Carly Rae Jepsen's Video Is A Nod To Cinderella

Pop music fans are used to seeing Carly Rae Jepsen's sweet and relatable side. From the infectious "Call Me Maybe" to the adventurous "Run Away With Me," the singer is generally all about her bubbly image. However, Jepsen's new video for "Your Type" shows a slightly darker side to the performer.

The video is a true rags-to-riches type of story, showing Jepsen in the midst of some serious working-class woes. While she's napping on a bench, her headphones are stolen out of her purse — but in a kismet-driven moment straight from a fairy tale, she ends up wandering to a colorful dive bar. She takes to the stage to perform, but viewers of the video are treated to interspersed shots of a more confident Jepsen singing in a bolder, more glittery outfit. It's almost reminiscent of Renee Zellweger's character in Chicago, projecting herself into a glamorous performance. The only difference is that Jepsen walks out of the club with the fantasy boots firmly on her feet. Maybe it wasn't so imaginary after all.

Despite the fairy tale structure, there's definitely a darker side to the "Your Type" video. The first act shows Jepsen struggling through a job, sleeping on a bench, and appearing to isolated in all areas of her life. It's a sad image, but one that's very true for so many people.

However, the gritty aspect of the quality is a nice evolution for Jepsen. She doesn't stray too much from the bubbliness we're accustomed to and the neon decor of club fits in nicely with the '80s influences of the album. However, the more realistic qualities of the video — struggling in a tough job, feeling alone, wanting to fulfill dreams — make the star even more relatable.

Of course, when speaking of the rough edges of the song, it would be remiss to not quote Jepsen herself on recording the track. "That was written at four in the morning when I was losing my mind,” she told the Guardian. "[Swedish co-writers Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk] got me hooked for a week on those little fake cigarettes that taste of strawberries. You can hear it in my voice, I sound all gritty. It’s because I was vaping for a week.”

And there you have it: The authentic grittiness of "Your Type" was present from beginning to end.

Image: Interscope Records (screenshot)