The question is whether Katy Perry can still do anything right anno 2024. Her first single from 143, Woman's World, was already heavily maligned by critics. Partly because of the music video, she was accused of reverse feminism and pseudo-empowerment. Perry herself claims it was all meant to be satirical. What also doesn't help is that for this song - and a total of 10 of the 11 songs on this album
… - she worked with producer Dr. Luke, who was accused by Kesha of sexual abuse and rape. Although a settlement was reached in this case, it leaves a nasty aftertaste on this album. In addition, Perry is no longer the pop artist she was at the time of Teenage Dream (2010). She recycles old songs with little inspiration and adds an EDM layer to them. The bite-sized and mostly repetitive lyrics don't offer much to hold on to either. 143 is disposable pop pure and simple, and while that need not always be a negative, it lacks some form of positivity or joy to make it enjoyable. (YvQ)more
