A “Roar”-ing success

Katy Perry’s always been comparable to a bright and sunny day but, this time around, she’s throwing in a rainbow too

By Charmaine Phua

Katy’s back with her fourth album, Prism, and she delivers many tunes with an additional tinge of maturity.

A SPECTRUM OF COLOURS

The title of the album was an inspiration from John Mayer (her on-again-off-again boyfriend) and I can see why it’s apt. Katy serves up an array of songs that showcase the range of her vocals, delivered with a variety of emotions, in many diverse styles.

“Walking on Air” will definitely be a chart hit, with the same bubble gum-pop flavours that we know her for. On the opposite end of the scale, Katy turns on her emotional crooning full blast in the album’s second single, “Unconditionally”.

BRINGING ON THE “ROAR”…

“Roar” is an anthem that was a good pick for her first single, since it caught the attention of both fans and critics after it received fiery comparisons to Sara Bareilles’ “Brave”.

The heavy beats on “Dark Horse”, coupled with her sultry voice, make for a catchy hit that is undoubtedly my favourite track off Prism.

…AND THE RAW

My attention was drawn to three songs in particular. “It Takes Two” is a retrospective look at a painful relationship, while “By the Grace of God” is a confidence-building ballad for those who’ve had their hearts broken before.

Striking a balance between the two is “Choose Your Battles”, where she gives sage advice about picking your battles if you want to win the war. One can’t help but speculate that these may have been inspired by her past.

While her previous album was largely focused on playful pop hits, Prism shines with a multi-faceted brilliance that’s not unlike a diamond.

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About Charmaine Phua

Charmaine Phua is Executive Producer / Presenter of Power 98. All girls prefer guys with a sense of humour, but Charmaine thinks that Katy Perry went off the charts (and her rocker) with Russell Brand. Tune in to her on Power 98.