There is no denying the pop mastery of Katy Perry’s 2010 album, Teenage Dream. It produced five #1 singles (the first album to do so since Michael Jackson’s Bad) and another that reached #3.
It also raised expectations for her next release to impossibly high levels — commercially if not artistically.
Based on early sales, that album — Prism — is another hit. Whether it will prove to have the legs of its predecessor (or the number one hits) remains to be seen.
But is it any good?
I don’t know yet. The first time I listened to it all the way through I was ready to toss it aside as an utter failure. But I remembered not really getting the song ‘Teenage Dream’ the first time I heard it and then rediscovering it through Glee and realizing what a crackling pop confection it is.
And sure enough, a second listen of Prism revealed its many charms. The record is more than half ridiculous, but there is something endearing about Perry’s wholehearted and full-throated commitment to her art. She has worked hard to earn every one of her fans.
I don’t think anything else on Prism will have the chart-topping mass appeal of first single ‘Roar’ but Perry has delivered a batch of catchy tunes while expanding her palette in terms of production and musical styles.
At a time when women are dominating the pop music landscape, Perry is a worthy queen bee.
I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything
[Pre-Chorus]
You held me down, but I got up (hey!)
Already brushing off the dust
You hear my voice, your hear that sound
Like thunder, gonna shake the ground
You held me down, but I got up
Get ready cause I had enough
I see it all, I see it now
[Chorus]
I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!
[Post-Chorus]
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh (x3)
You’re gonna hear me roar!
[Verse 2]
Now I’m floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes
I went from zero, to my own hero
[Pre-Chorus]
[Chorus]
[Post-Chorus x2]
[Bridge]
Roar, roar, roar, roar, roar…!
Meet Me In Montauk 
It is hard not to like Perry or her music. Like you, I have at times not immediately warmed up to her latest singles, only to find that, upon unavoidable repeat listening, they started to grow on me. One notable exception is E.T., which I continue to find annoying no matter how many times it comes on the radio.
“Roar” did not immediately grab me either, but it hooked in the rest of my family, and damn if, after a few more listens, I came around.
My only criticism of Perry right now is that she is engaged to that ass hat Mayer. I am rooting fervently against their relationship and looking forward to a breakup inspired collection of songs on her next record.
You and your irrational hatred of John Mayer!
Love it! Love it! Love it! And I love her, too. This song is an anthem for the ages, inspiring fabulous moments like this one – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/18/burlesque-roar-katy-perry-tap-dancing-amanda-trusty_n_4293471.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009 . Never thought to buy one of her albums, however. 🙂 I guess I figure I’ll get my fix with the ample radio play they receive.
Laura and I enjoy John Mayer quite a lot. Are you referring to his behavior outside of music? As for Ms. Perry, I cannot get into her. Except for that catchy, I kissed a girl and I liked it”
I like a few of Mayer’s songs, but find others a bit dull. However, my comment was based on his outside behavior and attitude, which I find off-putting.