Since Katy Perry’s PRISM album release on Oct. 18, 2013, her new sonic sound has hit iTunes and caught the attention of radio listeners everywhere. Three years after the release of her multiplatinum album Teenage Dream, the pop star has found no trouble in seeing her name return to the top of the charts.
Before the debut of PRISM she released a teaser, “Roar”, on Aug. 10; the album’s lead single quickly rose to the top of the USBillboard Hot 100. “Roar” also gained millions of views as she released a jungle-esque music video on VEVO.
A little more than a month later, Katy Perry followed the single with another release: “Dark Horse” ft. Juicy J on Sept. 17. The first promotional single reached a wide audience as it was immediately popular with both pop and rap audiences. Juicy J coupled with Katy Perry for a sensual sound, coming off the release of his third studio album, Stay Trippy, on Aug. 27.
“Roar” ranks as the third most-popular song on the iTunes list of top 100 singles, and “Dark Horse” follows with the spot at number 17.
“Walking On Air” and “Unconditionally” were released as the last of the promotional singles before the entire album released. After its release, PRISM took off on iTunes where it now holds the spot as the fourth most-popular album on iTunes.
The self-empowering – and extremely catchy – album provides an upbeat momentum that is matched with a powerful base. Songs like “Legendary Lovers” and “Birthday” emit a bubbly, pop vibe that listeners can’t help but to dance along to.
“This Moment” is one of the albums blissful love songs along with “It Takes Two” and “Love Me”. The songs strike a chord in any head over heels romantic teenagers, but also maintain the up-tempo rhythm of Katy Perry’s classic pop sound.
As with Teenage Dream, the pop album is not without its fair share of heartache. During her California Dreams concert tour, Katy Perry experienced emotional turbulence in her marriage with actor Russell Brand. As seen in her documentary, “Katy Perry: Part of Me” (2012), the couple’s relationship was strained and eventually led to their divorce December 2011.
Hidden feelings from her failed marriage are evident in PRISM’s tracks “By the Grace of God” and “Ghost”. While “Ghost” identifies aspects of her heartbreak, with lyrics including: ‘There’s just an echo where your heart used to be’, it maintains a feel-good pop melody. “By the Grace of God” acts as the album’s main emotional, slow ballad; its distinct piano accents the pain evident in both her voice and lyrics.
More than a generic beak-up song, it highlights the personal struggles in her marriage and identifies the determined nature she embodies on her road to emotional recovery. “I pick myself back up” Katy Perry sings. She also names her sister as an instrumental help in moving on, and for “keeping [her] head above the water”.
Other songs on PRISM, including “Choose Your Battles” and “Spiritual”, add a dynamic and sultry feel with futuristic beats and staccato accents.
Currently, various songs off the album maintain top ranks on iTunes as well as popular radio stations. Both “Roar” and “Unconditionally” hold spots as top songs of the week on KIIS FM. Katy Perry made an unofficial announcement that PRISM’s release will be accompanied with a tour, although official dates and tickets are yet to be confirmed.
