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Carly Rae Jepsen celebrated the 10th anniversary of her album "Emotion" with a special performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles

She kept talking to a minimum, allowing the music itself to carry the evening. For a full 90 minutes, the 39-year-old artist played the album in its original sequence, a record that played a key role in reshaping her identity after the overwhelming success of "Call Me Maybe," cementing her status as a pop musician with a dedicated following. Though she hasn't matched that earlier commercial peak, she has cultivated a consistent and well-regarded career on her own terms. It’s interesting how an artist’s evolution can sometimes be more meaningful than chasing constant hits. Jepsen’s journey shows that building a lasting connection with an audience often matters more than fleeting chart success. When "Emotion" was released in 2015, Jepsen was still largely defined by "Call Me Maybe," a song that gained momentum early on with backing from Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, arranged by her then-manager Scooter Braun. Her earlier album, "Kiss," framed her as a playful, accessible pop act with catchy melodies. "Emotion" arrived as listeners were growing more open to pop artists being seen as authentic creators, partly inspired by influences like Robyn. The album, developed with contributions from producers such as Blood Orange and Rostam, presented a polished, sincere exploration of love's complexities. It resonated with both mainstream pop audiences and indie music critics, creating an unlikely bridge between different listener groups. The Troubadour show had an intimate feel, with only 500 spots available. Tickets were in high demand, leading to a scramble and some disappointing scams. For those who secured entry, the performance was a seamless, emotional trip through the album, underscoring how pop music can express feeling without unnecessary complexity. This smaller venue was a change of pace for Jepsen, who has performed at larger spots like the Greek Theatre and Radio City Music Hall, but it carried the cozy vibe of a homecoming for the Canadian singer, who currently lives in LA. She reflected on moving to the city at 26 with just a suitcase, relying on her parents to send more clothes—a memory made sweeter by their attendance in the audience, happily recording the concert. There’s something special about artists revisiting their earlier work; it often brings a renewed sense of appreciation from both the performer and the fans. These moments highlight how music can evolve in meaning over time. Jepsen appeared truly happy as she sang through stories of love and hopefulness. She started with the energetic "Run Away With Me," its famous saxophone riff instantly boosting the room's mood, and progressed through each track before blending in B-sides and older hits. Backed by a full band, she stayed true to the original productions, proving that well-crafted songs don’t require much alteration. Her ease on stage was evident; she engaged naturally, danced with backup vocalists, and even debuted "More," a new track from the upcoming anniversary release. She closed with two crowd-pleasers, "Call Me Maybe" and "Cut to the Feeling," the latter particularly loved by LGBTQ+ fans. The crowd reflected the broad appeal of her music—one straight man joked about being in the minority, while a father stood next to his young daughter, who had just started middle school that day. Jepsen’s music continues to resonate because it finds happiness in ordinary moments, speaking to people from all walks of life.
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