Known better for gimmick than talent, it may be surprising to some to actually discover that Katy Perry actually has some of that too. Her debut album, `One of the Boys', is a pretty solid collection of pop tracks that are destined for radio play and have enough catchy likeability to make them memorable. From her outrageous antics on the hit (and I mean MAJOR hit) `I Kissed a Girl' to the surprising tenderness of `Thinking of You' (the two best tracks on the album, by far), Perry shows a nice range for the genre she's embraced.

If you like this brand of pop/rock entertainment then you will be more than pleased with `One of the Boys'.

Looking at her radio singles, these are nice little examples of what Katy has to offer. The first was `Ur So (not going to even attempt the word that gets my reviews banned for no apparent reason)' and, while it has a funky vibe to it, it grows tired quickly for me. If I had heard this song on the radio (I never did, surprisingly) I wouldn't have rushed out to buy this album. `I Kissed A Girl' is a much better song; cheeky but it remains fresh, even after getting played out ridiculously on the radio. It's fun and spunky and remains one of the most recognizable songs of last year. `Hot N Cold' is also a great anthem for this young popstar. The `all too accurate' portrayal of the crazy boyfriend is a fan favorite, and deservedly so. I used to really like `Waking Up In Vegas', but it has grown tired with all the radio play. It doesn't hold up over time and just becomes rather boring.

Besides, Vegas is not something I personally want to remember.

My favorite track from Miss Perry is the stunningly sincere `Thinking of You', a track that nearly brings me to tears with its power. She sounds quite a bit like Alanis Morissette here (major compliment for this greenhorn).

The majority of her album carries the same jovial structure of her most popular single, `I Kissed A Girl'. The opening title track is fun and gets the album started off in the right direction, and the `throw your fists up and chant' closer `Fingerprints' gets you pumped and ready to start the album completely over. `If You Can Afford Me' and `Mannequin' are serviceable, if not a tad forgettable. `Self Inflicted' is nearly brilliant and one of the best on the album. It's just crazy fun and so catchy!

The beautifully controlled `Lost' and the nicely crafted `I'm Still Breathing' serve as reminders that Perry has a voice and can carry a ballad quite nicely. I prefer `Lost' of the two, but neither have the emotional power of `Thinking of You'.

`One of the Boys' is a pretty solid debut effort, one that shows a lot of potential and room for growth, growth that I'm pretty confident Katy Perry can make. Sadly, she is not really considered a talented singer as much as a media target. Hopefully enough people will actually give this album the attention it deserves. Hating on her because she's a crazy party girl reminiscent of Lindsay Lohan doesn't mean she isn't talented. If you can separate the singer from the celebrity I think you'll see that this album is one to be taken seriously!

omg..i love ur music

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love,
angel