I wasn't really sure how to rate this album because it really feels like two different albums in one. Half of the tracks I can't stand, and the other half I love and play on repeat. Here's my breakdown:
1. "Teenage Dream" - 7/10
It's a hit for a reason - it's very catchy but misses the mark with me for value.
2. "Last Friday Night" - 6/10
The song sounds okay, but the lyrics make this one worth skipping.
3. "California Gurls" - 7/10
Once again, catchy but no real value to me.
4. "Firework" - 10/10
Great song. This is probably what made me buy the album! Not only is this tune unforgettable in sound, but the lyrics are inspirational, about realizing there is something amazing in you even when you are down for the count.
5. "Peacock" - 1/10
SKIP - about a man's manhood.... ugh
6. "Circle the Drain" - 10/10
Here was another of my favorites. This one, while being catchy like most of Perry's album, deals with drug addiction, but from the point of view of a partner who doesn't want to see her S.O. go down deeper and deeper. This message is a tough sell - "I'm leaving because I don't want to deal with your addiction" - when most people want to hear a message of help and support, but this is a song about looking out for your own best interests, more like "Who am I living for?" (#9).
7. "The One That Got Away" - 10/10
Very touching song. Most of us, I think, have been there, and it's hard not to like this one.
8. "E.T." - 10/10
This track is so cleverly written and composed, it's hard not to take to it. The metaphor is unique (kind of reminds me of Britney Spears' "Toxic" though) and this album version doesn't feel nearly as cheap and campy as the remix with the ridiculous rap lyrics.
9. "Who Am I Living For?" - 10/10
"I can see the writing on the wall/I can't ignore this war/At the end of it all/Who am I living for?" This song can be taken a lot of ways - I see it as an antiwar song from the point of view of a soldier, but I also interpret it as the anthem for anyone fighting for what they believe in but being faced with other people's overbearing views. To me, it says, "You want me to do it your way, but this is my life, and I have to do what I believe in." I group this with "Firework" and "Circle the Drain" for sure.
10. "Pearl" - 10/10
A great song with a strong message. If you know a woman who was fierce and strong before her current relationship, but her current partner dims her or subjects her, then this song will make you tear up.
11. "Hummingbird Heartbeat" - 5/10
I'm no prude, but I found this song embarrassing. I didn't like the metaphor, and I could hardly listen to it. I would group this with "Peacock."
12. "Not Like the Movies" - 9/10
A good song about not settling and holding out for "the one" and not simply "the one who wants you."
13. "California Gurls" Remix
I didn't care for the original, so not real comment about this one.
14. "Teenage Dream" Remix
See #13.
So, overall, it was hard to rate this album given that it's half juvenile, snickering, I-made-a-sex-reference tracks or superficial, meaningless lyrics and the other half strong messages of value. I think most of Perry's fans will be buying this for the radio "hits" that I happened not to like much, and that's a shame because there are quite a few gems in here: "Firework," "Circle the Drain," "The One That Got Away," "E.T.," "Pearl," "Not Like the Movies," and "Who Am I Living For?"
This album contains :
Song Title
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1. Teenage Dream
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2. Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
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3. California Gurls (Feat. Snoop Dogg) [Explicit]
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4. Firework
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5. Peacock [Explicit]
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6. Circle The Drain [Explicit]
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7. The One That Got Away
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8. E.T.
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9. Who Am I Living For?
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10. Pearl
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11. Hummingbird Heartbeat
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12. Not Like The Movies
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