Katy Perry just released “Woman’s World,” the first new song of her post-American Idol career. Some say her lyrics — and the writing and production credits for Dr. Luke, a producer who has been accused of sexual assault — are clinging too tightly to a 2010s era in pop music that has long since passed.
Between 2008 and 2013, nine of Perry’s songs hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her music was so ubiquitous, some fans say it defined an era. She snagged the Song of Summer title in 2008 and 2010 with “I Kissed a Girl” and “California Gurls.” “Woman’s World” emulates the empowerment anthems she had in some of her biggest hits, like “Firework” and “Roar.” The familiarity might ultimately be her new song’s downfall.
Some fans were excited about Perry’s return to releasing pop hits. She left American Idol in May after spending seven seasons as a judge, and when she announced her departure, she told Jimmy Kimmel that she needed to “go out and find that pulse to my own beat.”
“Woman’s World” is the lead single for Perry’s first new album in four years, 143, which is scheduled for release Sept. 20.