"Call Me Maybe" is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen for her extended play (EP) Curiosity (2012) and her second studio album, Kiss (2012). Written by Jepsen and Tavish Crowe, with Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench also contributing to the writing and production, the song was released as the lead single from Curiosity on September 20, 2011, in Canada, and was later released internationally on February 14, 2012.
Background and Release
Jepsen and Crowe initially conceived the song during a road trip, with Crowe on guitar and Jepsen on vocals. After Ramsay heard a demo, he offered to produce the track, adding the distinctive string arrangement and refining the pop hooks. The song was initially a moderate hit in Canada but gained massive global attention after Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez tweeted about it in late 2011 and early 2012, prompting Bieber's manager Scooter Braun to sign Jepsen to Schoolboy Records and Interscope Records.
Composition and Lyrical Content
"Call Me Maybe" is an upbeat dance-pop and synth-pop song. It features a bright, infectious melody driven by synth sounds, a prominent bassline, and a memorable string section. Lyrically, the song describes the immediate infatuation Jepsen's character feels upon seeing someone for the first time, leading her to impulsively give them her number and express a hopeful, albeit slightly hesitant, invitation to "call me, maybe." The lyrics are characterized by their simple, direct, and universally relatable depiction of a crush.
Commercial Performance
"Call Me Maybe" achieved phenomenal commercial success worldwide. It topped the charts in over 19 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., it spent nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time, with over 18 million units sold globally by 2012. It was the best-selling single of 2012 worldwide and has been certified multi-platinum in numerous territories.
Music Video
The accompanying music video, directed by Ben Knechtel, portrays Jepsen trying to attract the attention of her attractive male neighbor while she and her band practice in her garage. The video culminates in a twist where the neighbor, after being given Jepsen's number, shows more interest in her male guitarist, adding a humorous and unexpected element to the narrative. The video's playful tone and memorable imagery contributed significantly to the song's virality.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Call Me Maybe" became a global pop culture phenomenon. Its catchy chorus and simple theme made it highly appealing for parodies, lip-dubs, and covers across social media platforms like YouTube. Countless celebrities, athletes, and even political figures participated in creating their own versions or referencing the song. It is widely considered one of the most iconic pop songs of the 2010s, solidifying Carly Rae Jepsen's status as a one-hit wonder to some, while others recognize it as a defining moment that showcased her talent for crafting infectious pop melodies. The song's enduring popularity is often attributed to its universal appeal, uncomplicated joy, and nostalgic quality.