Carly Rae Jepsen’s Kiss is a pop record built for the radio, not for the bedroom. It wants to be the sound of a crush turning into a full-on feeling, and it mostly succeeds. The album runs 16 tracks and 56 minutes, and it leans hard on the upbeat, shiny side of pop music — the kind of record that plays best in the car or on a summer drive.
The record opens with “Tiny Little Bows,” a gentle introduction that sets the tone before the real hits arrive. Then comes “This Kiss,” which builds the album’s central idea: a love that is both tender and a little awkward.
Call Me Maybe and the Early Singles
“Call Me Maybe” is the song everyone knows, and it earns that fame. It’s weapons-grade teen pop, pure and direct. “Curiosity” follows, a track that shows off Jepsen’s range without reaching for a big chorus.
“Good Time” is the album’s other standout, a track that critics singled out for its melody and its energy. It’s the sound of a crush at its peak, and it lands.
More Than a Memory Through Beautiful
“More Than a Memory” and “Turn Me Up” keep the pace steady, though neither reaches the heights of the singles. “Hurt So Good” is a slight shift in mood, darker and more direct, and it holds up better than the surrounding tracks.
“Beautiful” is the kind of track that fills out the album’s middle without demanding attention.
Tonight I’m Getting Over You
“Tonight I’m Getting Over You” is one of the record’s strongest moments. It’s a track critics singled out, and it stands as proof that Jepsen can handle a more mature theme without losing the pop formula.
“Guitar String / Wedding Ring” is a short, sweet interlude, more mood piece than full song.
Your Heart Is a Muscle Through I Know You Have a Girlfriend
“Your Heart Is a Muscle” and “Drive” move quickly, with “Wrong Feels So Right” offering a slower, more reflective moment that adds weight to the album’s second half.
“Sweetie” is a solid closer, though it doesn’t break new ground. The final track, “I Know You Have a Girlfriend,” ends the record on a note that sums up the whole project: a crush that knows it’s not the main character.
- “Call Me Maybe” is the album’s biggest hit
- “Good Time” is the other standout single
- “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” is one of the record’s strongest tracks
- “This Kiss” sets the album’s central idea
| Track | Role on the Album |
|---|---|
| “Call Me Maybe” | The hit that defined the record |
| “Good Time” | The album’s other standout |
| “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” | One of the record’s strongest moments |
| “This Kiss” | Sets the album’s central idea |
The album’s weakest stretch sits between “Hurt So Good” and “Sweetie.” Tracks like “Beautiful” and “Drive” fill space without adding much, and they’re easy to forget once the record ends.
What the Record Gets Right
Jepsen’s vocal performance carries the record. She sounds confident throughout, even when the lyrics dip into teenage territory. The songwriting is consistent across the album, with hooks that land more often than they miss.
The production keeps things bright and uncluttered, which serves the album’s goal of being a feel-good listen.
What the Record Gets Wrong
Some critics pointed to the content as immature for an artist of Jepsen’s age. That’s a fair point, and it’s one the album doesn’t fully answer.
The back half drags slightly, with a handful of tracks that don’t earn their place alongside the singles.
The Verdict
Kiss is a strong pop record with a few weak spots. The singles are as good as advertised, and the album’s weaker moments don’t sink it.
63 out of 100.
The record earns its reputation on the strength of “Call Me Maybe” and “Good Time,” with “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” providing the album’s emotional high point. The rest of the record is competent filler, but it doesn’t get in the way of the songs that matter.
- Tiny Little Bows3:22
- This Kiss3:51
- Call Me Maybe3:14
- Curiosity3:35
- Good Time3:26
- More Than a Memory4:03
- Turn Me Up3:46
- Hurt So Good3:11
- Beautiful3:19
- Tonight I’m Getting Over You3:40
- Guitar String / Wedding Ring3:28
- Your Heart Is a Muscle3:50
- Drive3:00
- Wrong Feels So Right4:18
- Sweetie3:40
- I Know You Have a Girlfriend3:03
