Curiosity (EP)

Last updated

Curiosity
Curiosity EP.png
EP by
Carly Rae Jepsen
ReleasedFebruary 14, 2012 (2012-02-14)
RecordedApril 2010–January 2012
Genre
Length20:11
Label
Producer
Carly Rae Jepsen chronology
Tug of War
(2008)		Curiosity
(2012)		 Kiss
(2012)
Singles from Curiosity
  1. "Call Me Maybe"
    Released: September 20, 2011
  2. "Curiosity"
    Released: May 1, 2012

Curiosity is the second EP by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on February 14, 2012, by 604 Records. Initially listed on the iTunes Store with a full-length tracklist, Curiosity was cut down to a six-song EP just days before its release. The full-length album titled Kiss was released 7 months later containing only two songs from the EP on its standard edition. Musically, Curiosity is a pop album influenced by several genres such as dance-pop and R&B, while its lyrical content is mostly about love.

Contents

Curiosity received generally positive reviews from contemporary music, with many praising the quality of the tracks and labeling it mainstream. Its lead single, "Call Me Maybe", was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and is one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 18 million copies sold. The album peaked at number six on the Canadian Albums Chart.

Background

Jepsen's second studio album was initially planned to be released on February 14, 2012; however, she chose not to release it because she wanted to make sure she "got the second CD right. I think I got a little nervous about the idea of the sophomore being a little less-than because it's so rushed. So I wanted to give myself the time to not feel that pressure." [1] She then worked with songwriter Josh Ramsay and producer Ryan Stewart on most of the album's tracks. [1] Jepsen's songwriting process was inspired by her life and friends. [2] After the recording sessions were completed, Curiosity was announced as a full-length album, [1] with a digital release date confirmed for February 14, 2012. [3] A few days before its official release, however, the label decided to change the format of the album, turning it into an extended play. [1] The songs cut from the album "Lost and Found", "Alice In Wonderland", "Dear Julien", "Europe" and "Angels" came to have their preview on iTunes Canada, before having changed album to EP.

Composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Both Sides Now"
A 23-second sample of the chorus which features Jepsen singing the ballad over an upbeat bubblegum pop influenced background. [4] [5]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The EP opens with "Call Me Maybe", an upbeat track that draws influences from dance-pop and R&B. [6] The clever lyrics of the song describes the "infatuation and inconvenience of a love at first sight," as described by Bill Lamb of About.com. [7] During the pre-chorus, the singer states, "Ripped jeans, skin was showing/Hot night, wind was blowing/Where you think you're going, baby?" [6] As the chorus begins, the background incorporates synthesized string chords, and she sings, "Hey, I just met you, And this is crazy, But here's my number, So call me maybe." [7] [8] Melody Lau of Rolling Stone wrote that "Call Me Maybe" is a "Taylor Swift meets Robyn" song. [9] The title track, "Curiosity", has a similar sound to "Call Me Maybe", and features heavy dance beats and catchy hooks. [10] In the song, Jepsen sings about being poorly treated by a bad boy, and begs for more of his love. [4] "Picture" is a ballad that focuses on patience in a relationship. [5] Critics noted that the song would work well during the climax of a motion picture due to its lyrical content. [10] "Talk to Me" and "Just a Step Away" were both described as mid-tempo pop songs that alludes to summer love, teen love and that first crush. [4] [5] Fiona Eadie of Cadence Canada noted that in both tracks, Carly is able to transcend the listener "to a porch swing or riding a bicycle along an old dirt road in the countryside's summer sunshine. Her voice sings the highs and lows of love and everything that comes along with it." [4] The final song is a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now". Musically, the song is also an upbeat ballad, and differs from the original version in the sense that Jepsen's version is "fresh and modern with her unique bubblegum twist." [4] Critics also added that Jepsen will be able to "attract a new generation to this widely recognized hit" with her "unique version." [5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
About.com Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Cadence Canada(favorable) [4]
idobi Radio Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [5]

Curiosity received critical acclaim from contemporary critics. Bill Lamb of About.com began his review stating that it is always interesting to have new artists making music both familiar and fresh. He went to describe the six "electronic pop songs strong, almost too short to be satisfying but immensely repeatable." [10] Lamb also added that Jepsen's "style is summery and bright without the emotional bogging down of [Demi] Lovato or the flat out drudgery of Jessie J" [10] Allmusic critic Jon O'Brien stated that, when compared to Jepsen's previous effort Tug of War (2008), the EP "unexpectedly abandons her previous singer/songwriter approach in favor of an unashamed bubblegum sound which harks back to the early 2000s pop princess glory days of Britney, Christina, Jessica, and Mandy." [11] Fiona Eadie of Cadence Canada described the musical style of the album as "pop. But not in the annoying, auto-tune, and talentless way. Her perfectly pitched voice makes it clear that this girl has real talent." [4] Eadie summarized her review saying that Curiosity "is filled with music that dances. And it is your choice to listen to it with or without a hairbrush (a.k.a. microphone) in front of your bedroom mirror. Overall a great EP. I can't wait to put the top down and blast her tunes all summer." [4] Jen Appel of idobi Radio commented that, overall, Curiosity is the kind of extended play that brings attention from the teenage public due to its mainstream songs, and added, "if you are looking for fun, lovable songs to make you smile, this is your go-to mix." [5] Appel only criticized the lyrical content, noting that it is "very childish but seem to work with the music nonetheless." [5]

Singles

Jepsen performing "Curiosity" during Believe Tour. Carly Rae Jepson-DSC 0209-10.20.12 (8107384948).jpg
Jepsen performing "Curiosity" during Believe Tour.

"Call Me Maybe" was released as the lead single from the EP on September 20, 2011. [12] After pop singers Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez tweeted about the song, Jepsen gained international attention and was signed to Schoolboy Records, releasing her single in the United States through the label. [13] The song received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who praised its composition and clever lyrical content, while deeming it as the perfect pop song. [7] [14] "Call Me Maybe" has attained commercial success worldwide, topping the charts in several countries, and is one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 18 million copies sold. [15] An accompanying music video portrays Jepsen trying to gain attention from her attractive neighbor, who is revealed to be gay at the close of the story. [6] To promote the song, Jepsen has performed on several live televised shows, including on The Ellen DeGeneres Show , where she made her US television debut, and at the MTV Europe Music Awards. [16] [17]

"Curiosity" was released as the second single on May 1, 2012. [18] Jepsen shot a video for the song on June 5, 2012, with director Colin Minihan. [19] The music video was not released, and it leaked on November 25, 2012. [19] According to the description of the leak, "this video was shelved because it was "too sexy" for her new tween demographic." [19] On March 26, 2012, Jepsen visited WBBM-FM's Morning Show and performed the two singles. [20] In the last week of January 2013, the singer filmed an acoustic performance of the song in Tokyo exclusively for Billboard . [21]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Call Me Maybe"
Ramsay3:13
2."Curiosity"
Stewart3:26
3."Picture"JepsenStewart3:03
4."Talk to Me"
  • Jepsen
  • Stewart
Stewart2:51
5."Just a Step Away"
  • Carly Rae Jepsen
  • The Jepsen Family
  • Stewart
Stewart3:46
6."Both Sides Now" Joni Mitchell Stewart3:52
Total length:20:11

Charts

Chart (2012)Peak
position
Canadian Albums Chart [22] 6

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carly Rae Jepsen</span> Canadian singer and songwriter (born 1985)

Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer and songwriter. After studying musical theatre for most of her school life and while in university, Jepsen garnered mainstream attention after placing third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol in 2007. In 2008, Jepsen released her folk-influenced debut studio album Tug of War in Canada before it was internationally released in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Ramsay</span> Canadian singer-songwriter

Joshua Keeler Ramsay is a Canadian singer, songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for being the lead vocalist of the pop rock band Marianas Trench. He has produced and has written songs for a wide array of artists including Carly Rae Jepsen, Nickelback, Jessica Lee, Faber Drive, and Suzie McNeil.

Schoolboy Records is an American record label established in 2007 by Scooter Braun. It operates as a strategic partnership with Universal Music Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Call Me Maybe</span> 2011 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Call Me Maybe" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen from her EP Curiosity (2012) and later appeared on her second studio album and first international album Kiss (2012). The song was written by Jepsen and Tavish Crowe as a folk song, but its genre was modified to pop following the production by Josh Ramsay. It was released as the lead single from the EP on September 20, 2011 in the United States and Canada, through 604 Records, and later on July 10, 2012 in the International world. Jepsen was signed to Schoolboy Records, releasing her single in the United States through the label, as the first single from Kiss. Musically, "Call Me Maybe" is a teen pop, dance-pop and bubblegum pop track that alludes to the inconvenience that love at first sight brings to a girl who hopes for a call back from a new crush.

The 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards were held June 17, 2012 at MuchMusic's headquarters in Toronto, Canada. Katy Perry was the first performer announced. The award show was co-hosted by LMFAO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curiosity (song)</span> 2012 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Curiosity" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen for her EP Curiosity (2012). It was released as the second single from the EP on May 1, 2012, through 604 Records. Produced and co-written by Ryan Stewart, "Curiosity" is an upbeat pop track that is influenced by dance and synthpop. Lyrically, the track alludes to a girl who is poorly treated by a bad boy, and begs for more of his love. It received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who deemed it similar to Jepsen's previous single, "Call Me Maybe". Following its release, the track reached number 18 on the Canadian Hot 100. A new version of the track was included on her international debut album Kiss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carly Rae Jepsen discography</span>

Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen has released seven studio albums, two remix albums, four EPs, 28 singles, 11 promotional singles, and 24 music videos. In 2007, Jepsen finished third in the fifth season of the talent series Canadian Idol. She subsequently signed a recording contract with Fontana and MapleMusic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Time (Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen song)</span> 2012 single by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

"Good Time" is a song by American electronica project Owl City and Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on June 26, 2012, as the lead single from Owl City's album The Midsummer Station and was used as the second single from Jepsen's second studio album, Kiss. "Good Time" was written by Matt Thiessen, Brian Lee, and Adam Young of Owl City. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with critics describing it as a "summer anthem".

<i>Kiss</i> (Carly Rae Jepsen album) 2012 studio album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Kiss is the second studio album by Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on September 14, 2012, by 604, Schoolboy and Interscope Records. After her debut, Tug of War (2008), was only released in Canada, Kiss became Jepsen's first internationally released album. Songs on the album are in the nu-disco, dance-pop, and teen pop genres, drawing inspiration from the Cars, Madonna and Robyn. Featuring production from a wide collection of producers including Dallas Austin, Josh Ramsay, and Redfoo, the album features guest vocals from Justin Bieber and Owl City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Kiss (Carly Rae Jepsen song)</span> 2012 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"This Kiss" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen from her second studio album, Kiss (2012). The song was written by Jepsen, Matthew Koma, Kelly Covell and Redfoo of electropop duo LMFAO through e-mails, text messaging and telephone calls, with production handled by Koma and Redfoo. "This Kiss" was released as the third single from the album on September 10, 2012. The mid-tempo dance-pop track lyrically speaks about a kiss being something Jepsen can't resist and the lips of her beloved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tonight I'm Getting Over You</span> 2013 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Tonight I'm Getting Over You" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen, taken from her second studio album and debut international release, Kiss (2012). It was released in the United States as a single on February 19, 2013, as the international fourth single from the album. An official remix featuring rapper Nicki Minaj was released on May 6, 2013. The song was written by Jepsen, Lukas Hilbert, Max Martin, Clarence Coffee Jr., Shiloh, and Katerina Loules. Thematically, the track centers around a break-up, with lyrics about getting over her ex-boyfriend by dancing with someone new. The song has some dubstep aspects. "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" received mostly positive reviews from music critics; some deemed it one of the best tracks on Kiss, as they did about Jepsen's claim to fame with "Call Me Maybe".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Really Like You</span> 2015 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"I Really Like You" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen for her third studio album, Emotion (2015). It was written by Jepsen, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Peter Svensson, and Steve DaMar; and produced by Svensson. The song was released as the album's lead single on 2 March 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All That (song)</span> 2015 song by Carly Rae Jepsen

"All That" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen from her third studio album, Emotion (2015). It was released as the first promotional single from the album on June 3, 2015, via 604, School Boy, and Interscope Records. The song was written by Jepsen and producers Ariel Rechtshaid, and Dev Hynes.

<i>Emotion</i> (Carly Rae Jepsen album) 2015 studio album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Emotion is the third studio album by Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on June 24, 2015 in Japan and worldwide on August 21, 2015 through 604, School Boy, and Interscope Records. Looking to transition from the bubblegum pop-oriented nature of her second studio album, Kiss (2012), Jepsen found inspiration in 1980s music and alternative styles. She enlisted a team of mainstream and indie collaborators, including Sia, Mattman & Robin, Dev Hynes, Ariel Rechtshaid, Rostam Batmanglij, Greg Kurstin, and Peter Svensson of the Cardigans, culminating in a largely synth-pop-centric effort.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Type</span> 2015 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Your Type" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen for her third studio album, Emotion (2015). She co-wrote the track with Wayne Hector, Tavish Crowe, and its producers Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk. "Your Type" is a 1980s-inspired synth-pop song about unrequited love. Initially released to digital retailers August 14, 2015 as the fourth and final promotional single leading up to the album's release, it was re-issued as the third official single on November 9, 2015. An official remix package debuted December 11, 2015. An accompanying music video was released on November 3, 2015. The song received mostly positive feedback from the critics, but was not a chart success.

<i>Emotion Remixed +</i> 2016 remix album by Carly Rae Jepsen

Emotion Remixed + is the second remix album by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen, released through Universal Music Japan on March 18, 2016. In the vein of Kiss: the Remix, both Japan exclusives, EmotionRemixed + compiles eight remixes of singles released from her third studio album Emotion (2015), and two new tracks: "First Time" and "Fever". The compilation features contributions by Bleachers, the Knocks and a cohort of collaborators from her Emotion sessions.

<i>Emotion: Side B</i> 2016 EP by Carly Rae Jepsen

Emotion: Side B is the third extended play (EP) by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on August 26, 2016, by 604 Records, Schoolboy Records and Interscope Records. Jepsen developed Side B as a companion piece to her third studio album, Emotion (2015), in response to fan demand. Side B features unreleased songs that were cut from the original effort.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cut to the Feeling</span> 2017 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Cut to the Feeling" is a song recorded by Canadian singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, from the Canadian-French animated film Ballerina (2016). It was released as a single on May 26, 2017, to promote the film's release under the title Leap! in the United States. The song was later included on the track list of her second EP, Emotion: Side B+ (2017), as the first song on the album. The song was written by Jepsen, Simon Wilcox, and Nolan Lambroza, and produced by Lambroza. The song serves as the theme song for the MTV reality series Siesta Key.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Party for One</span> 2018 single by Carly Rae Jepsen

"Party for One" is a song by Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released as the lead single from her fourth studio album Dedicated on November 1, 2018, through 604, School Boy and Interscope Records. The track was written by Jepsen, Tavish Crowe, Julia Karlsson, and Anton Rundberg, and produced by Hightower and Captain Cuts. "Party for One" was placed on Rolling Stone's list of 50 Best Songs of 2018.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Marchand, Francois (February 17, 2012). "Curiosity Didn't Kill Carly Rae Jepsen". The Vancouver Sun . Pacific Newspaper Group. Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  2. ↑ Chandel, Natasha (March 15, 2012). "Justin Bieber Protege Carly Rae Jepsen Piques Our Curiosity". MTV. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Curiosity – EP by Carly Rae Jepsen". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. February 14, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Eadie, Fiona (March 7, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen – Curiosity". Cadence Canada. Archived from the original on December 6, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Appel, Jen (March 14, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen – Curiosity: Album Review". idobi Radio . Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 Caramanica, Jon (March 16, 2012). "Small-Town Sentiments, Bass From the World Over". The New York Times . Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 Lamb, Bill. "Carly Rae Jepsen – "Call Me Maybe"". About.com. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  8. ↑ Oldenburg, Ann (March 13, 2012). "Who is Carly Rae Jepsen and why does Justin Bieber love her?". USA Today . Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  9. ↑ Lau, Melody (March 12, 2012). "Justin Bieber Gives Singer Carly Rae Jepsen a Boost". Rolling Stone . Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Norman, Ben (February 14, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen – 'Curiosity EP' Review". About.com. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  11. 1 2 O'Brien, Jon (February 14, 2012). "Curiosity – Carly Rae Jepsen". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Call Me Maybe – Single by Carly Rae Jepsen". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. September 20, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  13. ↑ Kurchak, Sarah (March 12, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen, 'Call Me Maybe': Singer Reveals How Justin Bieber's Tweet Sent Her Into Pop Stratosphere". AOL Radio. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  14. ↑ Carmichael, Emma (March 9, 2012). "Have You Heard 'Call Me Maybe,' the New Perfect Pop Song?". Gawker. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Digital Music Report 2013" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. February 26, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
  16. ↑ Exton, Emily (March 23, 2012). "Carly Rae Jepsen introduces Herself". Pop Dust. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Carly Rae Jepsen Crowd-Surfs In Bonus EMA Performance: Watch Now!". MTV. November 11, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Curiosity – Single by Carly Rae Jepsen". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. May 1, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  19. 1 2 3 "Carly Rae Jepsen - Curiosity - Official Music Video (Unreleased)". YouTube. November 25, 2012. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Carly Rae Jepsen Performs "Call Me Maybe" & "Curiosity" Live At The B96 Studios In Chicago". WBBM-FM. CBS. March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Carly Rae Jepsen Strips Down 'Curiosity': Exclusive Video Performance". Billboard . February 6, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Canadian Albums Chart – Week of March 3, 2012". Billboard. March 3, 2012. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.