Katy Perry’s seventh studio album “143” is out.
Led by singles “Woman’s World” and “Lifetimes,” the album is Perry’s first since 2020’s “Smile.” The 11-track LP is electronic heavy, taking fans on a nostalgic trip to the heydays of EDM music in the 2010s.
Prior to the album’s release, Perry has been derided by the internet for working with controversial music producer Dr Luke, who was infamously accused of sexual assault by “Tik Tok” singer Kesha. The 39-year-old defends the decision at the Call Your Daddy podcast.
“I understand that it started a lot of conversations, and he was one of many collaborators that I collaborated with, but the reality is, (the music) comes from me,” she tells host Alex Cooper, which later garners even more criticism.
The album’s bad omen continues with the poor reception to “Woman’s World.” People criticize the lyrics’ outdated attempt at feminism and the music video – featuring Perry dressing up as Rosie the Riveter – fails to impress despite being pegged as a satire of the girl power movement. Later, the music video for “Lifetimes” also landed in hot water. The video’s Spanish-set filming was investigated for potential environmental damage.
Critics weren’t kind either. The album debuted with the lowest Metacritic scores since 2011. “143” now sits at 34 (full score is 100). AP News calls it “a sonic slog,” while Rolling Stone deems it “as dated as Vine.”
All the negativity certainly doesn’t bode well for the album’s rollout. Perry has yet to bounce back from the commercial and critical failures of her past two albums, “Witness” and “Smile.”
Now, it seems like 143 might not be the one to salvage her numbers.