E•MO•TION: Side B

Released exactly one year after her critically adored third album, E•MO•TION: Side B serves as a victory lap that solidified Carly Rae Jepsen's status as an 'indie-pop' darling. Comprising eight tracks selected from a pool of over 200 songs written during the original album sessions, the EP features high-profile collaborations with Dev Hynes, Greg Kurstin, and Rami Yacoub. Sonically, it doubles down on the 1980s new wave and synth-pop influences, utilizing Yamaha DX7-style keys and heavy gated reverb. Despite its status as a B-side collection, tracks like 'First Time' and 'The One' became immediate fan favorites, further cementing the 'Carly Slay Jepsen' internet phenomenon. The EP was a critical success, with many reviewers noting that the quality of these 'rejects' surpassed the standard output of her contemporary pop peers, effectively bridging the gap between mainstream accessibility and underground credibility.