The lowdown: This second buzz single from Prism has been a running joke with the Kats since it becomes only Katy’s second release ever to miss the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. But it’s surprising “Unconditionally” didn’t do better—either with audiences or in this rate. This power ballad of forgiveness for a beloved uncle who betrayed Katy’s family has epic scope and a chorus chock-full of catchy angst. It’s a solid adult contemporary effort and a misfire that’s difficult to explain.
ATRL says...: "Unconditionally" is an "underrated holy should’ve-been smash," according to helloDer, and lovesong thought it was the "guilty pleasure of the year," but most were not so kind. "You’d have thought that 'Firework' would have taught her that when even the studio version can’t make your chorus sound unstrained, live performances are not going to go well," wrote Bluth. "Really, REALLY annoying," said Doogle. "Whoever at Hooked on Phonics was in charge of Katy's card for 'unconditionally' needs to be fired," snarked August. Meanwhile, JakeKills admitted, "I really like it, but I kinda struggle to listen to it without imagining the ghost of 19 year old Taylor Swift wailing out the bridge of 'Dear John.' How could anyone love that guy unconditionally?"
Best bit: letting go and just being free to sing along with all the earnestness your cold, black heart can muster—preferably with the alternate lyrics—whenever it comes on the radio
The under performance is actually really easy to explain, it sucks ass and is boring.
I thought the public would eat it up. I guess I should have taken "Wide Awake" peaking at #2 as a sign that America is not here for Katy the Balladeer.
Listen to Uncle once again makes me realize how heaven is this song...
You all going to hell tonight
Mother Kathryn Theresa and ha uncle will come for you tonight, I can feel it
I swear to god I'll actually meltdown
