Carly Rae Jepsen Unveils New Double Album 'Day and Night,' Reflects on Love, Motherhood, and Broadway Debut

Carly Rae Jepsen, celebrated for her infectious pop anthems, is embarking on a new chapter both personally and professionally. Her latest offering, the expansive 24-track double album titled 'Day and Night,' serves as a profound reflection of her transformative journey into love, marriage, and motherhood. The album's creation coincided with significant life changes, including her marriage to six-time Grammy-winning producer Cole Marsden Greif-Neill and the recent birth of their son, Ilya. Jepsen candidly shares how her initial romantic inclinations shifted from embracing love with multiple partners to finding an undeniable connection with Cole, a relationship that began as a collaboration and blossomed into a lifelong partnership. This period of intense personal growth has fueled her artistic output, resulting in an album that explores the multifaceted emotions of profound love and unexpected domestic bliss, all while balancing her demanding career, including a forthcoming Broadway musical.

Jepsen's journey with Cole Marsden Greif-Neill began in May 2021 during a songwriting session, evolving into a romantic relationship the following year. She describes being 'absolutely gobsmacked' by the depth of her feelings, a stark contrast to her prior experiences in the Los Angeles dating scene. This pivotal romance is intimately woven into the fabric of 'Day and Night,' with the album's first track, 'No Labels, I Love You,' co-written with Cole, ironically capturing the initial resistance to falling in love with a collaborator. The couple exchanged vows at the Chelsea Hotel in 2025, and earlier this year, they welcomed their first child, Ilya. Jepsen is currently navigating the demands of promoting her new album and developing a musical adaptation of '10 Things I Hate About You' for Broadway, for which she composed the music and lyrics alongside Ethan Gruska, with Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang handling the book. She humorously recounts the challenges of this busy period, even pumping breast milk on her way to interviews, showcasing her dedication to both her family and her artistic endeavors.

The conceptualization of 'Day and Night' emerged from seeds planted in her previous album, 'The Loveliest Time,' with tracks like 'Collage' embodying a daytime feel and 'Psychedelic Switch' leaning towards a nocturnal vibe. Jepsen explains that the distinction between 'Day' and 'Night' tracks lies more in their emotional essence than specific instrumentation. The 'Day' songs often feature a narrative quality, such as 'Habits of Creature,' which fantasizes about domestic life with a new love. Conversely, the 'Night' compositions, like 'Amalfi Coast,' are designed to be more experiential, evoking a sense of mystery and unfolding events. She aimed to create an honest and personal version of pop music, reflecting her own experiences rather than conforming to typical club-centric themes, emphasizing a balance of energy and introspection across both halves of the album.

Jepsen also delved into the lyrical themes of expectant motherhood, particularly in the song 'After All,' which explores the idea of embracing this new phase of life. She initially grappled with the perception that motherhood might necessitate a pause in her career, but advice from her mother and stepmother, emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment for good parenting, reshaped her perspective. Conversations with peers like Sarah McLachlan reinforced the idea that it's possible to integrate motherhood into a touring life. This shift in mindset allowed her to embrace marriage and children, a path she never envisioned for herself prior to meeting Cole. She candidly admits her surprise at wanting to marry and have children, a complete departure from her previous mentality, highlighting the profound impact of finding a partner who made her feel truly safe and secure.

Jepsen’s approach to songwriting maintains a balance between emotional honesty and privacy. She avoids direct naming but draws deeply from her feelings and experiences, allowing for playful poetic license in her narratives. This method ensures that while the emotions are genuine, the specifics can be creatively reinterpreted, as exemplified by her song 'Versailles,' which was inspired by a film and a sense of indulgence rather than a direct personal visit. Her prolific songwriting process continued with 'Day and Night,' resulting in a double album that allowed for more creative freedom. Turning 40 has further emboldened her, fostering a newfound confidence in her artistic taste and a commitment to creating music that she genuinely loves, rather than being swayed by external expectations. This shift has allowed her to connect more authentically with her fanbase, particularly since her 'Emotion' album, which she cherishes as a pivotal moment in her career.

Reflecting on her career trajectory, Jepsen acknowledges the distinct phases, from the mainstream success of 'Call Me Maybe' to her current status as an indie darling. She views these transitions not as strategic moves but as a natural evolution of her artistic journey. The sudden fame of 'Call Me Maybe' brought both immense opportunities and significant challenges, leading her to take a break to star in 'Cinderella' on Broadway, a decision that initially puzzled her team but was deeply rooted in her lifelong passion for theater. This break allowed her to redefine her artistic identity and discover a renewed sense of purpose with 'Emotion,' freeing her from the pressure of chasing global mega-hits and focusing instead on making music that excites her. Her involvement in the '10 Things I Hate About You' musical further exemplifies her commitment to exploring new creative avenues, a project she approaches with immense reverence as a long-time fan of the cult classic film.

The integration of her music into Lena Dunham and Jessica Huang's book for the '10 Things I Hate About You' musical has been a seamless collaboration, creating a fluid narrative where songs emerge organically from the characters' heightened emotions. Jepsen emphasizes that these musical theater compositions are distinct from her pop discography, showcasing a different energy and style. She finds immense joy in this new creative realm, envisioning a future where she can simultaneously pursue her pop career and musical theater, much like her idol Cyndi Lauper. This dual path represents a 'sweet spot' in her career, allowing her to make the music she desires, tour globally, engage in Broadway productions, and return to a fulfilling personal life, epitomizing a balanced and creatively rich existence.