Carly Rae Jepsen has been the subject of intense social scrutiny. After the viral success of “Call Me Maybe,” many disregarded Jepsen’s artistic integrity and were quick to label her as a “one-hit wonder.” In 2012 when her sophomore album, Kiss, was rushed into production to capitalize off the unexpected hit, their judgments proved true. The album received mixed reviews and failed to recreate the success of “Call Me Maybe.”

Described by fellow sophomore Greta Eustace as, “too old to be singing” and “a complete and utter flop,” at thirty years old, Jepsen’s career seemed to be doomed. However, three years after Kiss, E•MO•TION, an album that catapulted Jepsen to critical acclaim, was released.  Despite not containing any “hits” on the level of “Call Me Maybe,” the album’s lead single, “I Really Like You,” did become a top 40 hit in the U.S.

Soon, E•MO•TION garnered somewhat of a cult following for Jepsen and gained her the respect amongst her musical peers that Kiss did not. However, since the album was a commercial failure– it did not even enter the top 10 on the Billboard Albums Chart – Jepsen went on extensive touring to reccuperate the lost funds and share the new music in an explosive live show: the “Gimme Love Tour.”

Visiting everywhere from Cape Town, South Africa to Providence, Rhode Island, the concert series started in September 14, 2015 and is slated to end on April 4, 2016 in Fukuoka, Japan. I was lucky enough to attend the show at the Fette Ballroom, in Rhode Island on March 23, and  can confirm it was most definitely not “a complete and utter flop.” Ironically, naysayer Greta Eustace tagged along to witness the spectacle, despite her previous rejection of Jepsen’s talent.

Before Jepsen performed, two opening acts – Fairground Saints and Cardiknox – ran through their respective sets of exuberant, cliché pop music. The crowd, who were primarily college students and avant-garde hipsters, seemed to enjoy them. However, we did not, as there was nothing particularly memorable about either of the groups.

When Jepsen finally came on, it was 9:00pm on a school night, so we were fairly exhausted, but once she hit the stage, and the opening sax of “Run Away With Me” echoed throughout the spacious venue, we were snatched. As our weaves flew off our heads in syncopation to her soft, yet commanding alto, our lives forever changed. Never before had we seen such a presence as intoxicating as Ms. Carly Rae on stage. Greta, a previous Carly Rae Jepsen hater, was particularly entranced. Her jaw dropped as the energetic performer flitted around stage in her signature red cape.

For the next hour and a half, Carly effortlessly sang through twenty-one of her timeless tunes, and as each song passed, I felt my life expectancy growing. Despite the show not being even close to sold-out, Carly injected the performance with infectious excitement, as if she was performing to an audience of thousands.

Saving the most basic songs for last, the finale consisted of explosive renditions of “Call Me Maybe” and “I Really Like You” – audience clap-along included. When the two rousing numbers were finished, Carly gracefully exited the stage, cape in hand, to the cries of those in attendance. We then left the venue, and were immediately shaken by the cold reality of our situation – literally and figuratively. Since the concert was over, so were my dreams of seeing Carly live and also it was really cold outside. Bummer.

When asked about her updated feelings on Carly, Greta simply responded, “Hey, next time you go to a Carly Rae Jepsen Concert, call me, maybe!” Needless to say, I did not laugh.

We decided to wait at the stage door though, located behind the decaying building, in hopes that Carly would bless us with her whimsical charm, face to face. For thirty minutes we stood in the blistering weather, discussing the religious experience we had just observed. Easter was still a week away and we had already witnessed a resurrection – of a career.

Eventually, Carly came out of the door, and greeted us, with the red cape tossed over her nimble shoulder. Immediately, my heart plummeted and I was speechless. I was in the presence of greatness and I was not worthy. However, I quickly collected myself and told Carly about how I first discovered E•MO•TION.

Last summer, I went to Japan with Hingham High School for a cultural exchange with Tennoji High School. Typical. On the fourteen-hour plane ride there, I was flipping through the in-flight entertainment and discovered E•MO•TION, hidden between various types of Japanese media. I feverously hit play and was then transported to a world of pure, pop-bliss. Then, I got off the flight.

She responded to my tale with a smile and slight terror, and then we all took a picture together. When I got in my car afterwards, a wave of E•MO•TIONs hit me and I started crying. My entourage and I had just met THE Carly Rae Jepsen end and I could not have been happier. Not only did the concert fill me with musical inspiration, but her lively demeanor also directed me to a career path that I had been considering, but never thought I could actually become: a stalker.

After seeing how happy someone could be, despite struggling with success, I learned to never give up. Today, so many people lose complete confidence after one mistake or commercial failure. In 2013, Lady Gaga cancelled the second act of her album, ARTPOP, due to lackluster reception. However, had she stuck with her artistic vision and had faith in her talent, maybe she could have produced a masterpiece to rival E•MO•TION (not likely though).

Life is a series of overcoming obstacles, so when others’ opinions threaten someone’s decisions, they can often fail miserably. To truly evolve as a person and thinker though, one must believe in their self, as only then can their true potential be reached.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Ethan Ayer

Carly and her red cape