ALTERNATIVE/INDIE, POP

The Loneliest Time
By Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen is a Canadian singer and songwriter. Former Canadian Idol second runner-up, she shot to fame with her hit single Call Me Maybe in 2012. She has released six studio albums including The Loneliest Time.
The LP opens with Surrender My Heart, which gives ‘70s disco vibes, with up-tempo music, drums and synthesisers, in keeping with Jepsen’s pop influences and musical style. But there are also some very thoughtful lyrics. “So, I’ve been tryin’ hard to open up. When I lost someone, it hit me rough I paid to toughen up in therapy. She said to me, “Soften Up””. The lyrics, seemingly inspired by experience, are easy to relate to, not unlike other songs by Jepsen, who’s known for her catchy lyrics.
Lead single Western Wind has a soulful melody and is a reminiscent love song asking, “Do you remember a conversation With our heads against the pillow?” It’s different from the opening song, a trend that continues throughout the LP; each song has a distinct personality, a major case in point being Beach House, a bouncy number but with resentful undertones. “Boys around the world I want to believe that when you chase a girl It’s not just hunting season.” Love and unrequited love seem to be major themes throughout; bittersweet longing, heartbreak, cynicism, the excitement of falling in love again… This love anthem will take you through all of it and more.

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE

Inner World Peace
By Greta Kline

Greta Kline is an American musician, singer and songwriter. Formerly known as Frankie Cosmos, which is now the name of her band, she released Inner World Peace via Sub Pop. There are 15 songs on the LP, which features strings, drums and the piano. The music is easy going, the ideal backdrop for a long drive to nowhere.
The album opens with Abigail and right away you know this is going to be one of those personal account kinds of albums. Heavy with emotion, it leaves room for interpretation. “If I die right now, I need you to see Abigail, I want you to be alive with me” points to loss and subsequent loneliness. You begin to understand the reasoning behind the catchy album title – Inner World Peace.
Aftershock comes next, offering the same pace and melody only to reveal a plot twist midway; the song’s sound changes, a creative touch by Kline, which makes you want to know what more is in store. Fruit Stand continues with the loss or left-lonely-behind theme, which seems to be a major inspiration.
Magnetic Personality ups the tempo of the album, which eventually closes with Heed The Call, again a slow number. This one will make a place in the hearts of Indie music lovers.