Carly Rae Jepsen – Day and Night (Album Review)

Carly Rae Jepsen’s risks pay off on “Day and Night.”

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TOP 5

5. On Wires

“On Wires” features some of the most interesting composition on Carly Rae Jepsen’s Day and Night. The first section of the double album—the “Day” half—draws heavily from 1970s psychedelic music and folk-pop, and those influences are especially clear here. I also hear traces of The Beatles, whose final album, Let It Be, arrived in 1970 before the members continued exploring their individual sounds through solo releases.

I love the staccato piano, particularly during the opening, and the sampled voices add another fascinating layer. It is an unusual sound for Carly, but one I fully support. The song captures a desire so overwhelming that the subject becomes the only thing occupying her thoughts. Nearly the entire chorus consists of Carly repeating “I want you,” yet it never feels monotonous. Instead, the repetition perfectly communicates how consumed she has become.

4. Never Let a Good Thing Die

“Never Let a Good Thing Die” opens the “Night” half of Day and Night, immediately shifting the album into sleek dance-pop territory. The track is absolutely worthy of the dance floor and introduces the project’s second half effectively after the folky, somewhat psychedelic production that dominates the “Day” section.

During the bridge, everything slows down as Carly’s breathy, high-register vocals float over atmospheric synths, creating an almost ethereal moment. Overall, the song features lively production, an irresistible groove, and a strong vocal performance from Carly.

3. Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor

“Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor” was the album’s first single representing the “Night” half, and it is easy to understand why. The track is infectiously danceable, drawing clear and delightful inspiration from ABBA while still sounding undeniably modern. Beneath that bright production is a more vulnerable story: Carly has argued with her partner and does not want to dance alone. Their song begins playing, but she cannot find him anywhere.

This is easily one of my favorite vocal performances on the album. The song feels designed for groups of people to sing and dance along to, and I can already imagine it becoming a major highlight during Carly’s concerts.

2. Just a Little Walk on the Moon

“Just a Little Walk on the Moon” closes the “Day” half of Day and Night. It begins with a slightly fuzzy keyboard line that reminds me of an old Disney movie—specifically, something that could have appeared in Cinderella.

The folk-pop foundation heard throughout this portion of the album remains present, but the song reaches beyond that style. I also hear touches of jazz, bossa nova, and soft rock. The result is incredibly dreamy, blending the romance of an old film with more modern production choices. It is a lovely conclusion to the album’s “Day” section.

1. After All

“After All” is a brilliant opener to Day and Night. It also served as the second single, and Carly described it as the “heart” of the album, or the song that best encapsulates its themes. The harmonies in the chorus are so interesting. I love how the choir vocals are produced in a sort of fuzzy way, and the chords are very interesting and intricate.

The song is so delightfully summery while also being musically complex. There are so many different layers going on, but they all work and it never feels muddy or overwhelming, nor does anything get lost in the mix.

SONG BY SONG RATING

After All (4.5/5)

Habits of Creatures (4/5)

Versailles (4/5)

On Wires (4.5/5)

Blue Skies (4/5)

Burning Heart (4.5/5)

Wild Child (4/5)

Good Fine Alright (4/5)

Something Tragic (4/5)

Soft (4/5)

Lonely Side of the Bed (4/5)

Just a Little Walk on the Moon (4.5/5)

Never Let a Good Thing Die (4.5/5)

Amalfi Coast (4/5)

Patience Power Passion (3.5/5)

Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor (4.5/5)

Motivation (4/5)

You Don’t Know How It Feels (4/5)

Near or Far (4/5)

Diver (4/5)

Hold Me to the Light (4/5)

That’s Just Me (4.5/5)

No Labels, I Love You (4/5)

Super Sage (3.5/5)

RGM RATING

This is undeniably Carly Rae Jepsen’s most ambitious project yet. Dance-pop is the genre that she’s known for, but her daring leap into twelve psychedelic folk-pop songs was exciting to see. A full double album can be difficult to pull off, and Carly nailed it.

I liked every song. I didn’t think that any of them were her best work, but I didn’t hear any and think that they missed the mark. I’d love to hear her experiment with the sounds found on the “Day” half more, because she did them very well.

Overall, this album was a very enjoyable listen, and once you’re done, you can’t help but root for Carly and her husband, Cole M.G.N., who produced and co-wrote several tracks. It is fearless, unafraid, and packed with personality. I had a great time listening.