Evasiveness and mumbled subtext has never been Katy Perry’s style (hi there, dancing sharks), but she leans into her personal challenges in thrilling fashion on this third record. It’s a fact that manifests most obviously in “Roar”—an air-punching power-pop anthem set amid the wreckage of a failed relationship—but there are signs of this darker palette elsewhere. “Unconditionally” is a bewitchingly raw ballad and “Dark Horse” (with an effervescent assist from Juicy J) drips with club-ready Southern swag.
Other Versions
- 16 Songs
- 13 Songs
Audio Extras
- Divorce, pain, therapy—all helped inspire one of Katy’s biggest hits.
- 2010
- 2020
- 2008
- 2017
- Becky G
- Britney Spears
- Bonnie McKee
- One Direction
- G.R.L.
- Fifth Harmony
- Kelly Clarkson