In 2007, my husband and I started downloading episodes of Canadian Idol to fill the gap between Australian seasons. From the moment we saw Carly Rae Jepsen audition with her original song “Sweet Talker” (such a gutsy move back then!) we knew she was special. She finished in third place, but we never forgot her. Fast forward to 2011 and the release of “Call Me Maybe.” Suddenly she was the name on everyone’s lips, although later singles never broke through the way that monster track did. That’s a good thing for fans like me because it means we can see her in an intimate venue like the Enmore, where everyone is so passionate about this music.
At a stadium gig, there’s an expectation that bands will play the greatest hits. Red Hot Chilli Peppers were criticised for playing seven songs from their two 2022 albums in Eora/Sydney. Carly Rae played nine songs from her 2022 album The Loneliest Time. She even had the “audacity” to open with two of those new tracks. But the audience was singing right along with her, relishing in the opportunity to experience these songs live for the first time. I was one of them. That album is absolute fire.
While the incredible songs from The Loneliest Time took centre stage, I don’t think anyone walked away disappointed. I had a massive wish list in my head, and Carly Rae delivered just about every track on it. Songs like “Cut to the Feeling”, “Julien”, and “Your Type” didn’t crack the top 100, but listening to the enthusiastic reception they got you’d be forgiven for thinking they were every bit as big as “Call Me Maybe.” The energy of this crowd was incredible, and Carly Rae seemed to lap it up, grinning widely as she jumped around the stage, stopping to touch the hands of lucky fans in the first few rows. From my spot in the dress circle, I watched the crowd move as one, jumping around to the upbeat pop numbers. I almost wished I was down with them instead of dancing in my seat.
As Carly Rae left for an encore, I mentally checked my wish list and started to worry I’d miss out on a few songs, especially the beautiful “Go Find Yourself or Whatever.” I wasn’t sure this soft ballad would find a place in the party, but I needn’t have worried. First song of the encore, just as perfect as I imagined it might be. “Beach House” wasn’t on that wish list, but it probably should have been. Another new track, with some of the best lyrics exploring disaster dates that you’ll ever hear, it really brought back the energy in the room. Carly Rae closed out with “Cut to the Feeling,” another song on that long wish list that sent us home with the very best of vibes.
As I floated back to the train station, buzzing with adrenaline, I marvelled at how far Carly Rae had come. She always had something special as she strummed her guitar and delivered that original song in her Canadian Idol audition. She’s continued writing incredible songs, but she commands a stage now. She could do it in arenas and she deserves to have the fan base that sees her booking larger venues. But I feel so lucky to be able to see her in a much smaller space, at the peak of her powers. I’m sure getting just six hours of sleep will catch up with me at some point, but right now I’m still buzzing. Carly Rae Jepsen continues her So Nice tour with the following Aussie shows:
8 March 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
9 March 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11-13 March 2023 – Golden Plains, Wadawarrung Country/Meredith
13 March 2023 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2023 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
Image source: own photos