This week saw the release of Katy Perry's second album (her third album if you count her Christian-pop debut "Katy Hudson" in the early 00s). "Teenage Dream" is definately a departure from her 2008 album "One Of The Boys" - which featured the mega hits "I Kissed A Girl" and "Hot N Cold" - yet still remains what we've come to excpect from Katy.
With "Teenage Dream", Katy seems to have dropped her pop/rock sound that was found on "One Of The Boys". Instead, she has embraced her inner pure pop superstar. Whilst musically the album is far more poppy and less Pink and Avril Lavigne-ish than her debut, "Teenage Dream" is still lyrically cheeky, sassy and bold as it was 2 years ago. She may have upgraded her sound from indie rock producers to state-of-the-art pop producers, but her lyrics are still typical Katy - most notably on the very cheeky and innuendo-filled "Peacock".
Although songs like "California Gurls", "Peacock", "E.T." and "Firework" are pure electro-pop and destined for the clubs, the more raw sound of "One Of The Boys" isn't forgotten here. "Teenage Dream" (despite it's electro tinge), "Circle The Drain" and "Hummingbird Heartbeat" could've easily fit in with the debut album.
Katy Perry has definately not sold out with this album though. It is surely more commercial (and rivals the mainstream juggernauts of Lady GaGa, Britney Spears and Ke$ha more than her debut) but the album is fantasically diverse - and more so than the 3 artists I've just mentioned. There's pure pop, electronic elements, rock riffs and beautiful ballads on "Teenage Dream" - and that's what a fantastic pop album should be. The most successful acts have always been diverse, and while the album doesn't steer much out of the lane of mainstream pop music - it shows that Katy Perry can tackle any genre and tempo, and create incredible music.
Post a Comment