One Of The Boys
by Katy Perry
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2008
Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 18
  3. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    40
    The problem is not with Katy's gender-bending, it's that her heart isn't in it; she's just using it to get her places, so she sinks to crass, craven depths that turn One of the Boys into a grotesque emblem of all the wretched excesses of this decade.
  2. Uncut
    60
    Gwen Stefani should be nervous. [Oct 2008, p.105]
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  3. PopMatters
    40
    Perry is most enjoyable when her songs are simple and senseless. Profundity is just way too problematic.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    This is a catchy, cocky, Avril Lavigne-y debut, its surface gloss making up for an ultimate lack of depth. [Nov 2008, p.118]
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  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    30
    Madonna and Perez Hilton may be fans, then, but if you’ve got even a passing interest in actually enjoying a record, don’t buy this one.
  7. Rolling Stone
    40
    Yes, Perry has a heart, but it sounds like her bustier's too tight for her to use it.
  8. musicOMH.com
    60
    Where it hits the mark, One Of The Boys is sparky and accomplished--though entirely disposable--pop.
  9. The Guardian
    40
    Her producers furnish the punchy soft-rock that has become the default signifier of pop "attitude" and Perry obliges with self-congratulatory sass that never rings true.
  10. The A.V. Club
    16
    While undeniably catchy, the hyper-produced songs have a familiar radio-ready quality that becomes infuriatingly mind-numbing over time, and Perry's vocals sound like a less-soulful Kelly Clarkson at best, a drunken, spurned sorority girl at worst.
  11. Spin
    30
    The rest of the album plods with formulaic, hormone-heavy Kelly Clarkson outtakes, or perhaps Liz Phair during her bleak, sparkly descent.
  12. Slant Magazine
    40
    'Mannequin' features some cleverly written lyrics, but Perry doesn't possess the grit or vocal prowess to follow through, and the title track is like No Doubt's 'Just a Girl' sans personality and conviction.
  13. NOW Magazine
    40
    The bulk of Boys is sufficiently well put together; the generally witty pop walks that tricky line between edginess and accessibility.
  14. Boston Globe
    60
    Careering from tart-tongued vixen to rough-and-tumble tomboy to woeful lonelyheart may reflect her real life, but it makes for a thematically bumpy ride.
  15. The New York Times
    50
    Ms. Perry is curiously blank on her major-label debut album (in 2001 she released a moody, eclectic collection of Christian contemporary music).
  16. Blender
    70
    Perry’s creative-writing-class punch lines don’t always justify her self-congratulatory drag-queen tone. But she hiccups quirkily enough, and myriad big-name producers (from Dr. Luke to Glen Ballard) keep the new-wave synth hooks hopping
  17. Billboard
    70
    Engineered for short attention spans at just 44 minutes, One of the Boys is still more than enough to make this one long, hot summer for Perry.
  18. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Ultimately, its a fun teen party album. Just don't call it girl power.
  19. Hot Press
    50
    Katy Perry's second album offers minimal creativity or originality, but there are several likeable tracks--despite their turgid, juvenile and bordering-on-offensive lyrical content.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2008
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1099 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 803 out of 1099
  2. Mixed: 115 out of 1099
  3. Negative: 181 out of 1099
  1. IGa
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    Maybe the highlight of "One Of The Boys" is not in the beautiful beats and quirky vocals, but in different lyrics addressed in intuitive andMaybe the highlight of "One Of The Boys" is not in the beautiful beats and quirky vocals, but in different lyrics addressed in intuitive and fun themes. The album walks among **** boyfriends, assumed betrayal, low self-esteem, fun in Las Vegas and lesbian kiss. Themes nothing predictable and varied beats. The richness of this album is quirky and often frowned upon, but certainly there is a lot of fun hidden between the lines.… Full Review »
  2. BWETMatangi
    Aug 26, 2013
    7
    It's good. Not the best album of 2008, but it's definitely close. The only bad thing on the album is some of the songs would be better forIt's good. Not the best album of 2008, but it's definitely close. The only bad thing on the album is some of the songs would be better for other singers.… Full Review »
  3. RIProo
    Mar 25, 2012
    7
    Good album! Funny and simply! Love the way she sings with a guitar........... I prefer "Teenage Dream" but this is good, too. ( sorry for my English )
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