Review of Katy Perry’s Seventh Studio Album ‘143’ Now Streaming on All DSPs
Katy Perry’s highly anticipated seventh studio album, 143, was officially released on September 20, 2024, through Capitol Records LLC, and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
143 serves as a follow-up to her 2020 album Smile, but this time around, the pop superstar introduces a variety of distinctive features and collaborations across the tracks.
The album has, unfortunately, faced some criticism from the music community, with reviewers pointing to a problematic rollout and the involvement of controversial producer Dr. Luke as key factors detracting from the project’s reception.
Publications such as The Guardian, Variety, and The Independent offered negative critiques of 143, citing reasons such as the artist’s collaboration with Dr. Luke, outdated production styles, and uninspired vocal performances.
Top Tracks from Katy Perry’s New Album ‘143’
The promotional campaign for 143 kicked off on July 10, 2024, when Katy Perry shared the album title, cover art, release date, and exclusive merchandise previews on her Instagram account.
The following day, she released the album’s lead single, WOMAN’S WORLD, which debuted at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, maintaining that position for one week.
This new album features a total of 11 tracks with collaborations from artists such as 21 Savage, JID, Kim Petras, and Doechii. The complete runtime is 33 minutes, with lyrical themes that explore:
- Women Empowerment
- Feminism
- Love
- Relationships
- Intimacy
- Power
- Trust
- Faith
WOMAN’S WORLD
(Production Credits: Dr. Luke, Vaughn Oliver, Aaron Joseph, and Rocco Did It Again!)
Opening 143 is WOMAN’S WORLD, marking Katy Perry’s first solo return in three years. This anthem, similar to her previous hits like Roar and Firework, focuses on themes of woman empowerment, inner strength, and femininity.
Despite its empowering message, the track faced scrutiny upon its release, with The Guardian branding WOMAN’S WORLD as a “regressive”take on feminism.
“It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it (Uh-huh, uh-huh) / It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it (Uh-huh, uh-huh) / You better celebrate / ‘Cause, baby, we ain’t goin’ away (Oh) / It’s a woman’s world and you’re lucky to be livin’ in it (Uh-huh, uh-huh)”- Katy Perry’s hook on ‘WOMAN’S WORLD’.
GIMME GIMME (Feat. 21 Savage)
(Production Credits: Dr. Luke)
Katy Perry’s collaboration with Atlanta rapper 21 Savage, titled GIMME GIMME, was first teased on her Instagram in August. This track explores themes of intimacy and connection, although the production sometimes feels repetitive. Notable lines from 21 Savage’s verse include:
“Get on my knees, she fine (Fine) / Quarters, I don’t do dimes (No dimes) / Stones on her neck, they shine (Bling) / He say he the one, he lyin’ (21) / You want me to chase? Be mine (Yeah) / I ran outta breath, I’m tryin’ (On God) / You don’t see what I see, you blind (21) / Five stars whenever we eat (Yeah)”
I’M HIS, HE’S MINE (Feat. Doechii)
(Production Credits: Dr. Luke and Rocco Did It Again!)
The fourth track, I’M HIS, HE’S MINE, features rising star Doechii and delivers a playful and lively vibe. The song combines energetic electric keys and catchy melodies, emphasizing themes of romance and love, highlighted in its hook:
“I’m his queen, I’m his freak / I’m every woman he wants and needs / I’m his dream, I’m his drug / I’m every woman he wants, so what? / I’m his boss, I’m that b—h / I’m every woman he knows exists / I’m his main, I’m his side / I’m every woman that’s in his mind.”
LIFETIMES
(Production Credits: Dr. Luke and Vaughn Oliver)
LIFETIMES showcases Katy Perry’s dance music roots, delivering an upbeat track filled with vibrant drum patterns and electric vocal showcases. The lyrics reveal a deeply personal narrative, expressing her enduring love for her daughter, Daisy Bloom, and drawing on nostalgic vibes reminiscent of her early hits.
“I’ll love you for, I’ll love you for life / Lifetimes / I’ll love you for, I’ll love you for life / Lifetimes / I know you feel it / Can you believe it? I’m gonna love you ’til the end and then repeat it / I know you feel it / Can you believe it? I’m gonna love you ’til the end and then repeat it”- Katy Perry’s hook on ‘LIFETIMES.’
ARTIFICIAL (Feat. JID)
(Production Credits: Dr. Luke and KBeaZy)
In ARTIFICIAL, Katy pairs up with rapper JID to deliver an energetic trap-pop track full of catchy melodies and engaging rhythms. The song addresses themes of relationships while delving into deeper issues of mental health, as expressed in JID’s thought-provoking lines:
“Stuck in between a rock and a hard place / You know the sayin’, I’m dealin’ with similar situations / I see the angles that everybody takin’ / Angels, demons, a lotta demonstrations / Artificial intelligent information / I been developin’ truth / I took a bite into the bitterest forbidden fruit / It’s not a vitamin, venom is unpredictable.”
Katy Perry’s seventh studio album, 143, presents an intriguing blend of modern electronic production, reminiscent of her earlier chart-topping pop hits. However, while the album features consistent vocal performances, it struggles to distinguish itself within her expansive and successful discography.
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