In a triumphant moment at the recent MTV Video Music Awards, Katy Perry accepted the Video Vanguard trophy, declaring, “There are no decade-long accidents” in the music industry. While she’s right about her hard-earned success, her latest album, 143, out today, suggests that tuning out external noise has hindered her creative output.
Following the lackluster reception of 2020’s Smile, which struggled to connect during the pandemic, 143 faces an uphill battle. The album attempts to shed the playful persona that propelled her to early 2010s fame but ends up feeling flat and uninspired. Across its 11 tracks, Perry sounds disengaged, lacking the cleverness and wit that characterized her earlier hits.
Perry’s impressive career includes milestones like tying with Michael Jackson for five consecutive number-one singles from her album Teenage Dream. However, she seems to have lost momentum, especially after her 2017 album, Witness, which marked her departure from frequent collaborator Dr. Luke. With the return of Luke, following his legal issues with Kesha, 143 was already mired in controversy before its release. Critics quickly labeled its lead single, “Woman’s World,” as a hollow anthem of empowerment, especially given its association with Luke.
Despite Perry’s explanations for their collaboration, the decision seemed fraught with risk, leading to a narrative that overshadowed the album itself. 143 explores romance—its joys and pains—yet struggles to convey genuine emotion. The lyrics often rely on tired cliches, making the songs feel generic and uninspired.
Musically, the album leans heavily on dance-pop, with synth-driven productions that lack the vibrancy of her earlier work. Tracks like “Crush” and “Nirvana” blend romantic themes with lackluster execution, while others, such as “I’m His He’s Mine” featuring Doechii, feel like tired retreads.
Nevertheless, 143 does offer a few bright spots. “Lifetimes” and the closing track “Wonder” provide glimpses of the authenticity and warmth that Perry used to embody. “Wonder,” an ode to her daughter, showcases her ability to connect emotionally, even amidst lyrical banality.
Ultimately, 143 highlights the challenges Perry faces in reclaiming her past glory. The album suggests that while nostalgia may be tempting, the journey forward in an ever-evolving pop landscape demands more than just looking back.
