A monumental week in the world of pop music as not one, but two superstars dropped new singles on the world. While I'm sure these were carefully coordinated releases, they were done under the guise that the songs had been "leaked" unceremoniously onto the internet for the world to hear so both artists decided to officially release the songs. Of course we all know I'm talking about Katy Perry's "Roar" and Lady Gaga's "Applause". Before I dissect them let's take a listen shall we.....
Katy Perry's "Roar" (lyric video)
Lady Gaga's "Applause"
Well, those were interesting.....They both have new albums coming out in the fall so they are getting a head start. Though they could just as easily have been tired of listening to "Blurred Lines" and don't get me started on that Miley Cyrus mess. Anyway, let's start with Ms. Perry.
"Roar" isn't breaking any new ground here, it's in the same vein as her numerous other pop hits. I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it right? How can you fault her, she's made quite the living with some of the catchiest, poppy-ist, dancey-ist songs of the last few years. Of course it does seem this song is ripe to grace every sports montage and Nike commercial that comes down the pike in the oncoming decade. I'll also give her odds on favorite to be part of the World Series in October and probably the Super Bowl come January. It's like that song "All Star" by Smash Mouth--how many sports events did they sing that at? It's not a bad song by any means, it just that it automatically lends itself to severe cross-promotion. And I'm guessing it is somewhat by design, regardless of what they say. Of course there is also some controversy now that it sounds remarkably similar to "Brave" by Sara Bareilles. A song that Perry herself praised when it came out. Yes, there are some similarities, but plagiarism can be hard to prove sometimes, unless of course you are Ray Parker Jr. I like Sara Bareilles and I can only hope that maybe it will give the song some new life, she does good stuff. As for "Roar", it's everything you want in a Katy Perry song and apparently people are reacting well to it. It's number one on iTunes and Amazon and all over the radio. It will be number one next week, I think that's pretty much guaranteed at this point. I don't hate the song, so well done Ms. Perry.
"Applause" by Lady Gaga is a bit of a departure, she's gone Euro dance trash this time around. Her last album was a mix of pop, country, dance, some 80's influences. This time she's gone full on trancetastic--the gay's are gonna love it. But I have to say, it's a bit hard to listen to. Or more directly, get in to. It's not as catchy as Perry's pop nugget, but it is more dancey. I personally hear notes of "Girl Gone Wild" by Madonna. Her new album is called "Artpop" and considering that stuff on the web of her with Marina Abramovic, I start to wonder if maybe she's gone over the deep end and changed focus from making delicious pop/dance to going arty, experimental without regard to whether people really want to hear that from her or not. While this first single isn't awful, I don't think it is quite the pop masterpiece she thinks it is. I can imagine this will be a huge club hit here and in Europe. It is very dance electronica and will rocket up that chart. As for other charts, I do think it will be overwhelmed by Perry's "Roar", as of now it's number 2 on iTunes and like number 6 on Amazon. Radio airplay is lagging a little bit, but it will probably debut high on the charts initially but I doubt it will be number one--it just isnt' catchy enough and I think her antics over that last couple years have turned a few folks off. I'm for taking chances and experimenting but when you get too weird to the point it's not listenable then what's the point?
This round will go to Katy Perry. Her album "Prism" comes out first and will be number one also. Gaga's doesn't come out till November and will also hit number one--thus this is a wash. The trick will be down the road and how the albums continue to sell. Perry has proven to be able to load up an album with likable songs, her last one had 5 number ones on it. Gaga, not so much. I liked her last album but seriously, "Marry The Night" wasn't the greatest song, I think "Electric Chapel" should have been a single, but hey what do I know. I'll probably buy both albums either way--that's just the kind of pop junkie I am. Until then we will just have to content ourselves with their singles for now and hope they can enthrall us with full length musical experiences in the coming months.
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