3.5/5 stars.
release date: August 24, 2010.
“It’s 90’s! It’s Roller skating! It’s Ace of Base! It’s Cyndi Lauper! It’s Ace of Base! It’s like all these colors and more.”
This was hitmaker Katy Perry’s description of her follow up to multi-platinum One of the Boys — back in March, when Teenage Dream was likely just a bunch of demos and ideas.
After finally getting my hands on Teenage Dream, (the cover features a hand-painted picture of Perry, nude in a clump of cotton candy clouds by artist Will Cotton, and the physical copy is cotton-candy scented, too) I have to say that I almost completely disagree.
Aside from “California Gurls,” deemed song of the summer, the 90’s influence is hard to come by on the 14-track sophomore album. Perry had also mentioned repeatedly that the record was influenced by The Cardigans and ABBA, and though that evidence is missing as well, Teenage Dream is a colorful, well-rounded pop album, possibly even the best pop album released this year.
Perry evolves in Teenage Dream, from the snarky, poppier side of pop punk that is depicted on One of the Boys, into a more melodic, happy-go-lucky pop sound with melodies and hooks that are so sugary sweet, you’d be quicker to think think she would be singing about sunshine and rainbows rather than getting wasted and having a ménage a trios in “Last Friday Night” and experiencing wistful nostalgia of a past relationship in “The One that Got Away.”
The record isn’t completely cavity inducing, though, with the darker subject matter and rock-driven “Circle the Drain,” an ode to an ex-boyfriend (guess who) with a drug habit that Perry grew tired of. The Tricky Stewart produced “Who Am I Living For?” ventures the farthest from the safe, bubble gum pop depicted on the other 11 tracks, but it’s easily a favorite, with sophisticated production, a mix of electro-pop loops, heavy R&B-esque beats and lyrics that offer a bit more substance than the typical pop song, not to mention Perry’s raw vocals are portrayed beautifully.
Aside from “Pearl,” a slower song that would be a miss for me if it wasn’t for the beautiful, well-written lyrics that may be one of Perry’s best penned songs, practically every song on Teenage Dream is single-worthy and could easily crack the top ten. “Peacock” and “Firework,” already confirmed third single, are the most obvious single choices on the record. “Peacock” is absurdly infectious and naughty in a nonchalant way that will make listeners want to sing along just to get away with the double entendre. The track will be welcomed with open arms in the club scene and strays far from Perry’s sound on One of the Boys.
“Firework,” an inspiring lift-me-up tune, and Perry’s favorite, will have the greatest success of all of the singles she has ever released, including “I Kissed a Girl.” Mark my words, this song will be on the radio for years long after its novelty has worn off, likely on that easy listening station your parents listen to. Perry recently shot the music video for “Firework” in Budapest. The video, in which Perry shares the screen with real fans, is rumored to be released toward the end of this month or the middle of November.
Teenage Dream ends the typical way a pop album does – an emotional ballad (the only on the album) that shows Perry in a moment of vulnerability, “Not Like the Movies.” The only difference between the slow song at the end of this record and the slow songs at the end of other pop records is that this one doesn’t suck. Stripped of all of the chaotic production on other tracks, Perry’s vocals are raw and unedited and careful not to overpower the already theatrical lyrics.
favorites: “Hummingbird Heartbeat” – Possibly the only song on the record that is even slightly reminiscent of the One of the Boys sound, aside from “Teenage Dream.” Kids listening to this one probably wouldn’t catch how risque the lyrics actually are.
“Milk Milk Lemonade” – Not a favorite, but here’s a song initially recorded for Teenage Dream that didn’t make the cut. It’s a bit silly, quite perverted, but who actually takes Perry completely seriously? “You say I got the ripest melons on the street…”
Perry will tour on Teenage Dream in 2011, with international dates already confirmed from February to April. California Dreams will also include American and Australian dates.
Better start saving my pennies now; there’s no way this tour will be dirt cheap like the Hello Katy Tour was.
xx K
