• Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2008
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1099 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. May 24, 2011
    5
    The songs are decent enough - Though there all a bit samey with only a few standing out. Katy Perry has the attitude, looks and charisma to pull it off - She just needs to music now.
  2. Feb 28, 2011
    8
    Katy Perry Is One Of The Best Artists For Young Adults Because Of Her Style Of Singing.. This Album Features 11 Of Her Best Songs, Including Waking Up In Vegas, Hot N Cold, One Of The Boys, And Others...
    This Album Show's Her Creative Side Of Singing, And Experience In The Music World...
    This CD Would Be Great For A Katy Perry Fan!
  3. Dec 1, 2010
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This first album of Katy Perry has everything that a reader of Billboard Magazine wanted and hoped. But it stops here. The huge and classical hits "I Kissed a Girl" and "Hot N' Cold" are there to make you think a lot when you wish to throw out this CD, besides "Waking Up In Vegas" that can be considered the best produced song here. You will enjoy yourself with "U R So Gay" another song that can save this album and get involved with the sweet "Lost" that might deceive you with Perry's screams that surely is the climax of the song. But the reasons to buy it finish here. "One of The Boys", "Mannequin" and "If You Can Afford Me" are hearable music and it is the maximum adjective that I can give to them. You won't need to listen to the last three songs because you will think you wasted your money. Expand
  4. Nov 27, 2010
    8
    I love the album's concept, the classic rock feel. I love how Katy Perry solely writes her song like "Thinking of You", "One of the Boys" and "Mannequin." I also love her singles which are danceable and fun. But some songs are same sounding and kinda boring. But at least, I see the artistic value in the album.
  5. Aug 22, 2010
    7
    I expected something better from katy cuz i really liked her singles but the new songs are too slow and a bit boring,too. In a week her new album will be released ... let's hope 4 something more lively!!!
  6. JoshuaM.
    Oct 5, 2009
    8
    It's a good album with some good singles on it. Come one. All you guys can't say that "Hot N Cold" went through your heads at least once! My favorite song is "Fingerprints".
  7. RicardoC
    Jul 25, 2009
    2
    Everything is wrong here. The concept, the music. Catchy enough to listen to it once or twice. And yes, she's got some style, but ultimately, she's an empty marketing product.
  8. ChueW
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    I thought it was great, even though I'm not really into this kinda music. I think some songs aren't that good but its a good album.
  9. JamesH.
    Jun 15, 2009
    2
    The primary problem with Katy Perry is that her voice is very thin and lacks anything vaguely called "range". Beyond that, the songs are calculated pop-trash pieces that come off as derivative and boring, leading to a truly awful experience from the first song onwards.
  10. MarieO
    May 23, 2009
    10
    My favorite album of 2008 and still waiting for another one that will match the quality and number of great songs that are on "One of the boys". I can't understand the hate against Katy Perry who is a deserving artist... from a christian family, to church singer, waitress in LA, almost broke, to finally making it to the top because of her great music and songs. She's my hero! My favorite album of 2008 and still waiting for another one that will match the quality and number of great songs that are on "One of the boys". I can't understand the hate against Katy Perry who is a deserving artist... from a christian family, to church singer, waitress in LA, almost broke, to finally making it to the top because of her great music and songs. She's my hero! Her story is very touching. Expand
  11. StephaneC
    May 23, 2009
    10
    Excellent album... from a talented young lady. The first time I buy something for ages. It goes from rock to pop to ballads with her raw and strong voice, which is full of energy. Don't miss this fun and entertaining album and artist.
  12. EmmaO
    Apr 20, 2009
    10
    the reason people hate katy perry is because she has controversial lyrics, but actually she is very talented and a good singer/songwriter. anyways this album is great and not one song is a throwaway.
  13. RichardH
    Feb 22, 2009
    10
    Very catchy album, I don't understand the negative reviews. I love it!
  14. PauloC
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    Nice songs and beats! There's a lot of potential hits.
  15. ColeT
    Jan 5, 2009
    0
    Terrible, media-based album. Crap.
  16. MarkF
    Jan 1, 2009
    8
    As with most albums I like, there are some songs I think are utterly awful on this album. On the other hand, Katy's voice grows on you. The first time I heard Hot N Cold, I hated it because her voice sounded creepy. I grew to like her voice and songs because, unlike most people in the industry (looking at you Brit, as much as I like you), she can write and has a unique voice.
  17. ally
    Dec 25, 2008
    9
    I really liked this album, and it's fun to listen to. Just goes to show that music is subjective.
  18. FraserM
    Nov 29, 2008
    9
    katy has produced a awesome album which exudes creativity and freshness. Her vocals are so amazing and enticing possessing an ecelectic range and new sound. This is a great debut album and she is already reaping the awards for it. Looks like she'll be arfound for a while...look out for her, BIG i tell ya!
  19. SpencerC
    Oct 15, 2008
    2
    I Kissed a Girl and Hot 'n' Cold are both amazing songs, but the rest of the album is torture. To pour salt in the wound, a few of the other songs have potential but are performed horribly.
  20. Devin
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    Brainless and talentless. Homogenized, cloying tunes set to some of the most obnoxious lyrics ever committed to record. People giving this album a ten "can't understand the negative reviews?" What I can't understand is how anyone, even a preteen, could possibly consider candy-coated trash like this art.
  21. DaveJ
    Sep 15, 2008
    0
    there is no originality to this album whatsoever. it's part The Used, part Regina Spektor, part Kelly Clarkson to name just a few. completely superficial, basic songwriting for those who like easy listening, even though most of the melodies are awkward. in my opinion it completely patronises the listener.
  22. benh
    Sep 4, 2008
    9
    A strong collection of witty and creative tunes. One of the strongest albums that 2008 has to offer.
  23. CharlieM.
    Sep 3, 2008
    0
    This album sux. Her vocals are bad and just shows people don't have talent anymore. Aimee, plz ok Seriously, people like you no offense just want some catchy song that just fulfills the moment, when there are so many better artists that never see the light of day. Such a disgrace.
  24. JB.
    Aug 15, 2008
    9
    I LOVE this album. The bottom line w/an album should be, "Do I enjoy it and can I listen to it over and over?" This album is catchy, easy to listen to repeatedly and fills both requisites above completely. Can't understand the low marks.
  25. ShauniL.
    Jul 19, 2008
    1
    Screeching, Insincere. More gloss than substance. Incredibly disappointing artist. As for potential listeners, you're better off listening to early Liz Phair.
  26. SteveO
    Jul 10, 2008
    0
    Just proof that this world is spiralling uncontrollably down the drain.
  27. AimeeC.
    Jul 9, 2008
    10
    OMG. I don't know why people hate. This is a great album to listen to while you're on a long roadtrip with your girlfriends! Katy Perry's lyrics are funny, witty, and easy to sing to. I recommend this to anyone who has a sense of humor and likes to have fun.
  28. MattD.
    Jul 1, 2008
    9
    The negative reviews make no sense, and it seems like they were pre-disposed to bash the album. For instance, no where does Katy sound remotely like Regina Spektor! It's a fun, refreshing album that offers unique viewpoints and very good hooks. Her voice is also very distinctive.
  29. WesM.
    Jun 21, 2008
    1
    Pedestrian effort; even the three tracks actually possessing tunes and lyrics distinguishable from the 13 tracks offered are indistinguishable from the wealth of LCD pop currently out. Don't get drawn in by the promise of her LGBT-themed hit and titular track; this is a concerted, transparent effort to bait and switch unsuspecting consumers.
Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 18
  2. Negative: 3 out of 18
  1. 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. Yes, Perry has a heart, but it sounds like her bustier's too tight for her to use it.
  3. '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.