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Shy Boy (Carly Rae Jepsen song)

"Shy Boy" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen. It was released on June 23, 2023, through 604, Schoolboy and Interscope Records, as the lead single from her seventh studio album, The Loveliest Time.

Background and release

The song was released in June 2023, shortly after Jepsen headlined the West Hollywood Pride 2023 festival and announced a series of summer concerts in New York and Los Angeles.[1] Around the same time, she was preparing to perform at the Glastonbury Festival, tour Japan in June and July, and join boygenius for several dates on their North American tour.[2]

Composition

"Shy Boy" is a shimmering pop anthem[3][4] that blends influences of bubbly disco,[5] drawing from artists like Jessie Ware's album That! Feels Good!.[6] The song celebrates the excitement of encouraging a shy boy to come out of his shell on the dance floor, with lyrics like, "Shy boy stir me up / You didn't even know you got the Midas touch," while dismissing concerns about others' opinions.[1] The track also includes subtle innuendo, with lines such as "Get a lil' somethin' for your morning cup" that can be interpreted in various ways. A black-and-white visualizer with a date night theme complements its playful tone.[6]

Critical reception

Pitchfork described "Shy Boy" as a familiar offering from Carly Rae Jepsen, noting that it features "slices of weapons-grade '80s pop" that come alive with "muscular drum machines and spiraling Moroder synths."[7] Consequence magazine described the single as a "funky, romantic tune", with "playful vocals in between layers of wah-wah-clad chordal hits, synth melodies, and a bubbling bass line."[8]

References

  1. ^ a b Spanos, Brittany (June 23, 2023). "Carly Rae Jepsen Is Back With New Single 'Shy Boy'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  2. ^ Brodsky, Rachel (June 23, 2023). "Carly Rae Jepsen – "Shy Boy"". Stereogum. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  3. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (June 23, 2023). "Carly Rae Jepsen Is All In On A 'Shy Boy' With Her Exuberant New Single". UPROXX. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  4. ^ Duran, Anagricel (June 23, 2023). "Carly Rae Jepsen shares vivacious new single 'Shy Boy'". NME. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  5. ^ Erickson, Steve (2023-07-28). "Carly Rae Jepsen The Loveliest Time Review". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
  6. ^ a b Green, Walden (June 23, 2023). "Carly Rae's "Shy Boy" makes the lonely hour a little less lonely". The Fader. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  7. ^ Tafoya, Harry (August 2, 2023). "Carly Rae Jepsen: The Loveliest Time Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
  8. ^ Pope, Cervanté; Vito, Jo (June 23, 2023). "Carly Rae Jepsen Returns with New Song "Shy Boy": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved April 28, 2025.