Artist: Katy Perry
Tracks: 12
Released: 2010
The album's title track packs a punch with a chorus that's almost impossible to get out of your head. Though it may start out a bit stale, Perry saves the track with her signature enthusiastic pop energy. "Last Friday Night" is a fast paced, cliched, twisted teenage humor track that could either encourage you to hit the boulevards along with it, or leave you in the dust with its hyper beats. "California Gurls" hit the top of the music charts with an undeniably catchy, well, everything, the perfect summer song. "Firework"'s theme centers on believing in yourself and letting your talent shine; once again Perry succeeded in letting her colors burst. "Circle the Drain" is the most bizzarre of Perry's releases, though its message rings through. "The One That Got Away" describes a lovesick girl that loses her first crush and regrets it for the rest of her life. The track isn't overly emotional, but the lyrics speak out loud and clear. "E.T." is purely a pop indulgent track with clever rhymes and a great beat. "Who Am I Living For?" paints the picture of someone that's lost, searching for their meaning, mixed with an almost hip-hop background, which oddly fits perfectly. "Pearl" is about a girl who's lost independence due to a bad relationship, and while the theme is strong, the instrumentals aren't nearly as striking. "Hummingbird Heartbeat" is a cute young love tune that rings out with an almost country like lightness. "Not Like the Movies" is a soft and sweet track that doesn't leave an incredibly lasting impression the first time you hear it, but is a good ending track nonetheless.
Though it can be classified as "another pop album", "Teenage Dream" experiments with morals and themes much deeper than expected. Perry's vocal ranges are tested nicely and different aspects of her voice are allowed to come to light. So if you ever have a little time, join Katy Perry in imagining your own teenage dream.
