Katy Perry’s Comeback Album Gets Slammed As Her Worst Ever—Is This The End

Katy Perry’s latest album has critics talking for all the wrong reasons.

Sophia

• Published in Music
• September 25, 2024

Katy Perry, once a pop powerhouse with chart-topping hits like "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," and "I Kissed A Girl," is now facing a tough reality. Her latest album, "143," released after a four-year hiatus following her pandemic-era record "Smile," has received the worst reviews of her career.

According to Metacritic, an aggregation site that compiles scores from professional critics, "143" has earned a dismal Metascore of 35, making it the lowest-rated album of Perry’s career and the worst-rated album on the site in 13 years.

Critics haven’t held back in their assessments. Rolling Stone called the album “boring” and a “rote attempt to rekindle those glory years,” while Variety described it as “flat, coasting on cascades of lyrical cliches and musical ideas that rarely crest.”

The Los Angeles Times also weighed in, labeling the album as “bad, and not even in a fun way.” With uninspired melodies, cold production, and lackluster vocals, the album has been slammed as Perry’s “final blow” in a career that once defined the pop music scene.

Adding to the controversy, Perry’s collaboration with Dr. Luke on the album has reignited old wounds. Dr. Luke, a once-celebrated producer, was accused of se*al abuse by singer Kesha in 2014, allegations that have since overshadowed his contributions to the music industry.

Despite a legal settlement reached between Kesha and Dr. Luke last year, fans and critics alike have criticized Perry’s decision to work with him again, especially on tracks like "Woman’s World" and "Lifetimes."

The collaboration has sparked backlash online, with many accusing Perry of “performative feminism,” claiming her actions contradict her image as an advocate for women’s rights.

This backlash extends beyond the album itself.

In recent months, Perry has also been accused of filming a music video in protected ecological zones in Spain without proper authorization, adding to the scrutiny she faces.

The combination of negative reviews, public criticism, and legal controversies have left many questioning whether Perry can reclaim her former glory in the pop world.

"143" is not just Perry’s lowest-rated album; it also ranks as the worst-reviewed album by a female artist on Metacritic and the ninth worst-reviewed album of all time, according to TheTab.

The only album rated lower than Perry’s is Kevin Federline’s infamous "Playing with Fire," which holds a rating of 15.

Perry’s career has been marked by meteoric highs and dramatic lows, and "143" seems to represent a critical turning point.

Many of her once-dedicated fans have expressed disappointment, feeling that the album lacks the energy and authenticity that once made Perry a household name. Her recent struggles have left fans wondering whether she can reinvent herself or if "143" marks the end of an era.

Katy Perry’s journey from pop queen to facing public backlash is a stark reminder of how quickly tides can turn in the entertainment industry. Whether she bounces back from this setback remains to be seen, but for now, Perry’s latest album is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

From poor reviews to controversial collaborations, is this the end of an era?

Sophia