The Story and Legacy of Carly Rae Jepsen's Viral Hit Call Me Maybe

The Origins and Impact of Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe"

In 2012, Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen released the infectiously catchy pop song "Call Me Maybe" as the lead single from her second studio album, Kiss. With its upbeat tempo, flirtatious lyrics, and unforgettable hook, "Call Me Maybe" became a massive hit and launched Jepsen into mainstream success.

Writing and Recording "Call Me Maybe"

"Call Me Maybe" was written by Jepsen along with Josh Ramsay and Tavish Crowe of the Canadian band Marianas Trench. Jepsen came up with the song's concept while fantasizing about an attraction to a stranger. She then fleshed out the lyrics with Ramsay and Crowe, who helped polish the song into a radio-friendly pop track.

Jepsen recorded "Call Me Maybe" in 2011 with producer Ryan Stewart. They laid down the vocals and instrumental tracks in just two hours. Originally Jepsen's label intended "Call Me Maybe" to be a promotional track, but once executives heard it they realized its potential as a lead single.

Viral Success on YouTube

In December 2011, Jepsen released the music video for "Call Me Maybe" on YouTube. It attracted some attention, but really took off virally after Justin Bieber praised the song on Twitter and revealed he helped promote it. Bieber and his pals then lip-synced to the track in a goofy spontaneous video that brought it even more exposure.

Various other lip-sync covers and dance videos using "Call Me Maybe" spawned on YouTube and TikTok, making the song ubiquitous online. The track's irresistible melody and flirty lyrics made it perfect fodder for viral sharing. "Call Me Maybe" gained so much traction through social media that Jepsen became an online sensation before ever cracking the mainstream music industry.

Topping the Charts

As the YouTube craze for "Call Me Maybe" reached its peak in early 2012, the track was gaining radio play as well. It ascended Billboard's Hot 100 chart rapidly from 52 to 1 within just nine weeks. "Call Me Maybe" then spent nine consecutive weeks at number one, making it the longest-running chart-topper of 2012.

The infectious song also topped charts internationally, reaching number one in over 20 countries. It was the best-selling digital single worldwide in 2012 with over 12 million copies sold. "Call Me Maybe" was the year's biggest hit and stuck in the heads of people everywhere.

The Album Kiss

Thanks to the momentum of "Call Me Maybe," anticipation was high for Jepsen's sophomore effort Kiss when it arrived in September 2012. Powered by the strength of its lead single, Kiss debuted in the Billboard Top 200 at number six, giving Jepsen her first major album chart success.

The album also featured guitar-driven pop tracks like "This Kiss" and "Guitar String / Wedding Ring" that showed range beyond the pure bubblegum pop of "Call Me Maybe." But the song remained the album's centerpiece and the key to Jepsen's breakthrough.

Performances and Pop Culture Impact

As "Call Me Maybe" continued its reign in 2012, Jepsen performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show, and American Idol. It gained even more exposure when Jepsen sang it at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards.

The snappy tune worked its way into every corner of pop culture. It was referenced on shows like The Big Bang Theory, covered by the Harvard baseball team in a viral video, and performed by the U.S. Olympic swimming team. Numerous other artists released their own covers of "Call Me Maybe."

The phrase "call me maybe" became common slang used in a joking or flirtatious manner. Jepsen's song was inescapable and boosted her from a modest following in Canada to global pop stardom.

Legacy as a Pop Classic

Although Jepsen has not quite matched the stratospheric success of "Call Me Maybe" since its release, the song remains her signature hit and a defining pop track of the early 2010s.

Accolades

"Call Me Maybe" received extensive recognition, including multiple awards and nominations. It won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Song and MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video. The track was also nominated for Single of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards.

Lasting Popularity

While many viral novelty songs quickly fade into obscurity, "Call Me Maybe" had the musical chops and infectious joy to go down as a pop classic. It has over 1.5 billion views on YouTube and continues to attract new listeners. The song is often included on lists of the greatest pop hits of the 21st century.

Influencing Later Music

"Call Me Maybe" helped pave the way for other candidly flirtatious and breezily catchy pop hits like Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass," and Luis Fonsi's "Despacito." Its sugar-sweet melodies and playfully romantic lyrics became a staple of the early 2010s pop sound.

Carly Rae Jepsen's Ongoing Success

While Jepsen has not landed another #1 hit in the U.S., she continues releasing well-reviewed synth pop music that charts internationally. Hits like "I Really Like You," "Cut to the Feeling," and "Too Much" prove she is no one-hit wonder. But "Call Me Maybe" remains her most iconic breakthrough into pop culture.

Why "Call Me Maybe" Connected Universally

From TikTok teens to soccer moms, "Call Me Maybe" managed to get almost everyone singing along in 2012. What explains its unprecedented crossover success?

Relatable Romantic Longing

Jepsen captures the thrill of new love and need for connection we've all felt. Her shy yet eager lyrics voice the familiar hope that the object of our affection just might feel the same way.

Earworm Melody

The instantly memorable melody grabs listeners right away and refuses to let go. From the opening guitar riff through the high chorus, it's pop craftsmanship at its finest.

Empowering Message

Jepsen takes the initiative in pursuing her crush, embodying youthful confidence. Her plucky determination inspired fans to make their own bold moves.

Endlessly Meme-able

With its infectiously quirky vibe, the song lent itself to viral tributes and jokes online. Jepsen's clever lyrics and spirited delivery were comedy gold.

Pure Pop Professionalism

Co-writer Josh Ramsay masterfully crafted "Call Me Maybe" into a hit, from the Motown-style beat to the pitch-perfect hook. It adhered to pop music principles for timeless appeal.

The Ongoing Influence of an Era-Defining Hit

Over a decade after its release, "Call Me Maybe" remains etched in pop culture history. Carly Rae Jepsen created a true phenomenon that exemplified the 21st century's convergence of social media virality and irresistible pop craftsmanship. While Jepsen and music have moved on, for those who lived through 2012, "Call Me Maybe" will always summon carefree nostalgia for one magical pop music moment.

FAQs

Who wrote "Call Me Maybe"?

The song was written by Carly Rae Jepsen along with Josh Ramsay and Tavish Crowe of the band Marianas Trench.

What genre is "Call Me Maybe"?

"Call Me Maybe" is a pop song with elements of teen pop and dance-pop genres. It has an upbeat, infectious sound typical of mainstream pop hits.

How did "Call Me Maybe" become so popular?

The song took off virally after Justin Bieber tweeted about it in early 2012. Covers and dance videos using the song then exploded online, fueling its rise up the charts.

What awards did "Call Me Maybe" win?

The song won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer Song and MTV Video Music Award for Best Pop Video in 2012.

Is Carly Rae Jepsen a one-hit wonder?

While she has not matched the success of "Call Me Maybe," Jepsen continues to release well-reviewed pop music and score international hits. So she is not considered a one-hit wonder.