What happened to Katy Perry's fiery essence?
Previously renowned pop sensation Katy Perry, now married to Orlando Bloom, releases her long-awaited fourth studio album. The pressure is on to reclaim her pop crown. The answer, however, is not favorable: no.
Katy Perry serenades through the microphone, her exposed decolletage swaying rhythmically, as a horde of shirtless males gyrate in the periphery.
The music video for her single "Woman's World" is intended to be humorous and satirical, yet it leaves some feminist supporters feeling disillusioned and disgruntled. Where is the message? Why are sexual cliches rampant in what was meant to be a female empowerment anthem? And, to top it all off, Katy Perry chose legendary producer Dr. Luke to work on the project. Many still recall the 2014 lawsuit filed by Kesha accusing him of physical and emotional abuse.
The promotional hype surrounding Perry's new album "143" initially ran into a few snags. Now, the final installation in the vibrant pop spectacular is supposed to erase these misgivings and leave everyone dancing and content. After the introductory track, a monotonous electronic beat, twitchy keyboard melodies, and a few verses from 21 Savage take the helm ("Gimme Gimme").
Some Ghosts Need to Remain Ghosts
Teaming up with Kim Petras, the mix descends into decadence. A thick, thumping bass line looms, prisoners of the dance floor begging for release. Perry then dusts off a '90s relic, breathing new life into the unsettling "Gypsy Woman" ("I'm His, He's Mine"). Some memories are best left forgotten.
Already halfway through the album, after a four-year hiatus, Katy Perry is still giving it her all. However, the blend of club intensity and cheerful pop does not live up to expectations.
The second half of Perry's album sees her equally struggling. Be it pulsating dance pop ("Lifetimes," "All The Love," "Nirvana"), mysterious undertones from the seedy underbelly of the scene ("Artificial"), or the first pop steps of her daughter Daisy ("Wonder"), Perry struggles to keep up with her industry peers, panting tirelessly.
At the height of her pop career, Perry commanded the scene with powerful hits like "Firework," "Roar," and "Hot N Cold." Fourteen years after the release of her debut album "Teenage Dream," not much of that initial vigor and spirit remains. The songs on her love-themed album (the title "143" stands for "I Love You" in numbers) are as ephemeral as a summer mosquito and as enduring as a catchphrase from Dieter Bohlen. Even after the third listen, only the recognition that artists like Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Dua Lipa, and others have surpassed Perry in her mundane revolution around the pop chronology is left lingering.
Despite the controversy surrounding Dr. Luke's involvement, Katy Perry continues to work with him on her album, potentially alienating some of her feminist supporters.
Regardless of the backlash, ['Pop music'] tracks like "Woman's World" and "Lifetimes" on Katy Perry's album showcase a blend of club intensity and cheerful pop, although they fail to match the excitement of her earlier hits.
