DIGITALSPY
Following a flawless album campaign like Teenage Dream was never going to be an easy feat. Katy Perry enjoyed record-breaking success between her cream-squirting bikinis and space travelling antics, but little did we know at the time that her private life was slowly turning into a personal nightmare. It feels only natural that its follow-up Prism shines a light on the vulnerability behind one of the world's glossiest popstars.
As lead single 'Roar' clearly declares - complete with a rousing chorus and a ear-snagging hook - Perry isn't going to let her highly-publicised divorce to Russell Brand defeat her. Nevertheless, the star is willing to bare her heart throughout the record, whether it's her foolishness in accepting her ex-husband's past on 'Unconditionally' ("All of your insecurities/ All of the dirty laundry/ Never made me blink one time") or the way he ended their marriage via mobile phone on 'Ghost' ("You sent a text/ It's like the wind changed your mind.")
That's not to say the fun of Teenage Dream isn't continued on Prism. Flirty pop-gem 'Birthday' hears Katy tease the boys with her assets once again, while 'Walking On Air' is a soaring '90s house number that celebrates the highs of being in love. Even the questionably titled 'International Smile' digs deep with its sugary pop hooks and jet-setting sentiment after a few spins, despite sounding dangerously close to novelty on first listen.
While many may suggest that large parts of Prism imitate its predecessor, there are moments where Perry treads new ground on the record. 'Dark Horse' hears her take on hip-pop with grind-worthy beats underpinning bewitching glitches, while 'Legendary Lovers' taps into the Eastern hemisphere, before it marches into a thumping anthem that has Katy position herself alongside some of history's most infamous romantic figures.
Staying true to its namesake, Prism displays the full spectrum of Perry's emotions, but the star leaves the hardest hit until last. 'By The Grace Of God' is led by light piano as she confesses overcoming suicidal thoughts following the breakdown of her marriage. "I looked in the mirror and decided to stay," she admits with stark honesty - and thank the heavens she did, because Katy Perry is a popstar the music world needs right now.
4/5
Tracks to download: 'Roar', 'Walking On Air', 'Unconditionally', 'Dark Horse', 'Birthday', 'This Is How We Do', 'By The Grace Of God'