Talent Recap

A Track-By-Track Review Of Katy Perry’s New Album ‘Smile’

Katy Perry Smile albumKaty Perry Instagram

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Katy Perry’s new album Smile is finally here! It’s been more than three years since her last release, Witness, and we’re so happy to hear some new tunes from the American Idol judge.


Just days after Katy gave birth to her daughter Daisy Dove Bloom, she dropped the new collection of 12 tracks — some of them previously released as singles, some new. We’ve listened to the whole thing, so let’s go over it track-by-track, shall we?

Katy Perry’s New Album ‘Smile’ Is Here

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“Never Really Over”

I can’t be the only one who listened to this song on repeat when it was first released over a year ago, right? The lyrics speak to an on-and-off relationship, which Katy and her now-fiancé Orlando Bloom definitely know about. The colorful music video makes me want to watch a whole movie about this “get over your ex” retreat.

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“Cry About It Later”

This bouncy track finds Katy singing about how she deals with heartbreak — by having fun and choosing to cry about it later. The song’s atmospheric sound is matched by its animated music video, which has me in the mood for Halloween with witches and vampires.

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“Teary Eyes”

On this mellow dance track, Katy encourages the listener to keep dancing even as they’re crying. And fittingly, this is the perfect song to do just that. I can imagine putting this on when I’m in a bad mood and letting the music lift my spirits.

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“Daisies”

In the vein of “Roar” and “Firework,” this song is a motivational anthem. They told me I was out there / Tried to knock me down / Took those sticks and stones / Showed ’em I could build a house,” she sings on the catchy chorus. This feels like the kind of song an American Idol contestant will probably perform on acoustic guitar.


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“Resilient”

Katy really leans into the flower metaphors on this uplifting ballad. She even throws the word “bloom” in there, perhaps as a tribute to Orlando? This one didn’t hook me on the first listen like the first few tracks did, but it might grow on me over time.

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“Not The End Of The World”

This sounds like something that would play during the end credits of a blockbuster movie. Katy’s rapping verses remind me of “E.T.” It’s not my favorite on the album, but the sample of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” at the end is pretty cool.

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“Smile”

I first heard this song in a back-to-school Target commercial, and unfortunately that’s all I can associate it with now. As soon as it started, I imagined a group of kids with backpacks on. It’s a bit too aggressively peppy for my taste, like drinking too much coffee.

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“Champagne Problems”

Katy sings about how far she and her partner have come, and all the work they put into their relationship to get to where they are now. This one has a nice beat, but I think I’m a bigger fan of the verses than the chorus.

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“Tucked”

This one might be my favorite song on the whole album. Katy sings about secretly fantasizing about someone who’s wrong for her in real life. It’s a cute concept, and the sound is infectious. The breathy “na na na” interlude is especially catchy.

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“Harleys In Hawaii”

I’d say this is definitely the sexiest song on the album, and the music video only adds to that vibe. It’s nice to have a chill track amongst the more upbeat stuff, and I enjoy some of the rhymes, like “hula” and “jeweler.”

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“Only Love”

This song grew on me even as I was listening to it for the first time. Katy talks about what she’d do if she only had one more day left to live. It’s a nice showcase of her vocal ability, and the lyrics are definitely relatable at this uncertain time in the world.

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“What Makes A Woman”

Katy puts a country twang into her voice on this closing track, and I have to admit it’s a little disorienting. Maybe if the entire album had the same vibe, it would feel right. As is, I’m not so sure. Maybe someone on American Idol will cover it next season and give it a new flavor.

Have you listened to Smile yet? What did you think? Tell us your favorite track in the comments below!

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