Katy Perry captures a selfie with an admirer in London.
Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images
Katy Perry has unveiled “Lifetimes,” the latest single from her forthcoming album “143.”
The track struggles to overshadow the unfortunate reception of “Woman’s World.”
However, a public relations specialist believes that if her new album is authentic and contemporary, Perry’s comeback could still succeed.
This past week, Katy Perry has been actively promoting her new song, “Lifetimes,” urging fans to pre-save it. Given the negative feedback regarding her last release, “Woman’s World,” it’s understandable why she may feel compelled to amplify her outreach efforts.
Perry faced significant hurdles on her journey back to pop prominence when “Woman’s World,” intended as a satirical piece for her upcoming album “143,” failed to connect with listeners this July. The track was subsequently criticized as being out of touch and problematic.
According to Eric Schiffer, a PR expert and chairman at Reputation Management Consultants, this backlash represents “a career crisis” for Perry. He noted that such unfavorable press hinders her efforts not only to reconnect with millennial fans but also to capture the attention of Gen Z: “It can be devastating for a brand like hers,” he stated.
For artists facing backlash, new releases can provide an opportunity for redemption—if they are strong enough to mend any disappointment previously experienced.
In my opinion, however, “Lifetimes” falls short of achieving that goal. While it is certainly more enjoyable than “Woman’s World” (notably evidenced by YouTube comments like “This should have been released first!” and “The rollout strategy here is questionable; this track vastly outshines ‘Woman’s World.’”), its bar is set rather low.
The general public’s response appears lukewarm at best; unlike the fervor surrounding “Woman’s World” during its debut week on social media platforms, interest in “Lifetimes” seems minimal.
The structure of “Lifetimes,” featuring eight co-writers, comes off as rather lackluster and excessively repetitive. When Perry declares she will love until life ends—and then repeats it—it hardly makes an impactful statement. The song effectively revolves around five lines looped endlessly over three minutes and twelve seconds.
Although recurrent lyrics are indeed common within club music—an area where Perry seems keen on placing this track—this assertion raises eyebrows given the current summer trends dominating playlists. If I were immersed in an Ibiza Boiler Room experience (the setting for Perry’s latest music video), hearing “Lifetimes” after tracks like “365” or “Spring Breakers” would be bewildering! Many observers online have pointed out that this song fits better into reality TV narratives like ”Love Island. Hooray for their villa dance party!”
A true essence of club music thrives on diversity and intricate layers; however, what we get in “Lifetimes” feels predictable and formulaic instead. If there’s any redeeming quality found within it at all—it evokes nostalgia reminiscent of Katy’s glory days back in 2010s pop culture.
If relying solely on nostalgic sentiments tied to previous hits such as *Teenage Dream* is all that’s left for nuances today—that hardly qualifies as praise worthy enough anymore! Schiffer concurs calling it both outdated while exhibiting signs desperation: “She’s returning predominantly only through familiar avenues clinging tightly onto faded successes.”
katy writing Lifetimes: pic.twitter.com/kjH8zU7C27 — Pop Drug (@zPopDrug) August 8, 2024
As attempts return raise their star wattage beckoning earlier heights slowly dwindle—the response towards these initial singles revealed considerable discontent along with noticeable indifference amongst audiences paving roads ahead now obscured nearly entirely within contemporary pop landscapes.
This further complicates matters considering past associations tying artwork directly back together leading up collaborations made under problematic circumstances concerning Drs.Luke who continues involved partly producing alongside co-writing unmistakable themes behind both previous songs discussed prominently already rising potential doubts looming heavily above future endeavors altogether.
Once widely respected initially contributing support since beginning one major arc witnessed later reputational decline followed allegations surrounding Kesha centered around claims involving severe misconduct violated rights happened years earlier yet unresolved completely since connected settlements settled quietly without resolution seen throughout various judges exploring justice systems present ultimately exposing incongruent ideologies forming too great distance right underneath forefront increasingly influential cultural phenomena seeking agency sought desperately elsewhere drastically reshaping futures laid bare upon grounds particularly lacking sense belief portrayed ethically speaking fundamentally undermined authenticity pursued forward transport rates achieve relevancy regained.
Herein lies players moving positions dynamically reflecting unforeseen challenges explores elements redefining realities perceived through lenses evolving quickly reformulated rehabilitative appearances must grapple perceptions underlying entire trajectories integral derived credibility still sought fumbled grasp potentially harmful ramifications affecting excitement surrounding newer musical content coming forth awaiting broader perspectives defined skillfully sincere desire growth necessary indicated intentionality unfolding transformed lanes requiring thorough measures tactically redesigned en route collective reorientations refreshing visions paved engagement introducing paths undeniably vibrant curating affirmative essential practices welcomed shifting domains ensuing connections formed shared experiences practiced diverging approaches creating engaging multilayered considerations shaping demands echo culture publicly addressed currently altogether swiftly renewing offers lot promised major adjustments aligned signifying improvements witnessed regular students through popularity swelling see movement aspirations deserving strengthened credibilities indicating empowerment progressively managed down true routes harmonizing efficiency sustainably across sectors driven forward clear strategic aims embracing unreleased increasing productivity channels flourishing consistently.
