Solved: The Carly Rae conundrum

Call Me Maybe is one of the defining pop songs of our times. Not because it's particularly strong lyrically or thematically but because it proved the earworm wasn't dead.

As much as today's pop stars posture and preen and hire cutting-edge producers to shape their sound, Call Me Maybe was proof that a good song, well sung could conquer the world. Before Call Me Maybe, Katy Perry would have rejected Roar as "too obvious". Without Carly Rae Jepsen, a record label might have thought twice about releasing a song as simple and joyous as Happy, in case it damaged Pharell's urban brand.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

The problem for Jeppo was how to follow that single up. It sounded like a one-hit wonder. And, with the exception of her guest spot on Owl City's Good Time, it remains her only hit.

Until now.

The Canadian star's new single, I Really Like You, was released to retail last night* and, while the chorus doesn't quite have the toffee pudding stickiness of Call Me Maybe's syncopated strings, the melody is practically indelible.

That's because Carly Rae sings the word "really" 67 times - as in, "I really really really really really really like you." It's as dumb and sweet and memorable as her breakout song. And, interestingly, it was co-written by Peter Svensson from the Cardigans, who are the second best Swedish band ever (after Roxette, obviously).

If it's not a hit, I'll eat my hat.** Listen here.

Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You

Or watch her perform it adequately in a live scenario here.

Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You (GMA Live)


* in the US. In the UK, it's not out until 14 June. Yes, you read that right. Fucking hell.

** My hat is made out of Cadbury's animal crackers

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