Pop queens Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have both returned after a two year hiatus from the success of their hit albums with a new pop single, which were released on the same day, and are now dueling for the top of the charts. Katy Perry’s “Roar” and Gaga’s “Applause” are dueling for the number one spot. The last music Lady Gaga released was her album “The Fame Monster.” After the fame of a new hit album fizzled out she seemed to do the same. She was not in the news or in the studio for quite some time. Katy Perry’s latest single was the exceptionally repetitive and disappointing “Wide Awake.” Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are two of my all-time favorite artists, and I expected highly of both of them. Were my expectations met, though? Not in the least.
Lady Gaga is expected to release her new album “ARTPOP” on Nov. 11, with her first single release from the album titled “Applause.” I have always been a fan of Gaga, but I honestly have trouble listening to “Applause” without plugging my ears. Gaga proved she has a spectacular voice with her old album “The Fame,” especially with her slow love song “Brown Eyes,” which is much different than what she most recently tried to pass as music. Throughout the entirety of the song, Gaga is speaking (and on occasion, pointlessly yelling) in this monotone voice saying almost the same inaudible lines that each contain the word “applause” with Skrillex-like music in the background. It sounds like someone playing a good techno song with terrible quality speakers. I have heard many say that they love this song, while many others do not. Though I love her generous charity work, I absolutely hate her new music and the “new” Gaga.
Last but definitely not least is Katy Perry’s “Roar,” which is the first single released from her upcoming album “PRISM,” which is expected to be released about two weeks before Gaga’s on Oct. 22. Katy Perry has a similar sound with most of her songs: a catchy beat and hook line that features her almost flawless strong voice. “Roar” is no different, and out of all of her songs it reminds me the most of “Firework.” The song is not only fun and catchy but like “Firework,” it’s inspirational and makes you want to sing along. The song is about Katy bouncing back from a bad breakup and finding her independence again. The changing tempo and interesting lyrics kept me entertained throughout the entire song. Katy has made another hit, and I am sure it will stay on the top of the charts and replay on the radio for months to come. If “Roar” is just a taste of what is to come on her next album, Oct. 22 cannot come fast enough.
Katy Perry’s song beat Lady Gaga’s because Katy’s song showcased her natural voice, rather than an auto-tuned one. If Lady Gaga keeps it up with this annoying music on her next album, she is going to hear me roar.