All about Carly Rae Jepsen's instantly iconic, Madonna-tinted ACL Fest set
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Canadian pop titan. Scorpio. Idol to social media managers. One-hit wonder by the most rigid and cruel definition. YouTube trailblazer. Whatever: Songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen is among the most dynamic artists performing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival this year.
And with respect to Father John Misty or locals enjoying big years, like Dayglow and Shakey Graves during ACL Fests of the past, the Barton Springs stage has never been this swarmed. At the outset, at least.
On Friday night, the “Call Me Maybe” performer laid down the law. Here are the moments that best summarize one of ACL Fest’s most instantly iconic one-weekend-only performances.
Did I mention it was packed?
Just jammed. I stood perpendicular to the Barton Springs stage — nestled opposite the main Zilker field—and had nowhere to roam.
It was a whole high school musical.
Stair risers. Glittery star backdrops. Puffy cotton clouds. Jepsen’s deftly curated stage show encapsulates the naïve glee of belting out a show-tune — complete with soaring choruses (“Run Away With Me”), pogo-sparking breakdowns and shameless poptimism. There were backup singers in sparkly dresses, yes, but also very precise and pulsating drumming. The fills on “I Really Like You” could cut glass. Fear the backbeat.
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Carly Rae Jepsen is Madonna?
On the spectrum of genius pop vocalists, I think the best comparison to be made — both in terms of subtly technical vocals and point of view — is to Madonna. The fame disparities notwithstanding, Jepsen is doing some “Lucky Star” stuff here. We have specific, combative, almost political choruses. And like the ‘80s star, Jepsen can wield disco licks like a protester. Lastly, both believe in the power of populism and the subtext that can be discerned from love songs.
Our review from 2019:Carly Rae Jepsen frees you to feel impossibly big feelings
'Call Me Maybe' is just the tip of the iceberg.
Jepsen burned the giant viral hit 22 minutes into her set. Everyone sang into their phones. Many left en masse after. Their loss.
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It isn’t just love.
Jepsen sings about being friend-zoned. “Beach House” is about her “terrible time on a dating app.” She debuted onstage a music video for new single, “The Loneliest Time.” It's lovesick stuff. And if you can’t relate to the angst of set-closer “Cut To the Feeling,” you may be a sociopath.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What you missed at Carly Rae Jepsen's ACL Fest Weekend 1 set
