost track of Jepsen since her success with Call Me Maybe, today she is far different from the artist you once knew. Over a series of releases in the almost 15 years since Kiss, she has gained a devoted following for becoming one of the purest, most consistent creators of synth pop. Any music junkie who likes upbeat pop music is likely to have a strong opinion of Carly Rae's work, and I would be willing to bet it is a positive one. Jepsen is seeing a similar reemergence as Rebecca Black, whose recent release Age of the Exhibitionist has been quite well received.The praise Day and Night has seen already since its release suggests this album may bring Jepsen back to the forefront of radio pop, the same artist from the past but now with a carefully crafted sound and a history of impressive projects to show.
A lot has changed for Carly Rae since her last work. The lyrics reflect her maturation, the work of a seasoned pop vocalist drawing on the experience of becoming a mother and wife. Musically, Day and Night exudes maturity as well. The album is worth giving a few listens to really appreciate its artistry. The first impression it left on me was honestly nothing standout, but with each subsequent listen I become more impressed. It doesn't have the "in your face" energy of Motivation, but delivers a rewarding experience across tracks. The highlights? Day and Night is incredibly coherent sonically, the live instrumentation adds a new element that gives an entirely different feel from Jepsen's previous works, and, well, it's 24 beautiful tracks over 85 minutes. Projects this ambitious have the potential to feel oversaturated or overworked, yet while I don't love every track, none of them feel out of place or forced in.
Day is warm, a bit jazzy, and greatly benefits from its live instrumentation. Several tracks lean into a traditional Bossa Nova sound, and overall Day feels cozy and inviting. The atmosphere is easy to settle into and enjoy. Standout tracks to me after a few listens were On Wires and Good Fine Alright. There are a few more experimental tracks in this half that incorporate changing BPMs and vastly different production between the verse and chorus which didn't land well in my opinion, but overall it is great to see Jepsen trying something different from her usual style and pulling it off with flare.
Night comes in strong with Never Let a Good Thing Die, making the shift in tone apparent but not abrupt. Try to go through that disc transition without bopping your head, I dare you! With more rhythm-heavy tracks like Amalfi Coast and Don't Leave Me on the Dance Floor, Jepsen feels in her comfort zone in Night, but it is still a creative turn from her classic synth pop sound. This half of the album features nu-disco, house, and groove inspired dance-pop production, bringing more energy than Day while continuing to explore themes of family and self-reflection.
Day and Night turns over a new page for Carly Rae Jepsen as she reflects on the beginnings of a new stage in her life. With a mature sound and more pensive lyrics than ever before, she has delivered a stunning album that subverts expectations.
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