Many people only know Carly Rae Jepsen as the “Call Me Maybe” girl, an insult not only to her own celebrated discography, but also her prolific career as a songwriter and in-demand collaborator. Over the years, the Canadian singer has worked with slew of stars, from Justin Bieber to Nicki Minaj, creating hits that are, frankly, underrated. Ahead, we rounded up the best of Jepsen’s pop features, from a stint on Charli XCX’s Pop 2, to a bygone Target ad with Lil Yachty.
This underrated gem from Charli XCX and Carly Rae Jepsen — all metallic dings and AutoTune flair — was prime hyperpop before hyperpop was even a thing. (YouTube)
Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen’s EDM bop may have been sued for plagiarism (they won the case), but that’s only because it was, and still is, immediately iconic. (YouTube)
Most people don’t know that CRJ had a song with Justin Bieber all the way back in 2012 — and it’s good! (YouTube)
Jepsen’s “Shadow” is technically a cover of an original Bleachers track, but its disco-y beat sounds tailor-made for her. (YouTube)
Only real fans know Jepsen’s ghostly contribution on Blood Orange’s “Better Than Me,” which hides her involvement in the credits. (YouTube)
Yes, Lil Yachty and Carly Rae Jepsen covered “It Takes Two” for Target, and Mike Will Made It was also involved. And guess what? It kinda slaps. (YouTube)
A deft pop producer and Carly Rae Jepsen walk into a studio... and emerge with one of the more criminally underrated pop gems from the last decade. (YouTube)
Perhaps it’s generous to call this a collaboration when Nicki’s verse is but a few lines long, but hey — it’s still a Nicki Minaj and Carly Rae Jepsen song! (YouTube)
Jepsen delivers a substantial feature on mxmtoon’s “ok on your own” that’s wistful and quite moving. (YouTube)