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. jyo_tirmaya
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    This album is a step up from Katy Perry's two prior proper albums, and Katy can really pen a good pop song with a spiritual message and not be Christian rock at the same time. There is something about this girl that just makes me want to love her and her work. "Roar," "Unconditional," "Dark Horse" are just some of the highlights on this album and I'm wondering why she's just receivingThis album is a step up from Katy Perry's two prior proper albums, and Katy can really pen a good pop song with a spiritual message and not be Christian rock at the same time. There is something about this girl that just makes me want to love her and her work. "Roar," "Unconditional," "Dark Horse" are just some of the highlights on this album and I'm wondering why she's just receiving mediocre critic reviews. I think she's actually just a step ahead of the critics. I love Katy Perry!… Expand
  2. Oween
    Dec 14, 2013
    10
    Unlike previous albums ''Teenage Dream'' & ''One of the Boys'', ''PRISM'' really shows Katy's vocal and lyrical talent. It's a big evolution from the theme of Teenage Dream. The album is totally original and very different. Personally the album opener ''Roar'', which also served as the lead single and gave Katy her best first week single sales in US with over 500,000 copies sold, wasn't aUnlike previous albums ''Teenage Dream'' & ''One of the Boys'', ''PRISM'' really shows Katy's vocal and lyrical talent. It's a big evolution from the theme of Teenage Dream. The album is totally original and very different. Personally the album opener ''Roar'', which also served as the lead single and gave Katy her best first week single sales in US with over 500,000 copies sold, wasn't a great album opener choice. I think Love Me would've been a great album opener because of the great into, but that doesn't matter. Roar is definitely one of PRISM's highlights and one of the more pop tracks. Katy originally promised a ''dark'' era & album, but that all changed when she let the light in, the album became an album about Katy finding herself & inner power and even self-reflection. I don't have a favourite or a least favourite because the album is so well put together and diverse at the same time. Fun songs like This Is How We Do,Birthday,Walking On Air and International Smile have really big single potential and summer hit potential. That group of songs would be great radio hits and should be considered as futures singles. Then songs like By The Grace Of God,Double Rainbow,Choose Your Battles should be chosen as singles to close off the album like the 6th/7th single. Overall the album is full of meaningful and inspirational songs that have huge potential to have chart success. Katy has already had major success with thus album, PRISM had the largest first week sales by a female since Madonna's MDNA back in early 2012 and also the largest first week sales by a female of 2013. Roar has been nominated for 2 Grammy's in 2014 and Roar has also became the fastest selling song in digital history. The lead single has been having massive longetivity and so is the album. PRISM sold 1M after 5 weeks, a sum that took 9 weeks to reach for Teenage Dream to hit when it opened with 195,000 back in 2010. So as you can see Katy is breaking records and achieving more and more success with every year. This all makes PRISM's second single ''Unconditionally'', which is Katy's favourite song from the album look small but as of December 14th, it's currently peaked at 14 on the Billboard Chart, not bad for a single that's not to be released until December 16th, right after Katy gives it massive promotion on the X-Factor UK's final. It's been overshadowed by Roar still but an unexpected hit third single ''Dark Horse'' is currently being put into place. So, if all this has not made you want to buy/listen to PRISM, i don't know what will. Again, the album is full of deep personally songs all written by Katy, that if have the right treatment, could become massive hits.… Expand
  3. rhiannsaysrawr
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Prism is the album of 2013 and I encourage everyone to get this album ASAP! Katy Perry really showcases her songwriting ability and matches, if not tops, the chart behemoth that was Teenage Dream on her third studio album. Prism gives us a glimpse at every single side of Perry and doesn't hold back. Tracks like 'This Is How We Do', 'International Smile' and 'Walking on Air' echo the playful, euphoric atmosphere that was set on TD, whereas she experiments with different styles and sounds on tracks like 'Dark Horse ft. Juicy J'. 'By The Grace Of God' is definitely the most emotional song on the whole album. It talks about how Perry felt after her divorce and her vocals are top-notch; it's my personal favourite! 'Unconditionally', 'Spiritual', 'This Moment' and 'Birthday' are all very love-focused (all thanks to Mr John Mayer!) however 'Birthday' is slightly more tongue in cheek than the rest. 'It Takes Two', a song specifically on the deluxe album, is a fantastic self-reflective song about taking responsibility in a relationship. Alongside 'By The Grace Of God', 'Ghost' directly talks about Russell Brand and their divorce, and it's a very ethereal sounding track. 'Love Me' is a song about loving yourself how you would want your partner to love you. Perry talks about 'not negotiating with insecurities' and it definitely shows how self-reflective she has been writing Prism.
    'Roar' is obviously a pop-masterpiece and one of the highlights of the album! My favourite tracks are International Smile, This Is How We Do, Walking On Air, This Moment, It Takes Two, Unconditionally and By The Grace of God; congratulations Katy Perry on making an absolutely fantastic album!!    … Expand
  4. 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.
  5. lucasgiello
    Nov 14, 2013
    10
    Amazing album, so different from her previous one. Beautiful lyrics and a great sounding. You Should Listen to This. It may be the best album this year.
  6. leandroalves
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    PRISM is an incredible album. At first listen doesn't sounds like the usual Katy Perry. Roar is the only one song which could be in Teenage Dream. Prism is not a 100% album, but is easy to see that Katy grew up musically. She has a long way ahead and Prism shows us that Katy is in the right way. The best songs from Prism is "Ghost", "Spiritual" and "By The Grace of God", but these songsPRISM is an incredible album. At first listen doesn't sounds like the usual Katy Perry. Roar is the only one song which could be in Teenage Dream. Prism is not a 100% album, but is easy to see that Katy grew up musically. She has a long way ahead and Prism shows us that Katy is in the right way. The best songs from Prism is "Ghost", "Spiritual" and "By The Grace of God", but these songs doesn't works on the radio. The songs for the radio are "Legendary Lovers", "It Takes Two", "Dark Horse" (which should be the 3rd single) and "Walking on Air". My Rate is 10 because Katy gave her best in this album and she did very well.… Expand
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. halcyon7
    Aug 26, 2014
    10
    Album of the Year. It's mature and beautiful. Dark Horse is the song of the year and best Katy Perry song to date. I love ballads like By the Grace of God an Choose Your Battles.
  10. ThyagoSoeiro
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    that album shows a maturement of katy perry!! Loved it, i mean, it is the album of the year. My favorite are: Legendary Lovers, Dark Horse, International Smile, Walking On Air, This Is How We Do, Birthday and Unconditionally!!!
  11. BrazilianCritic
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    Amazing!! Prism is so fresh. Katy is so fresh. Best pop singer ever!! This record is so lovely, Katy find herself e looks like she's pretty comfortable. LET THE LIGHT IN!
  12. 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。
  13. PipeAndresKP
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    When Katy announced 'Back to twerk, all the KatyCats were like ''Ahhhh, ahhhh, ahhh''
    It was in March, in July, was announced PRISM like the 3rd album, all we were shouting and emotioning. 12/08 Roar, went on sale, the 19/08 went too ''Dark Horse'' and 30/09 went ''Walking on air'' we all thought that her album would be like a ''Teenage Dream 2.0'', arrived the 18/10 and we all had the    When Katy announced 'Back to twerk, all the KatyCats were like ''Ahhhh, ahhhh, ahhh''
    It was in March, in July, was announced PRISM like the 3rd album, all we were shouting and emotioning. 12/08 Roar, went on sale, the 19/08 went too ''Dark Horse'' and 30/09 went ''Walking on air'' we all thought that her album would be like a ''Teenage Dream 2.0'', arrived the 18/10 and we all had the opportunity of listen and understand than this album is the complete connection that feelings and inner emotions in each of us,this is the album that have ALL the colors, from a Roar and finalize with a Choose your battles baby!!
    PERFECT ALBUM!    … Expand
  14. Kayzan
    Jul 19, 2019
    10
    This album is not a masterpiece, but it's a great pop album. It's just as commercial as Teenage Dream, but it has some inspirational songs like Choose Your Battles, Spiritual and Unconditionally. This last one is a strong ballad that may burst eventually; highlight verses: "Acceptance is the key to be truly free" and "I'll take your bad days with your good". Teenage Dream was so "made forThis album is not a masterpiece, but it's a great pop album. It's just as commercial as Teenage Dream, but it has some inspirational songs like Choose Your Battles, Spiritual and Unconditionally. This last one is a strong ballad that may burst eventually; highlight verses: "Acceptance is the key to be truly free" and "I'll take your bad days with your good". Teenage Dream was so "made for party hard", but this album has both sides. The first part (1-8) shows the "fun" moment of the album, while the second (9-16) shows the stronger lyrics and productions, really unique songs. Special attention to the bonus tracks; these three tracks are her best songs ever: It Takes Two, Spiritual (I feel some touch of Alanis Morissette listening to it) and Choose Your Battles (this and By The Grace Of God both were co-produced by her). No need too much to realize that she took a step forward in her career, she just needs to focus more in her music, not only the charts.… Expand
  15. Guilherme12
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    The PRISM so light and airy and at the same time, is as distinct and complete. I really enjoyed what I heard and I recommend everyone to buy and listen to this wonderful album. PRISM in my opinion does not deserve negative scores.
  16. breno30876299
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    much ballad, very cheerful music
    songs of self control and music to make it clear that you send.
    Congratulations katy.
    music highlights
    It Takes Two, and Love Me Roar course
  17. emroGhost
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    The musical evolution of Katy's from the songs 9 16, she really let the light in, not so cormecial as "Teenage Dream" and not as organic as "One of The Boys", she finally found herself artistically.
  18. dalaudala
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    Katy has never promised that her new album is going to be a "dark album". Haters please shut your mouth and go read that interview. This is an amazing album. Unlike Teenage Dreams, songs in the album are not very catchy at the first time, but the more you listen, the more you love. For example, Ghost, Unconditionally, Love Me.
  19. Ayman71
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    This is a very good sequel to Teenage Dream. Katy experiments on new genres on this album and I truly admire the diversity that she offers on her new opus. Bravo Katy and I'm excited for your future work!
  20. villem
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    Melhor álbum da Katy Perry, mostrou uma grande evolução.
    Ja fui correndo comprar o meu nas duas versões, normal e deluxe. amei;
    Roar ja e um hino no Brasil, fez bastante sucesso.
    As cancões Dark Horse e Walking on Air chegaram ao topo das paradas Brasileiras.
    Sem duvida vai fazer bastante sucesso por aqui.
    Espero encontrar Katy na sua próxima tour pelo Brasil.
  21. 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
  22. DreamOn
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    This is Katy Perry: fun, unpretentious and vulnerable. She's here to stay and that's definitely what PRISM conveys. A pop artist who has heart and is no longer hungry for attention-seeking antics which was so 2008. She has a lot to say and her fans will be glad that her message is catapulted to them in 16 new hooks that are sure to make you bop like crazy (Walking On Air, Dark Horse,This is Katy Perry: fun, unpretentious and vulnerable. She's here to stay and that's definitely what PRISM conveys. A pop artist who has heart and is no longer hungry for attention-seeking antics which was so 2008. She has a lot to say and her fans will be glad that her message is catapulted to them in 16 new hooks that are sure to make you bop like crazy (Walking On Air, Dark Horse, Birthday, International Smile, This Is How We Do) or allow you to reflect on oneself as you hear Katy's highs and lows. She's basically doing all the work for her listeners. She's gone through heartaches (Ghost, Choose Your Battles) and wants her fans going through the same to pick there selves up and become stronger (By The Grace Of God, Roar, This Moment), learn from one's mistakes and faults (It Takes Two, Love Me) and invest in life as a better person for oneself and for others, wholeheartedly (Unconditionally, Spiritual, Double Rainbow). Katy Perry, keep 'em coming. We're interested. Your fans are here to stay.
    Favorites from the album: Ghost, Love Me, By The Grace of God, Double Rainbow, It Takes Two, Roar    … Expand
  23. whaianne
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    This is a great opus from Ms. Perry. The diversity of sound that ranges from EDM to HipHop to Ballads is genius. Her vocals is notably more mature than her previous records. The anthemic and self-reflective lyrics are relatable. Music is basically made to touch lives and Katy Perry delivered it well to her audience with out confusing the general public. Not a perfect album but it's almost there.
  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. rubinho10
    Oct 25, 2013
    10
    hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehhehehehehehehhehehehehehehehehehe this is amazing
  26. Adanqueti
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Este álbum es hermoso, me encanto mucho, Katy es genial
  27. 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
  28. blueaspirin
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    When Katy said "i think my next CD is so dark" I think OMG i dont know but the final product is really awsome, every song is interesting Teenage dream is funny but this is so spiritual like the song, Unconditional show every type of love, brothers love, dad-son love, homo love, couple love is so beautiful cause the real love is unconditional, Love me and Roar is i need love me first andWhen Katy said "i think my next CD is so dark" I think OMG i dont know but the final product is really awsome, every song is interesting Teenage dream is funny but this is so spiritual like the song, Unconditional show every type of love, brothers love, dad-son love, homo love, couple love is so beautiful cause the real love is unconditional, Love me and Roar is i need love me first and then i probably ready to love someone else, very powerful Prism. Cheers for Katy… Expand
  29. 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"
  30. Matheusrocha
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Congratulations Katy,
    Its her best work, Mature songs. She found herself, good compositions, different musics, will surely come many hits this album.
    AMAZING!!
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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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