About.com Rating

Katy Perry said that there is a "darker vibe" on Prism, and that it is not a carbon copy of Teenage Dream.  She is correct on both counts, but to Katy Perry darker means exchanging the day-glo candy coated pop of the previous collection for something that only edges outside of the mainstream of today's radio friendly songs.  With one notable exception, there is little deep, emotional exploration here and clearly no difficult, wrenching tours of the human psyche.

 Instead this is a solid collection of songs from an artist focusing on her career who recognizes herself as a pop superstar delivering what she believes her fans want to hear.

Dance Pop Peaks

The pop peaks on Prism are very high, and most of them are inspired by dance music.  The soulful 80s dance vibe of "Birthday" helps amplify the sexiness in the lyrics.  "Walking On Air" moves forward a decade.  Katy Perry says the song is inspired by CeCe Peniston's classic "Finally," and it will bring back pleasing memories for many 30-somethings in her audience.  "This Is How We Do" is an all stops out party track, and, arguably, the stand-out song on Prism.  It is a celebration of being young, carefree, and, perhaps, even a bit irresponsible, but Katy Perry whips the concoction into an unforgettable human celebration.  "International Smile," inspired by Katy Perry's friend, DJ Mia Moretti, is an effortless trip to the dance floor including a memorable funky vocoder breakdown.

Slow Moments

The first half of Prism is such a dizzying success that it seems inevitable the pace will slow.

 However, the album eventually borders on tedium.  "Ghost" feels like possibly one too many trips to the story already spelled out in "Part Of Me," "Wide Awake," and "Roar."  The words of the song kick off impressively with the story of Katy Perry's breakup via text message, but the rest feels like a trip through very familiar territory.  "This Moment," produced by Stargate and Benny Blanco, feels like a bit of a throwaway, and then "Double Rainbow" is so sweet it becomes cloying.  Fortunately, Prism ends in stellar fashion with the deeply, deeply personal "By the Grace Of God," so listeners are not left with a letdown at the end of the collection.

Top Songs On Prism

• "Birthday"
• "This Is How We Do"
• "International Smile"
• "By the Grace Of God"

Katy Perry - Pop Superstar

When Katy Perry put together her album Teenage Dream, she was a pop music phenomenon who needed to prove she was for real.  The hit filled collection successfully fulfilled her promise and put her in the top ranks of all female pop stars.  Now with Prism, Katy Perry, in the wake of a highly publicized, very unpleasant, divorce, has put together the album that will keep her at the top.  The collection includes many options for future hit singles.  However, it does not take enough chances to be considered an unqualified artistic triumph.  The best work here is truly outstanding and a match for any other current mainstream pop.  The low moments seem simply a product of too much playing it safe, and that is not a major mistake.  Prism will please Katy Perry fans, and it is a clear signal to everyone else that she is here to stay.