As you probably know, I've subject myself to my fair share of challenges over my time as a reviewer...but it has to be said that, primarily, it's been my own fault. Whether a band has emailed me personally and I've regretted accepting, or, I'll browse and pick a release from an number of PR companies that forward me music...I've always been fully responsible for those...this however, puts me out of my comfort zone. I mean, Theresa May talking to ACTUAL people level of discomfort...In my Facebook group poll, you voted for "Witness", the brand new album by KATY PERRY, to get a spot on this blog (-_-) Initially I thought, it can't be that bad? She's usually got a fair amount of quirky pop songs tucked away, this should be at least enjoyable on that front? Oh no...oh how pop music has changed since I last dipped my toes...Witness? I'm going to need a fucking alibi...
We open up with the title track and we're greeted with a very delicate piano-led piece of music...then an awkward silence, like, was that an out-take? Or a pointless fifteen second intro slapped on to track one instead of being separate? When the track does restart Katy's vocals are soft, they sound personal, there's a soulful soft-jazz feel to this one that's layered under subtle electronica, and while she does sound a touch more passionate for the chorus here, it's still a very laid back track, a restrained start here..."Hey Hey Hey" has a similar vibe with it's slow-burn techno, in ways if you like GWEN STEFANI you'll enjoy this but thematically it's quite powerful; a nod to Katy's life in the media...no matter what people perceive of her personal life, you wont break her, it's a middle-finger song in some sense.
"Roulette" offers us our first proper album highlight with it's rich 80's infused brand of synth-pop, akin to the likes of HUMAN LEAGUE, coupled with Katy's harmonic vocals, it's a pleasant listen...fans of MIKA may appreciate elements of this track too but, stand-out moments on this album over all are few and far between..."Chained To The Rhythm" is genuinely catchy with it's soft Caribbean vibe, simple beat, the chorus is knowingly infectious with a wonderfully written attack on false freedom, acceptance and normality in American culture, it's a powerful message and the inclusion of guest vocalist SKIP MARLEY (grandson of reggae legend BOB MARLEY) only adds to the flavour of the song, perfect or your Summer soundtrack this, while elsewhere NICKI MINAJ does her bit to inject life in to "Swish Swish" and its says a lot when you need Jynx from Pokemon to help you out...the rest of the album is annoyingly lackluster.
"Power" misleads the listener with an intense drum fill, allowing for the expectation of a bombastic, high-octane pop banger but, it quickly descends into a plodding, generally uninteresting number, it's too sporadic in tone. "Tsunami" again gives you false hope, this time in it's title...you expect to be washed away by a hard-hitting pop anthem but, you just find yourself sinking into boredom, "Miss You More" does fit appropriately in theme but, again, it's a depressing ballad in place of some much needed energy, before Katy goes all Yoda for closing track; "Into Me You See"...sadly, more of the same which, while emotional it fails to draw any empathy from the listener...only yawns. Katy Perry is a capable vocalist and has proven in the past she's got the tunes in her but, here it's like she's done a LADY GAGA and toned it all down for a more personal and serious album. The result? 57 mins of nap time...there are brief points worth noting here but to be honest, she's done a lot better, trust me I'm a witness. [3]
We open up with the title track and we're greeted with a very delicate piano-led piece of music...then an awkward silence, like, was that an out-take? Or a pointless fifteen second intro slapped on to track one instead of being separate? When the track does restart Katy's vocals are soft, they sound personal, there's a soulful soft-jazz feel to this one that's layered under subtle electronica, and while she does sound a touch more passionate for the chorus here, it's still a very laid back track, a restrained start here..."Hey Hey Hey" has a similar vibe with it's slow-burn techno, in ways if you like GWEN STEFANI you'll enjoy this but thematically it's quite powerful; a nod to Katy's life in the media...no matter what people perceive of her personal life, you wont break her, it's a middle-finger song in some sense.
"Roulette" offers us our first proper album highlight with it's rich 80's infused brand of synth-pop, akin to the likes of HUMAN LEAGUE, coupled with Katy's harmonic vocals, it's a pleasant listen...fans of MIKA may appreciate elements of this track too but, stand-out moments on this album over all are few and far between..."Chained To The Rhythm" is genuinely catchy with it's soft Caribbean vibe, simple beat, the chorus is knowingly infectious with a wonderfully written attack on false freedom, acceptance and normality in American culture, it's a powerful message and the inclusion of guest vocalist SKIP MARLEY (grandson of reggae legend BOB MARLEY) only adds to the flavour of the song, perfect or your Summer soundtrack this, while elsewhere NICKI MINAJ does her bit to inject life in to "Swish Swish" and its says a lot when you need Jynx from Pokemon to help you out...the rest of the album is annoyingly lackluster.
"Power" misleads the listener with an intense drum fill, allowing for the expectation of a bombastic, high-octane pop banger but, it quickly descends into a plodding, generally uninteresting number, it's too sporadic in tone. "Tsunami" again gives you false hope, this time in it's title...you expect to be washed away by a hard-hitting pop anthem but, you just find yourself sinking into boredom, "Miss You More" does fit appropriately in theme but, again, it's a depressing ballad in place of some much needed energy, before Katy goes all Yoda for closing track; "Into Me You See"...sadly, more of the same which, while emotional it fails to draw any empathy from the listener...only yawns. Katy Perry is a capable vocalist and has proven in the past she's got the tunes in her but, here it's like she's done a LADY GAGA and toned it all down for a more personal and serious album. The result? 57 mins of nap time...there are brief points worth noting here but to be honest, she's done a lot better, trust me I'm a witness. [3]
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