Monday 12 August 2013

Katy Perry - Roar


Rivalries are nothing new in pop music.  The next knock-out battle is between pop divas Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, both of whom have had new singles leaked within the last week in anticipation for their forthcoming albums.  Arguably it's Gaga who has the most to prove following the disappointing Madonna-inspired 'Born This Way' (a theme that looks set to continue with next single Applause).

By contrast, Perry is cruising off the back of the wildly successful 'Teenage Dream' from 2010, which spawned at least five massive singles.  That's not to say hype is absent for next album 'Prism' - far from it, what with the various mini-films in which Perry is seen burning her infamous blue wig, and the golden truck currently doing the rounds in the US.  It's clear that a new, mature, nearly-thirty Perry is on the cards.

Or is it?  Roar doesn't particularly mark a development in her sound, probably owing to the usual production team of Dr Luke, Max Martin et al.  The lyrics are typically juvenile, though Perry's music is hardly known for its serious lyrical content (just listen to Peacock).  Initially, the verses are a bit of a slog, the similarities to Sara Bareilles' Brave are fairly obvious, and it lacks a little personality - if, by personality, you mean a pair of cream squirting tits.

And then the chorus kicks in.  It soars.  It shouts.  It stomps.  It's anthemic.  It's more empowering than Firework.  And it features multiple earworms that'll be stuck in your head after just one listen.  Surely that is the mark of a successful pop track?

Gaga, it's over to you.

Altogether now: "I'VE GOT THE EYE OF THE TIGER..."

4/5

Listen: Roar is available now all over the world, except the UK who have to wait until next month *sigh*