Prism
Katy Perry's back, but not as we know her. She's moody, she's thoughtful, she's intense and she's on top form.
Opening with 'Roar', you may wonder if the album is simply going to be 'Teenage Dream 2.0', but luckily the track - which was the hit lead single - seems to be the final signing off of that era. 'Roar' very much stands alone from the TD tracks, but it doesn't fit with the rest of this album, which is why it's cleverly placed in the first slot.
'Walking On Air' remains one of the best she's ever put out. It's delightful and a slice of 90's pop. 'Dark Horse' shouldn't follow it with an odd appearance from Juicy J, but it's nice enough.
Transitioning rather quickly from that light place - 'Legendary Lovers', 'Birthday' - we begin to progress into new ground for Perry.
'Unconditionally' is an emotional and raw power ballad, and the second official single that Katy herself has said is her favourite song from the compilation. It's certainly something special - she's frustrated, in love, confused and in need of someone to let her know they love her too. The music video should be one to keep an eye out for.
'Ghost' details the breakdown of her marriage to Russell Brand, opening with the line 'you sent a text' - referencing to the way in which Brand chose to end their relationship. She's moved on, however, and she can now treat the man she once loved as if he never existed - 'I see through you now'. This is the moment we realise she's no longer messing around, and tracks to follow - 'Love Me' and 'This Moment' prove just that.
'Double Rainbow' shows how happy she is in the place right now - with her lover John Mayer. 'I understand you, we see eye to eye, like a double rainbow in the sky'. Feel-good, emotional and motivational.
'By The Grace Of God' and 'Spiritual' are absolute diamonds. She exposes the lows she's been to and the highs of getting back to where she is today - a brave move but one that pays off in spades.
Perhaps the most obvious thing to gain from this record is the knowledge that Katy knows where she wants to stand as an artist. She's no longer blurring lines, but solidifying her position as a musical and lyrical genius who can put out hit after hit without too much trouble.
The writing is fantastic and this is by far Katy's best album yet, as she dapples in rock, hip-hop and R&B as well as the pop we're used to. Absolutely worth the wait. Simply stunning.
'PRISM' is released October 22.
Tagged in Katy Perry