Culture Chat: why is everyone so mad at Katy Perry?
Oct 11, 2024
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Join pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, with nearly 25 years of experience, and Anne Helen Petersen, Culture Study podcast host, as they dissect the backlash against Katy Perry's new album, 143. They explore its controversial reception, analyzing the muddled feminist message and flawed promotional strategies. The conversation touches on the evolution of Perry’s public persona, the challenges female pop stars face, and the cultural significance of their narratives. Tune in for insights on music, feminism, and celebrity culture!
Katy Perry's album '143' has been criticized for its outdated sound and inability to resonate with contemporary audiences, highlighting the pressure on pop stars to evolve with their fans.
The controversies surrounding the 'Woman's World' music video reflect deeper issues in feminist representations in pop culture and the challenges female artists face in authenticity.
Deep dives
Katy Perry's Latest Album Faces Harsh Criticism
The release of Katy Perry's seventh studio album, 143, has sparked significant backlash, making it one of the lowest-rated albums on Metacritic for a female artist. Critics have overwhelmingly condemned the album for its outdated sound and lack of substance, describing it as soulless and shallow. The first single, 'Woman's World,' exemplifies this criticism, with reviewers citing its failure to resonate with contemporary listeners and labeling it a dated attempt at pop music. This disappointing reception has led to discussions about the expectations placed on Perry as a once-celebrated pop star and the marked decline in her artistic innovation.
Mixed Messages in 'Woman's World' Music Video
Katy Perry's music video for 'Woman's World' attempted to make a statement about female empowerment but ended up being criticized for its contradictory messaging. The video features Perry in various stereotypical feminist roles, yet it simultaneously objectifies women, leading to confusion about the intended message. While the song aims to comment on issues faced by women today, it ultimately falls short, failing to escape the male gaze it tries to critique. This led to broader conversations about current feminism in pop culture and the challenges female artists face in navigating these themes authentically.
The Changing Landscape of Pop Stardom
The discussion surrounding Katy Perry highlights the evolving expectations for female pop stars as they age and the impact of societal shifts on their relevance. Comparisons were drawn between Perry and other contemporary artists, suggesting that while some successfully adapt, others struggle to remain relevant with an audience that demands authenticity. The pressure to produce music that continues to resonate with fans is compounded by the need to convey personal growth and depth, which is often seen in artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Ultimately, the episode reflects on the complex relationship between pop stardom, aging, and the cultural landscape, revealing the difficulties artists face in maintaining their careers amid changing expectations.
Today we’re sexy, confident, intelligent, heaven-sent – and taking on Katy Perry’s disastrous new album, 143. Featuring the lead single ‘Woman’s World’, this album has gone viral for all the wrong reasons: a muddled feminist message, a slew of publicity gaffes and even a government investigation. What makes the album so disappointing? And why do people care so much about a Katy Perry flop? Lilah is joined by two excellent guests who bring expertise in celebrity culture and music: Anne Helen Petersen hosts the Culture Study podcast, and Ludovic Hunter-Tilney is our pop critic of almost 25 years.
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– Anne Helen Petersen hosts the Culture Study podcast. Listen to her conversation with Lilah about cooking in the age of infinite recipes here, or by searching “Culture Study” wherever you listen
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Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. Clips this week courtesy of Capitol.