Katy Perryis one of the biggest pop artists to have burst onto the music scene in the late 2000s. At a time when the genre was undergoing a shift in its landscape, with an increasing number of female musical acts emerging,the “Hot & Cold”singer impressed listeners with the release ofOne of the Boysin 2008. Success was practically written in the stars for the pop icon; her name only grew bigger with the release of her subsequent work. Then 2017 happened. The singer’s once colorful discography, full of chart-topping singles, was tarnished by her recent critically panned album releases. The sad truth is, Perry — the same artist who dominated the music industry — has long fallen from the public’s favor. Despite the drastic change in tone, however, her second studio album remains a resounding testament to the talent and rebellious spirit that once propelled her to the top like fireworks.
‘One of the Boys’ Marked a Shift in Katy Perry’s Sound
Before the singer made a name for herself in the industry as Katy Perry, she was once calledKaty Hudson. Her debut album under that stage name was a contemporary Christian record that explored herreligious faith. It is both lyrically and sonically different from her later albums and is far less well-known than her subsequent work. Serving as the first-ever album released under the Katy Perry stage name,One of the Boysmarked her shift toward thepop genrewhile still incorporating therock influencespresent in her debut album. The album introduced the world to the newly rebranded Katy Perry, with its opening track of the same name exploring her transition into womanhood.
The second track, “I Kissed a Girl,” is objectively the album’s biggest hit. It signaled a departure from Perry’s Christian past, portraying a young woman’s sexual exploration in defiance of social norms. Even in the early years of her career, controversy seemed to follow her. The song drew backlash from both Christian andLGBTQIA+communities, with the latter community questioning Perry’s authenticity. The album’s sixth track, “Ur So Gay,” didn’t help calm the criticism down. Some critics called the song out for its homophobic undertones. Even then, the singer earned praise from both audiences and critics for her vocal talent and for demonstrating that she had much more to offer.
‘Teenage Dream’ Made Katy Perry a Star, but ‘One of the Boys’ Introduced Her
Many considerTeenage Dreamto be the peak of Perry’s commercial success. Thepop recordwas a critical darling and topped the music charts. A similar level of success followed her next album,Prism. Despite all that,One of the Boysstands out for its simplicity, showcasing Perry’s talent without relying on the extremes of heavy pop production. It distinguishes itself with a defiant edge and has been lauded for its pop-punk sound, a genre many argue best suits Perry’s musical style. InOne of the Boys, the singer didn’t try to please everyone. She leaned more into her storytelling abilities, and her hunger to break into the industry is deeply felt throughout the album.
The album marked her first winning streak, thanks to singles like the pop-rock “Waking Up in Vegas,” the mellow rock “Thinking of You,” and perhaps her most iconic pop anthem, “Hot n Cold.” Of course, when it comes to commercial aspects,Teenage Dreamis definitely the album to beat. It stands out for all the right reasons. Still,One of the Boysremains an unforgettable second album by release and, at the same time, a debut for the world’s introduction to Katy Perry.
The Tone Has Drastically Changed for Katy Perry
Perry hasn’t been delivering hit after hit like she once did. She hasn’t even produced a single chart-topping track in recent years. The releases ofWitnessandSmilesaw a noticeable decline in her commercial success, with her most recent project,143, further proving she’s no longer the record-breaking pop force she used to be. Her 2024 single, “Woman’s World,” failed to resonate with listeners despite its supposed feminist message. Many accused her of performative feminism, and her continued collaboration with the now-disgraced producerDr. Lukeonly intensified the backlash. In anInstagram commenton the Katy Perry Brasil fan page, Perry assures fans she’s “ok” despite the online hate. She wrote:
“Please know I am ok, I have done a lot [of] work around knowing who I am, what is real and what is important to me,” said the singer. “When the “online” world tries to make me a human Piñata, I take it with grace and send them love, cause I know so many people are hurting in so many ways and the internet is very much so a dumping ground for unhinged and unhealed.”
Perry has become the new woman people love to hate, whether it be over her creative decisions or the widely criticizedBlue Origin space flight. Almost overnight, a once-celebrated pop icon has been reduced to a mere online punchline. Still, when it comes to relevance and cultural impact, she is — in every sense — still Katy Perry. Her name alone carries weight, something that even her recent flops and controversies can’t erase.
