In the interest of full disclosure I have to tell you my tastes so you know where I'm coming from.
I do not typically like Katy's brand of music. My tastes are eclectic but usually stay well clear of contemporary American Pop music. I could get into the reasons but I'm not sure they're pertinent to this review.
I am currently a John Coltrane freak or to put it more generally a 50's -60's Jazz/Fusion nut. The only radio music that I like, or listen to, is old school Classic Rock such as Yes , Led Zepplein , Van Halen etc ...
To me , post 1985 has been a rough ride for American radio . Sure there have been the Pearl Jams, Alanis Morisettes and Sarah McLachlans of the world to keep it real but not much else.
....and in steps Katy Perry.
Make no mistake about it this is American pop.
So if you like Miley Cirus, Lady Ga Ga, Kelly Clarkson and all that garbage you will definitely like this.
But what I like about Katys album is that her songs are classic blends of great storytelling and great music. They're personal endeavors put to intricate but catchy music that endear you to the artist.
She's an old school musician that writes her own stuff. WRITES HER OWN STUFF! C'mon ?? no one does that anymore but I digress.
Whatever kind of music you like this album WILL stick in your head. It's that good.
Knowing where I stand , it's been since Alanis' "Jagged Little Pill" since I've been this blown away by "new" pop talent.
And even that album didn't roll me like this one.
Katy is phenomenal. Thank god the "powers that be" got it right with her because, with what we've been given for music over the last 15 years, I was getting ready to trade in my radio for a trash can.
Why do I only give her 4 stars if I'm this blown away??
Well...two reasons and they are "I kissed a girl" and "Ur so Gay".
I feel those songs take away from the overall artistic value of the album because they fall squarely into the mold of all that I dislike about American pop. In my opinion, they're boring preconceived substance lacking pieces that don't belong on an otherwise perfect gem.
I do understand why kissed a girl is on the album though. I think the producers were smart for putting it there as it catapulted her stardom as it were. However, that doesn't mean I have to like the song. I pretty much despise it but enough of that rant...
This is a great debut album from a very talented artist.
There are vast differences between the songs without straying too far from the center of what the music is about.
My two personal favorites are "Hot n Cold " and "One of the Boys" but that's today. A couple of weeks ago it was "Waking up in Vegas" and "Thinking of you" . The point there being this is solid album oriented music that is designed to appeal to your tastes differently at different times.
This picky son of a b**ch loves her!! Go get 'em Katy!!

omg..i love ur music

--
love,
angel