A Look Back at Katy Perry’s Music Highlights

After growing up in a conservative family she used her music to channel her rebellious nature. When she performs her songs she adopts wild characters and we remember her for her dramatic sets and costumes as much as for her music. Throughout her career she has managed to print her personality on everything that she touches. Here are five of her top hits that showcase the different sides of her talent.

California Gurls

With over 500 million views on YouTube it is safe to say that California Gurls featuring Snoop Dog was a smash hit. As the lead single off her 2010 album Teenage Dreams this tribute to Californian girls was the perfect way to set the tone for the album. With massive pink props, candy canes, jelly and lollipops the video for this song is fun loving and girly. She cleverly plays on the viewers taste buds featuring sweet treats throughout the set. With a memorable pop chorus to bob along to and her naked appearance in the clouds, this one is certainly hard to forget. 

Roar

Katy’s songs always touch on an element of empowerment and rebellion, the lyrics in Roar are no different. This catchy tune ticks all of the right boxes. With its playful melody we find ourselves joining in when it comes to the chorus “I got the eye of a tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire, cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar”. In her music video she starts by playing a damsel in distress that turns into an independant jungle king. 

Swish Swish

Featuring Nicky Minaj and with a hook from Fatboy Slim to start with we know this is going to be a dance floor hit. Again, the lyrics are about winning and female empowerment, although it is said to be a dig at her long time rival Taylor Swift. The interesting element to this super energetic dance tune is that Katy Perry isn’t the main focus. The beat, the rap and the video become the high points.

Firework

As one of her biggest hits, Firework is one of the most memorable pop songs of the ’00s.  Reaching number 1 in countries across the world and selling over 10 million copies, this song was a knockout in the charts. As well as a fist-pumping chorus, the versus contain just as much anticipation. This is an unforgettable anthem. It is no wonder it has become a dance floor hit. From the inspirational lyrics to the empowering video, if you weren’t a Katy Perry fan before this tune then it would convert you.

Never Worn White

A slow, vulnerable love song that truly illustrates Katy’s raw singing talent. In the video for this recently released song she reveals her pregnancy news. This is a diversion from her mega pop anthems. She has paired back the gimmicks and there is a sweet innocence to the lyrics. With an acoustic feel and a piano as her accompaniment, the sound is authentic and endearing. It’s simply a tender love song and makes for easy listening.

Her shows have been described as “pop pantomime” but this is why her fans love her. The gigantic stage props, over-the-top outfits and eccentric performances are pure entertainment. From her quirky style to her mentor role on American Idol Katy Perry will continue to shine as a pop icon.