Prism
by Katy Perry
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Oct 22, 2013
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2180 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,494 out of 2180
  2. Mixed: 243 out of 2180
  3. Negative: 443 out of 2180
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  1. tumncipriano
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    PRISM is undoubtedly a surprise, I thought that highly anticipated new album Katy Perry would certainly be a Teenage Dream 2.0, and imagine my delight to hear new music from the singer. Of course, we're talking about Katy Perry, and always will be present in the songs that packs in a pool party, and as a Birthday Smile International and Walking On Air But we also find soft chords as DoublePRISM is undoubtedly a surprise, I thought that highly anticipated new album Katy Perry would certainly be a Teenage Dream 2.0, and imagine my delight to hear new music from the singer. Of course, we're talking about Katy Perry, and always will be present in the songs that packs in a pool party, and as a Birthday Smile International and Walking On Air But we also find soft chords as Double rainbow, This Moment, Ghost and Love Me with letters that go out of your mind, the new work is exciting queen sweet, delightful and engaging. It is impossible not to realize that the personal turmoil experienced by her in recent years were decisive for the composition of this album. And as her ballad Unconditionally, PRISM Katy puts on a quieter level to continue with his roar. Then as she herself has said LET THE LIGHT IN.… Expand
  2. ladyimmortelle
    Nov 11, 2013
    0
    Just mainstream bubblegum pop-music. I thought it would be 'darker'? But it failed, I shouldn't be suprised though. 'Roar' is just MADE for the #1 spots, very bland and simple lyrics, we've all heard this before. Nothing 'dark', nothing artistic. And why did she burn her blue wig? I still don't understand it.
  3. Clean
    Nov 30, 2013
    10
    loved one of the boys and teenage dream, i think this is a great direction for katy as an artist. more substance to many of the songs but still stuff i can have fun listening to
  4. nickrovert
    Oct 24, 2013
    8
    'PRISM', the follow-up to Perry's record-breaking 2010 record 'Teenage Dream', shows that Perry has clearly matured since her "California Gurls" and "I Kissed A Girl" days. The first half of 'PRISM' contains eight songs, including the smash-hit "Roar", the Bollywood-influenced "Legendary Lovers", and the trap-inspired "Dark Horse". These eight tracks are simply pop perfection and will be'PRISM', the follow-up to Perry's record-breaking 2010 record 'Teenage Dream', shows that Perry has clearly matured since her "California Gurls" and "I Kissed A Girl" days. The first half of 'PRISM' contains eight songs, including the smash-hit "Roar", the Bollywood-influenced "Legendary Lovers", and the trap-inspired "Dark Horse". These eight tracks are simply pop perfection and will be the album's most probable single choices, while the second half of the album, which includes tracks like the haunting "Ghost", the emotional "By the Grace of God", and the soaring "It Takes Two" contains some more mature ballads. Overall, 'PRISM' is a well-produced record that contains several potential number one singles, and Perry showcases her much improved vocal talent and newly-found maturity on many of the album songs. While taking the first half of the record to show off her talent for mastering upbeat Summer songs, and taking the second half to lyrically reveal the more emotional side of her last two years, Perry presents yet another great pop album, that, despite its amount of ballads, doesn't really contain any filler tracks. One could argue that the slightly lackluster "Double Rainbow" and the generally boring "Choose Your Battles" are fillers, but in order to showcase her maturity, it was necessary for Perry to include slower songs that don't contain strong melodies and therefore Perry should be applauded for taking the time to record some songs that aren't meant to go to number 1 on radio.

    With refreshingly experimental influences, such as R&B ("Birthday"), trap ("Dark Horse"), deep house ("Walking on Air"), and contemporary Christian music ("By the Grace of God"), Perry forms a fantastic pop record with 'PRISM' that will surely become a mechanism to serve up some great radio hits in the new year. 'PRISM' may not contain as many sugary-sweet Summer pop songs as its predecessor, but considering her improved vocal performances and obvious maturity, that may not be a bad thing.    … Expand
  5. samba87
    Nov 11, 2013
    6
    Some REALLY good songs. But same old tired sound. With all the wig burning promotion I was expecting a little something different. By The Grace of God and Unconditionally stand out.
  6. ibrahim4
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    The album is amazing every song has its own story. Plus the album is cheerful and inspiring its an album that you must listen to and the songs are really catchy
  7. Diamandis
    Jan 3, 2014
    5
    Not impressed at all. Crude work. This album had to be different but it sounds recycled and boring. There are few songs that are worth to be heard. Katy needed to cook this album and give it more life if its idea is based on "light". Most recommended song is "Roar".
  8. Chlofa
    Feb 24, 2015
    0
    Juvenile songs screeched in a pitchy voice. Katy claimed this would be her darkest album yet, she still insists on childish songs like 'This is How We Do' and 'Birthday'. It was clear that all Katy was thinking about when "writing" this album was number 1's and chart hits rather than her emotions.
    Considering she's almost 31, it's almost embarrassing.
  9. jz3h
    Jun 18, 2014
    7
    水果这专跟上专比有明显的转型，但并不是彻底地“黑暗”。“ROAR”发行后很惊讶跟之前的她很不一样，虽然有人觉得不抓耳，不好听，但我觉得很耐听。听到全专后，“Legendary Lovers”、“Birthday”都很抓耳，放在专辑前两首就是想要听的人继续听下去，“Unconditionally”虽然不如前两首抓耳，但秀恩爱歌曲加上歌词版MV很感人，看完歌词版MV我就爱上了这首歌。这专虽然歌曲没有”Teenage Dream“出彩，但首首都很耐听。水果这专跟上专比有明显的转型，但并不是彻底地“黑暗”。“ROAR”发行后很惊讶跟之前的她很不一样，虽然有人觉得不抓耳，不好听，但我觉得很耐听。听到全专后，“Legendary Lovers”、“Birthday”都很抓耳，放在专辑前两首就是想要听的人继续听下去，“Unconditionally”虽然不如前两首抓耳，但秀恩爱歌曲加上歌词版MV很感人，看完歌词版MV我就爱上了这首歌。这专虽然歌曲没有”Teenage Dream“出彩，但首首都很耐听。
  10. mmirliani16
    Oct 22, 2013
    8
    PRISM is Ms. Perry's most cohesive and mature album to date. It features glittering, catchy pop songs (all done in typical Perry style) which are slight improvements to similar songs from Teenage Dream. It also features growth and vulnerability which really makes PRISM what it is. Songs like "Ghost," "Love Me," "This Moment" "Double Rainbow" and "By the Grace of God" may be seen asPRISM is Ms. Perry's most cohesive and mature album to date. It features glittering, catchy pop songs (all done in typical Perry style) which are slight improvements to similar songs from Teenage Dream. It also features growth and vulnerability which really makes PRISM what it is. Songs like "Ghost," "Love Me," "This Moment" "Double Rainbow" and "By the Grace of God" may be seen as throwaway pop ballads, but they indicate that while Perry likes to have fun (indicated by "This How We Do" and "Birthday"), she is in fact an adult. No doubt, despite some chances taken on "Legendary Lovers" and the ballads, PRISM is a typical top 40 album. But it is a top 40 album in its most ideal sense. Perry is showing the others how to do it. Her humor and her emotions come through, remarkably keeping us entertained without any fillers. Each song stands on its own, but also contributes to the overall album. Perry is still feeding into the mainstream, but is doing so now with more confidence and more of a sense of herself. Well done!… Expand
  11. jewelsanddrugs
    Nov 11, 2013
    1
    I'm sorry but Katy's vocals aren't that good. Lyrics are pretty good but i hope she wrote them herself. Roar is the only song i like from Prism. Other 15 songs are... I hope she can do it better on her next album.
  12. StefAlexandres
    Oct 26, 2013
    9
    PRISM is generally a good album; What keeps it away from perfection is the multitude of flat songs, from which I have to mention "Ghost", "Love Me", "Spiritual" and "Choose Your Battles".

    Nevertheless, there is a bunch of amazing songs on it, namely tracks 1-8, tracks 11-13 and track no. 15; The album provides infectious beats, dance-floor smashes and also sentimental ballads; The    PRISM is generally a good album; What keeps it away from perfection is the multitude of flat songs, from which I have to mention "Ghost", "Love Me", "Spiritual" and "Choose Your Battles".

    Nevertheless, there is a bunch of amazing songs on it, namely tracks 1-8, tracks 11-13 and track no. 15; The album provides infectious beats, dance-floor smashes and also sentimental ballads;

    The highlights of PRISM are "Roar", "Unconditionally", "Dark Horse", "This Moment", "Legendary Lovers" and "By the Grace of God".    … Expand
  13. CriticoDubioso
    Nov 30, 2013
    10
    Brilliantly executed and the perfect follow up to pop-perfection Teenage Dream. Katy shows growth in her writing and vocal ability as well as songwriting. Katy is no longer a guilty pleasure for me, but her songs are just as fun as many from her first two albums, while still retaining a degree of maturity. Very impressed.
  14. daddygirl
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Without doubt, Katy made ​​one of the best albums of the year, because the pop candy made in another album totally not repeated in PRISM, it is something more personal and different than anything, I think she finally evolved and more pleased.
    I hope it continues well, without lapsing, many songs can be seized.
  15. ADANG13
    Nov 2, 2013
    10
    水果这专跟上专比有明显的转型，但并不是彻底地“黑暗”。“ROAR”发行后很惊讶跟之前的她很不一样，虽然有人觉得不抓耳，不好听，但我觉得很耐听。听到全专后，“Legendary Lovers”、“Birthday”都很抓耳，放在专辑前两首就是想要听的人继续听下去，“Unconditionally”虽然不如前两首抓耳，但秀恩爱歌曲加上歌词版MV很感人，看完歌词版MV我就爱上了这首歌。这专虽然歌曲没有”Teenage Dream“出彩，但首首都很耐听。那些打0分的都是傻逼水果这专跟上专比有明显的转型，但并不是彻底地“黑暗”。“ROAR”发行后很惊讶跟之前的她很不一样，虽然有人觉得不抓耳，不好听，但我觉得很耐听。听到全专后，“Legendary Lovers”、“Birthday”都很抓耳，放在专辑前两首就是想要听的人继续听下去，“Unconditionally”虽然不如前两首抓耳，但秀恩爱歌曲加上歌词版MV很感人，看完歌词版MV我就爱上了这首歌。这专虽然歌曲没有”Teenage Dream“出彩，但首首都很耐听。那些打0分的都是傻逼
  16. joestrikesback
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    What an absolutely fantastic album. Katy has given use one of the most fun, catchy, cohesive, and introspective pop albums in years!

    Best tracks: "Birthday", "Double Rainbow", "Roar", "By the Grace of God", and "International Smile"
  17. Hel
    Nov 7, 2013
    7
    Prism is a album which is filled with interesting music. Stand-outs from this album include Legendary Lovers and Dark Horse with their amazing production and vocals Katy has shown. Although half way through this album, it seems to fade. Overall this album is a good but somewhat dull album that fades halfway through.
  18. samisiisti
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    Katy DID it again! This album is purrfect! EMA-awards "Unconditionally" performance was fabulous. Can't wait for the new Billboard Hot-100 record! Congratulations Katy!
  19. hausofwayne
    Nov 17, 2013
    1
    The albums is really basic. I wonder if Dr. Luke keeps using the same beats everytime? OH! He just answered me with this album. Roar is very childish, some songs are kinda catchy but it's nothing new at all. This album may be forgotten by future generations.
  20. JuniorS
    Sep 23, 2014
    0
    Genérico, péssimo e superficial. Nada além do que uma cantora pré fabricada possa fazer. Dr. Luke mais uma vez estragando o que poderia ser um álbum de qualidade ouvível.
  21. castle13
    Sep 25, 2014
    0
    Seriously I could only tolerate like 3 songs from this album. This is such a bad follow up to Teenage dream. Legendary Lovers sounds so cheap and corny. Roar is catchy but the lyrics are so cliche. Birthday and walking on Air are okay. This is How We Do is meh but it's a bop so whatevs. The best track and the only outlier from this mess is Unconditionally so for that I'll give it a oneSeriously I could only tolerate like 3 songs from this album. This is such a bad follow up to Teenage dream. Legendary Lovers sounds so cheap and corny. Roar is catchy but the lyrics are so cliche. Birthday and walking on Air are okay. This is How We Do is meh but it's a bop so whatevs. The best track and the only outlier from this mess is Unconditionally so for that I'll give it a one instead of the zero it deserves.… Expand
  22. fajnydamian
    Oct 9, 2015
    0
    I don't know if Katy is so stupid to make music like this or her fans are stupid eough to like this piece of **** I am sad someone wanted to release "Prism". One of the worst albums ever made.
  23. LudSpark
    Jun 11, 2015
    0
    Vou chamar a Gaga e a Taylor para ensinar a doceira como faz álbum bom, odiei só salva uma ou duas músicas, incrivel com o Katy só faz músicas comercias diferente da Lady Gaga que se arrisca e faz músicas boas não restam dúvidas que ela é a nova rainha do pop
  24. Annderson
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    PRISM is one of the best albums of the year, It's really made for someone who's fan of pop music, Katy's best work since One Of The Boys. Legendary Lovers, Ghost and This Moment have incredible sonority, Dark Horse is darkest and sexiest song of the album, Birthday and Walking on Air calls 80s and 90s, respectively. This Is How We Do and International Smile are so Fun and Dancing, By ThePRISM is one of the best albums of the year, It's really made for someone who's fan of pop music, Katy's best work since One Of The Boys. Legendary Lovers, Ghost and This Moment have incredible sonority, Dark Horse is darkest and sexiest song of the album, Birthday and Walking on Air calls 80s and 90s, respectively. This Is How We Do and International Smile are so Fun and Dancing, By The Grace of God and Spiritual are really about something from inside you, It Takes Two and Unconditionally are both great songs about love, Choose Your Battles and Love Me are really special too, so great album, great singer, love it!… Expand
  25. vini1904
    Oct 22, 2013
    8
    Sounds like Katy finally found her sound. This record is more sober than her previous one and the music is also more serious. She ranges from dance beats to sweet ballads. Hold on tight, haters, Katy is back, better than ever and ready for more #1's.
  26. ADANG
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    水果这专跟上专比有明显的转型，但并不是彻底地“黑暗”。“ROAR”发行后很惊讶跟之前的她很不一样，虽然有人觉得不抓耳，不好听，但我觉得很耐听。听到全专后，“Legendary Lovers”、“Birthday”都很抓耳，放在专辑前两首就是想要听的人继续听下去，“Unconditionally”虽然不如前两首抓耳，但秀恩爱歌曲加上歌词版MV很感人，看完歌词版MV我就爱上了这首歌。这专虽然歌曲没有”Teenage Dream“出彩，但首首都很耐听。水果这专跟上专比有明显的转型，但并不是彻底地“黑暗”。“ROAR”发行后很惊讶跟之前的她很不一样，虽然有人觉得不抓耳，不好听，但我觉得很耐听。听到全专后，“Legendary Lovers”、“Birthday”都很抓耳，放在专辑前两首就是想要听的人继续听下去，“Unconditionally”虽然不如前两首抓耳，但秀恩爱歌曲加上歌词版MV很感人，看完歌词版MV我就爱上了这首歌。这专虽然歌曲没有”Teenage Dream“出彩，但首首都很耐听。
  27. shihaothefreak
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    ‘PRISM’, the follow-up to the blockbuster sophomore album ‘Teenage Dream’ by the international pop star, Katy Perry proves that she’s not just another bubblegum pop princess by showing artistic growth. She described in a recent interview that PRISM is an effort that emphasises on self-reflection and she indeed delivered. After the shocking divorce with Russell Brand, Katy steered away‘PRISM’, the follow-up to the blockbuster sophomore album ‘Teenage Dream’ by the international pop star, Katy Perry proves that she’s not just another bubblegum pop princess by showing artistic growth. She described in a recent interview that PRISM is an effort that emphasises on self-reflection and she indeed delivered. After the shocking divorce with Russell Brand, Katy steered away from despair and turned all her somber moments into empowering yet heartfelt mid-tempos. One might expect an entirely dark album due to the impact of the failed marriage, but the artist stayed strong and determined to spread her optimism in countering this landslide of emotions.

    In the lead single, ‘Roar’, Katy brushes off the dust of the times when she sat quietly and agreed politely to her ex-husband. The ‘Oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh’ hook highlights the brightly coloured tune. Even when some critics negatively compares it to Sara Bareilles’ ‘Brave’, she fearlessly dances through the fire, smashing her way to be the queen of not only the jungle, but the charts worldwide as well.

    ‘Legendary Lovers’ is a refreshing dive into the Eastern musical influences. Its bridge features a tribal instrumental breakdown that climaxes the song and makes you wanna dance along. ‘Birthday’ is one of the lighthearted tracks in which Katy sexily seduces the listeners to celebrate with her like its their birthday every day. The mischievous innuendo and whispers of ‘Happy Birthday!’ will undoubtedly be mesmerising.

    ‘Walking On Air’, one of the promotional singles off the album, while having an extremely repetitive chorus, is a straight-up 80′s house track that gets you bopping. The second official single, ‘Unconditionally’, isn’t a song that you’ll immediately get addicted to. This slow burner sees Katy exclaiming her universally spreading the love that channels in all kinds. Its all rounding appeal owes largely to the lyrics which are applicable not only in relationships, but also between parents and children, siblings and friends.

    ‘Dark Horse’ is another experimental track that samples hip-hop elements. It is also the sole contender in the album that involves another artist’s vocal, which seems to be rather redundant. ‘This Is How We Do’ is the lowest point of the album. It recalls ‘Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) which sings about partying and having fun. ‘International Smile’ is a tribute to Katy’s friend Mia Moretti in which she compliments her as ‘someone who walks out of your dream’.

    The second half of the album is where it gets personal. ‘Ghost’ tells a tale of how Russell sent a text to break up with her and ‘vanishes like a vapour’. In the pre-hook of the final chorus, she sings ‘So rest in peace/I’ll see you on the other side’, pronouncing that their love is over and she couldn’t care less. It sounds like a fitting song into her debut album ‘One Of The Boys’. ‘Love Me’ follows the footsteps of Roar. Katy leisurely sings about how she steps up her game towards insecurities which always get the best of her, and that she’ll be the one who defines who she’s gonna be. The cheesy ‘This Moment’ is where Katy’s vocal really shines. She advises her fans to cherish the moment as that’s all they have because ‘Tomorrow’s unspoken/Yesterday is history’. The booming, dramatic ending might potentially be tear-jerking.

    The standard version of the album finishes in two ballads. ‘Double Rainbow’, co-written by Sia (who also penned Titanium and Diamonds), is less interesting yet able to showcase Katy’s versatility. ‘By The Grace Of God’ can remind you of ‘The One That Got Away’. Katy expresses her gratitude to her sister for ‘keeping her head above the water when the truth is like swallowing sand’. It definitely sounds better as a piano-only ballad. The studio production, however, makes it more radio-friendly.

    The remaining tracks in the deluxe version are the reason why it is worth the buy. ‘Spiritual’, produced by Greg Kurstin (collaborated with P!nk) and Katy’s current boyfriend John Mayer, has gospel influences written all over it. ‘It Takes Two’ is an apologetic power ballad in which Katy sincerely regrets blaming her other half for all the wrongdoings and ending up to realise that she has a part to play too. She then announces that she is tired of fighting in ‘Choose Your Battles’.

    Best tracks: Unconditionally, Roar, This Moment, It Takes Two.    … Expand
  28. matheusoliver
    Nov 27, 2013
    10
    Katy is always surprising us, evolving from one of the boys. I love PRISM because it is simple and beautiful lyrics, and some even dancing. The album is amazing as it should be.
  29. criticolindobjs
    Nov 15, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Katy ainda tem muito o que aprender, esse álbum está muito fraco. Acho que ela deve fazer umas aulas de canto também... Isso pode ajudá-la. Não vi nada de inovador e legal nesse álbum. Será que foi difícil escrever esses "rugidos" chatos de se ouvir? Aff...… Expand
  30. geanarcangio
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    album of the year, incredible music, great concept, since the album art to the last song, album of the year, incredible music, great concept, since the album art to the last song
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2013
11
#11 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Dec 6, 2013
    40
    Everything that is missing from [Lady Gaga's Artpop] is here, but everything that is good about it is spectacularly absent from Prism.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 22, 2013
    40
    Prism feels transitional, the work of an artist clever enough to be restless, yet unable to split from a winning formula. [Dec 2013, p.110]
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Nov 14, 2013
    70
    It doesn’t require the patience or emotional/intellectual involvement that albums I typically listen to require. The cool thing, though, is that it does have quite a bit of redeeming value.
    Read full review
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