Carly Rae Jepsen performs in Melbourne

MUSIC
Carly Rae Jepsen★★★★
The Forum, March 13

When it comes to Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen, people tend to fall into two camps. The first consists of those shocked to hear she’s still making music after her 2012 global hit Call me Maybe.

And then there’s the dedicated contingent who know the truth: that Jepsen’s infectious bubblegum pop is pure joy. And it was those select few who sold out The Forum for Jepsen’s penultimate Australian show on Monday night The So Nice Tour.

In case you didn’t know, Jepsen has been consistently releasing records and singles for the past decade. She’s advertising The loneliest time (2022), but it is also published Dedicated (2019) and of course the incomparable masterpiece emotion (2015).

During Monday’s show, she performed over 20 songs from this extensive catalogue. bangers run away with me And cut on the feeling had made the room jump while her new ballad was being withdrawn Go find yourself or whatever provided a touching change during the encore. There were some B-sides and even a do-it-yourself adventure that the crowd chose to listen to your type above Cry.

Seeing Jepsen live is a truly jubilant experience. Ever since selling out the venue in 2019 for one of the last truly great nights in The Olden Times, Jepsen has seemed at home on the Forum stage again.

The set-up was fittingly reminiscent of a 1970s disco variety show, with a billowing iridescent backdrop curtain, stairways to strut, and a halo of playful lights that served to complement Jepsen’s bright and enthusiastic performance.

For all the upbeat brilliance, lyrical majesty, and bright vocals, there was a subtle restraint and warmth in Jepsen’s minimal choreography and interactions with her band. And as they reached out affectionately to the audience, the mutual, palpable adoration was reflected right on their sequined mini dress.