Before we begin let’s get one thing straight, I don’t listen to pop music. When it comes to music, I am all rock all the time. So when the idea was pitched, I was the last one anyone expected to volunteer. Who knows, it could be fun.
Track 1 – Never Really Over
The never-ending cycle of an on-again-off relationship is demonstrated perfectly in “Never Really Over,” the feelings of constant longing for attention from a partner. I quite liked it as the song has a good flow to it and is catchy without becoming overly repetitive. The vocal runs carry the song along, upping the tempo.
Rating 8/10
Track 2 – Cry About It Later
Leaving the pain of the past for the pleasure of today. Taking a break from all the problems to just focus on today’s pleasures. This was the first of many songs in this album, that has been overplayed to death on TikTok. The chorus is extremely repetitive, and the vocals leave much room for improvement.
Rating 5/10
Track 3 – Teary Eyes
A monologue about staying happy even when you are sad, that it can and will get better someday, and lots of crying—that was my big takeaway. It felt extremely sappy, and I struggled to listen through it. The upbeat tempo was probably the best part.
Rating 5/10
Track 4 – Daises
Fighting back when others try to break you down with hurtful comments. You can achieve a lot more if you block out the hate, this song’s only saving grace is the message. It fits well and makes it a more positive song. On the other hand, daises became repetitive annoyingly high-pitched.
Rating 4/10
Track 5 – Resilient
You are stronger than you think, the world can try its hardest to hold you back but you are still here. The tone of this song is dull along with a slow pace making it one of the least entertaining songs on the album. Not a fan.
Rating 3/10
Track 6 – Not the End of the World
Never giving up on hope is the message behind “Not the End of the World.” When it feels like it’s all spiraling out of control, to know that it will get better. I found myself coming back to “Not the End of the World” way more than I would have expected. The song has a dynamic flow as well as good vocals. This was a dramatic change from the other songs on the album and makes it one of the top songs on this track.
Rating 8/10
Track 7 – Smile
The joy of returning from a break feeling refreshed and ready for anything. Another entry in the TikTok´d to death category. Smile is a decent song but the chorus, oh man. It could not be more repetitive. Smile, above all other songs, got stuck in my head so often while writing.
Rating 6/10
Track 8 – Champagne Problems
This is the culmination of everything you have been working for. It’s the celebration after the fight. Finally being able to relax from all the challenges and enjoy life’s spoils. “Champagne Problems” is one of those songs you could hear in a jazz club, with its upbeat tempo and swanky vocals, it shines compared to the rest.
Rating 8/10
Track 9 – Tucked
This song shows how a relationship can seem like a dream in your mind but in reality, be more like a nightmare. Can be a somewhat repetitive song, yet it still has a nice flow to its melody. I was very low on “Tucked” upon first listen, but I’m growing to like it somewhat more.
Rating 5/10
Track 10 – Harleys in Hawaii
The joys of a relationship, riding with someone through the ups and downs of it all. Classic song to sway along to in the warm summer breeze. “Harleyes in Hawaii” had a very peaceful vibe, along with a smooth beat and catchy hook.
Rating 7/10
Track 11 – Only Love
This song embodies the idea that we are so wrapped up in what we hate that we don’t see how we can love people for who they are. The message behind “Only Love” is powerful, but the song’s overall pacing dragged.
Rating 6/10
Track 12 – What Makes a Woman
As the title implies, this song discusses how men struggle to understand what makes a woman. That lack of understanding is why only a woman knows what she wants to be. This was one of those songs that made me think while I was listening. Perry’s answer to “What Makes a Woman” was the only flaw of this song. A perfect mystery, come on that’s not even an answer to the question.
Rating 6/10
In closing, I did not mind reviewing this album nearly as much as I was expecting to. This experience gave me a chance to broaden my horizons when it comes to music. My favorite moment writing this review came while listening to Smile. The lyric “but every tear has been a lesson, rejection can be God’s protection” totally blew me away. Who would have guessed you’d find life advice in Katy Perry’s music?
Overall, I would give Perry’s album “Smile” a 6/10.
