If the deluxe and Japanese editions of
E-MO-TION didn't prove that the album's sessions were a remarkably creative and prolific time for
Carly Rae Jepsen, this collection of even more songs should confirm it. But where
E-MO-TION proper and its expanded releases showcased the breadth of
Jepsen's music,
E-MO-TION [Side B] focuses on a few niches. Nobody does '80s-inspired pop better than her, whether it's the bright and bubbly "First Time," the neon oddity "Store," or the slightly more modern-sounding "Higher." Even when her music is at its most irresistible, she still finds ways to subtly subvert expectations: on "The One," she sings about avoiding commitment with as much joy as she sang about falling head over heels on "Run Away with Me" or "I Really Like You"; on "Fever," she steals an ex's bike. However,
Side B's twists are always in service of making incredibly catchy songs, something the EP delivers plenty of with "Cry" and "Body Language." Even if it's not as full of surprises as the original album was,
E-MO-TION [Side B] might be even more cohesive -- and should delight fans of perfectly crafted pop just as much. ~ Heather Phares