Teenage Dream
by Katy Perry
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Aug 24, 2010
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1730 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,361 out of 1730
  2. Mixed: 128 out of 1730
  3. Negative: 241 out of 1730
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  1. JoelSN
    Mar 24, 2012
    6
    Katy Perry is one of the most annoying personas in the current pop world, and is not a very talented live singer. In addition, she looks quite fake and contradictive to me, given his actual behaviour and his christian singer past. HOWEVER there's something no one could ever deny: she knows how to deliver a catchy tune. She also writes her own songs, and not everybody in the pop world doesKaty Perry is one of the most annoying personas in the current pop world, and is not a very talented live singer. In addition, she looks quite fake and contradictive to me, given his actual behaviour and his christian singer past. HOWEVER there's something no one could ever deny: she knows how to deliver a catchy tune. She also writes her own songs, and not everybody in the pop world does that, so I'll give it to her. "Teenage Dream" is immature, superficial and forgettable, but it is full of potential hits, and it doesn't really surprise me that she has striked 5 consecutive #1 hits, tying her with Michael Jackson (as surprising as it might sound). Catchy bubblegummy teenagey dancey tunes, a very hot American and apparently sweet woman and high budget videos are the perfect combination for success in nowadays industry. In addition, Dr. Luke really shines as the biggest hit maker in the mainstream world at the moment, and "Teenage Dream" is the best proof of it. Quality wise, this record is, just for a bit, not as good as "One of the Boys" but it is much more mainstream and pop-friendly (and "OOTB" already was). Katy is very confusing to me, because she can deliver some more serious and interesting tracks ("Circle the Drain") but it seems that, even though she's already 26, she prefers to stay with childish themes. I'm interested to see how long can she maintain this route.

    Highlights: E.T., **** Teenage Dream    … Expand
  2. camilosanchez16
    Dec 17, 2014
    6
    Katy Perry no es una genio de la música, puede que la causa sea su excesivo uso de cliches a la hora de escribir e interpretar, pero en sí, el esfuerzo de Perry puede verse resaltado gracias a varias pistas que se convierten en cruciales para dejar un buen sabor en la boca, como lo es "Fireworks", "Part of Me" y "Teenage Dream".
  3. Adson
    Oct 16, 2014
    6
    Too mainstream but I think this album was made for consolidate Katy Perry's mark in the radio. Lyrics isn't good, the beats are better. Perry has a lot to grow up and I'll hope she does it.
  4. foowombats
    Dec 10, 2012
    6
    Not the best album, by, well several light years. But its fun, its a bit quirky and Its obviously written with love. This is both Katy's love of music and having fun. Songs to look at are - Last Friday night, which excusing the ridiculous lyrics has some very interesting melodies that mix pop with funk and disco, Pearl has pretty nice, thoughtful lyrics and Circle the drain - the pop rockNot the best album, by, well several light years. But its fun, its a bit quirky and Its obviously written with love. This is both Katy's love of music and having fun. Songs to look at are - Last Friday night, which excusing the ridiculous lyrics has some very interesting melodies that mix pop with funk and disco, Pearl has pretty nice, thoughtful lyrics and Circle the drain - the pop rock style and more moody, stroppy atmosphere is a sharp contrast to the rest of the album. The truly best song is Who am I living for? This song steps away from the general careless happy nature of the rest of the album and talks of Katy's inner turmoil between her new found liberal mainstream famous lifestyle and her more traditional Christian upbringing, all to an unrelenting synth riff. More songs like this Katy!

    In conclusion this album will be sure to put either a smile or a scowl on your face, and as another commenter on this page put, I'm not sure its possible to listen to the album in one go without going mad. The album is a load of joyful fun and on those grounds and those grounds alone it is OK, maybe even good but still not great.    … Expand
  5. VeryCutePanda
    Aug 29, 2010
    6
    Katy Perry lacks the polish that most pop acts have today, but what made her stand out than the rest was her ability to crank up insanely catchy tunes without much fuss. Believe me, when she's good, she's damn good (with the addictive 'Peacock', let me hear you sing 'Peacock-cock-cock' cause you can't resist it), when she tries too hard though... it ended up disastrously (seriously, yourKaty Perry lacks the polish that most pop acts have today, but what made her stand out than the rest was her ability to crank up insanely catchy tunes without much fuss. Believe me, when she's good, she's damn good (with the addictive 'Peacock', let me hear you sing 'Peacock-cock-cock' cause you can't resist it), when she tries too hard though... it ended up disastrously (seriously, your homage to our beloved extra terrestrial is that shallow). Still, one cannot deny that this album is filled with jam packed pop songs (at least half of it) that can instantly appeal to most, the lack of auto-tune surprises me (shame on you Ke$ha) and that alone is worth checking the album it, it's solid and too be honest, isn't it way better than 'One Of The Boys'.… Expand
  6. AndrewUltimate
    Oct 21, 2010
    6
    Katy Perry has great potential to be one of those "big female musicians" as she already is. The most interesting thing about Teenage Dream is that it seems like it was not even made to be a good album, but to be a party album to dance to on Friday night. The best tracks are "Teenage Dream", "Last Friday Night", "California Gurls", "Firework", & "The One That Got Away". Sure, "Peacock" mayKaty Perry has great potential to be one of those "big female musicians" as she already is. The most interesting thing about Teenage Dream is that it seems like it was not even made to be a good album, but to be a party album to dance to on Friday night. The best tracks are "Teenage Dream", "Last Friday Night", "California Gurls", "Firework", & "The One That Got Away". Sure, "Peacock" may be laughable, but the rest aren't bad cuts for a pop-party album.… Expand
  7. f3l1p3
    Sep 14, 2014
    5
    O álbum é mediano. Claro, ele tem ótimas canções,como The One That Got Away,California Gurls e Firework, mas em si não é tão bom. Se a música não for single,a maioria eu pulo. Claro que algumas não-singles tem seu brilho,como Circle The Drain. O álbum é mais aceitável quando é o "The Complete Confection"
  8. Teodoro
    Jun 20, 2014
    6
    Um album que ainda traz um pouco da Katy do "One Of The Boys" e tem músicas legais como Peacock,Not Like The Movies e Who Am I Living For? mas que trás alguns "lixos" como Teenage Dream e Circle The Drain.
  9. LittleMatthew
    Sep 24, 2014
    6
    I kinda enjoy the singles from the album, but the material as whole is just... Not quite as good as you would expect after listening to them.
    Despite being her worst album, it still has some good songs like ET and Pearl, so even it's no that good, it can still be enjoyable.
  10. GavGav96
    Oct 9, 2010
    5
    Katy Perry's second hit-maker of an album is certainly sweet, but in a sickening way, and the singing is its usual mediocre style. However, it's Katy Perry so it's only to be expected
  11. marcio82
    Sep 4, 2010
    6
    In my opinion in all this album, there are only 3 good songs (if you want just song to play at a party) : teenage dream, catchy made with all the elements to sell; et, interesting but far from being a "i kissed a girl" and california gurls, that's all. Should have be realesead as a EP like Usher did. Seems strange to me see a woman, (not a girl), singing those songs. Think people doesntIn my opinion in all this album, there are only 3 good songs (if you want just song to play at a party) : teenage dream, catchy made with all the elements to sell; et, interesting but far from being a "i kissed a girl" and california gurls, that's all. Should have be realesead as a EP like Usher did. Seems strange to me see a woman, (not a girl), singing those songs. Think people doesnt know what is really a great album.… Expand
  12. cameronmorewood
    Nov 12, 2012
    4
    The result is treacherous, unsatisfactory, and immature. No adult would enjoy it.
  13. iamanicon
    May 24, 2011
    5
    Instead of making these two lacklustre albums - she should have taken her time and made a great pop album. Circle the Drain is one of my favourite songs ever though... and it helps.
  14. I_Am_F
    Jun 11, 2011
    6
  15. Cjm72
    May 25, 2011
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Many of the songs the same and the songs in Teenage Dream lacks the feel which I think is the most important for an album to have. The only song that have the feel is "Firework" which I think is the best song I hear in the album.… Expand
  16. asjklas
    Oct 28, 2011
    4
    Perry's sophomore effort Teenage Dream lacks one key element missing from her previous album, One of the Boys - originality. Its production is heavy but it's creativity is thin; in stead of pursuing her musicianship even further, it feels like Perry is simply mimicking the electropop genre every other artist is doing nowadays. And for a 26-year-old woman, lyrics like "I wanna see yourPerry's sophomore effort Teenage Dream lacks one key element missing from her previous album, One of the Boys - originality. Its production is heavy but it's creativity is thin; in stead of pursuing her musicianship even further, it feels like Perry is simply mimicking the electropop genre every other artist is doing nowadays. And for a 26-year-old woman, lyrics like "I wanna see your peacock-cock-cock-cock" are countably immature. However, redeeming aspects of the album are its standout tracks. "Teenage Dream" is a pop ballad that flatters Perry's soft yet loud vocal chords whilst "California Gurls" is a funky pop reggae song with contributions from Snoop Dogg. "Firework", "E.T.", and "Hummingbird Heartbeat" are excellent tracks as well.… Expand
  17. j30
    Aug 13, 2011
    4
    Not really my kind of music. This sounds like pretty much everything else on popular radio stations, maybe because her music is all that they play on radio stations. It's definitely not the worst music out there. The album is super produced and loaded with catchy songs. Props to the producers and Perry for having 5 number one singles.
  18. Spielberg00
    Aug 12, 2011
    4
    Katy Perry's second recording is (for the most part, at least) dumb, sex-crazy, and boring. I wouldn't exactly recommend it, but if you're a true-blue Katy Perry fan (to which I say, "already?!"), then go ahead. But make sure you mark my words--this is a pretty bad album compared to ONE OF THE BOYS, and it is NOT a TEENAGE DREAM.
  19. sakislv
    Nov 4, 2013
    6
    I gave a 6/10. Teenage dream consists of 6 good singles( the one that got away, california gurls, teenage dream) and the rest are fillers for me. Katy although makes good single choices
    and that's a
  20. mrcritic
    Oct 9, 2010
    5
    some songs are very fun and cool (TGIF, teenage dream, **** circle the drain), while others are excuses for songs (california gurls, not like the movies) and this album isnt as good as one of the boys, yet katy still proves to be one of the best artists. however, her mainstream pop new ego is getting to her head.
  21. iamtrent424
    Dec 11, 2010
    6
    this album was okay. Katy Perry could be better. her songs are too girlie. I think katy perry sings really good. This album was good but not as good. I like a few songs from this album
  22. amirmanraj
    May 29, 2012
    5
    Seriously, a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year? The good songs are "California Gurls", "Firework", "The One That Got Away", "Not Like the Movies", and "Wide Awake". 5 good songs equals a rating of 5 out of 10.
  23. itz_giological
    May 23, 2011
    6
    She forgot one thing about Teenage Dreams: they can also be nightmares! While the album is gifted with a fabulous first half, a "Peacock" comes along and drags down the "California candy cloud" to pop hell.
  24. OfficialCarlo
    Nov 26, 2010
    6
    The "California Gurl" from Santa Barbara delivered a satisfying pop album. The title-track "Teenage Dream" does not represent the whole album. The album is catchy, good pop songs and many potential hits. I would say that Katy Perry wants to deliver a party album but it turned out to be 80s. Firework is a good pop ballad. There are songs that lyrically talks about being married which isThe "California Gurl" from Santa Barbara delivered a satisfying pop album. The title-track "Teenage Dream" does not represent the whole album. The album is catchy, good pop songs and many potential hits. I would say that Katy Perry wants to deliver a party album but it turned out to be 80s. Firework is a good pop ballad. There are songs that lyrically talks about being married which is ironically to the concept of the album. The rocker element is still present in some songs of the album including the title track. "Last Friday Night" and "Peacock" are potential hits and as catchy like Ke$ha's song. Her voice is turned into a robot. Overall, the album is catchy and good.… Expand
  25. arcanjo
    Jun 15, 2017
    6
    The contrast between the good written ballas like Pearl, Who Am I Living For and Hummingbird Heartbeat and the dull songs like California Girls and Peacock are the chemistry that make this album so love it or hate it. But for an immature audience, this album fits very well.
  26. TryAgainGata
    Oct 22, 2016
    5
    1 – Teenage Dream 4/5
    2 – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) 3/5
    3 – California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) 3/5
    4 – Firework 4/5
    5 – Peacock 2/5
    6 – Who Am I Living For? 3/5
    7 – The One That Got Away 5/5
    8 – E.T. 4/5
    9 – Circle The Drain 2/5
    10 – Pearl 2/5
    11 – Hummingbird Heartbeat 3/5
    12 – Not Like The Movies 3/5
  27. victorcarter
    Nov 21, 2016
    4
    A significant improvement over One Of the Boys. Including two great tracks, Teenage Dream and TOTGA, and some good ones (E.T. Wide Wake), it's a very fun record
  28. Edduardo20
    Feb 15, 2017
    5
    This album is nothing more than plastic pop full of glitter, colored ribbons, candy stuck and an irritating infantile attitude for someone who should mature.

    For something Prism can be considered his "Best Work" although it is more of the same, only without pink glitter. It's not bad, but their songs are too Pop chicle and cheap just because that's what people like this album. Just    This album is nothing more than plastic pop full of glitter, colored ribbons, candy stuck and an irritating infantile attitude for someone who should mature.

    For something Prism can be considered his "Best Work" although it is more of the same, only without pink glitter.

    It's not bad, but their songs are too Pop chicle and cheap just because that's what people like this album. Just because it's easy to chew like a chewing gum and let's be honest. Who does not like chewing gum?    … Expand
  29. Jmusic9
    Jul 7, 2018
    4
    Katy creo un álbum lleno de canciones carentes de sentido común.

    Que sea un álbum con muchos hits NO lo convierte en un buen trabajo, de hecho, más allá de sus hits esto es puro relleno.
  30. FruitJuice
    Jul 18, 2017
    4
    it was okay........................................................................................................................................................................
  31. PsychoLevi
    Aug 31, 2019
    6
    TEENAGE DREAM contains massive catchy hits. But when you found out that it came from the same album, you would wonder what the hell were the songs related in this title?
  32. gabrielcipriano
    Dec 21, 2018
    6
    We have an issue of too generic album, but a big evolution of Katy Perry. The whole album is great and cool but it has a lack of something stronger than it would need in the next album. The songs are good, still lacking a special essence to stay optimum! Evolution.
  33. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 14, 2021
    5
    People are so quick to ridicule and downplay pop as bland and important but that neglects to respect it's artistry. Pop is a precarious balancing act of accessibility vs. substance and seemingly the idea of it being both is ignored. Well that shouldn't be the case on this impressive gem of confectionary pop. Filled with irresistible hooks such as the snoop dog assist title track or thePeople are so quick to ridicule and downplay pop as bland and important but that neglects to respect it's artistry. Pop is a precarious balancing act of accessibility vs. substance and seemingly the idea of it being both is ignored. Well that shouldn't be the case on this impressive gem of confectionary pop. Filled with irresistible hooks such as the snoop dog assist title track or the timberland "if we ever meet again " that hop through genres with ease. The highlights arrive i the ballad adjacent endeavours such as the spellbinding nostalgia of "teenage dream" that takes you to the ephemeral highs of uncharted adolescence and the contrasting regretful "the one that got away" . I cannot emphasis the appeal of this record. Despite the lows of "peacock " insufferable chorus and childish squeal or the forgettable crawl of "circle the drain" it's certified bops like "last friday night " that capture the cliches of highschool successfully in both the song and music video. It's a full portrait of an artist at their creative peak with a tight unwavering hold on pop culture cementing themselves as staples. And you can't downplay that… Expand
  34. Serchvaz
    Jul 3, 2019
    6
    Its a good pop album ,you will enjoy it ,but the main problem are the lyrics they are so basic ,but the beats are incredible. In summary a summer album to hear and enjoy.
  35. cipriano
    Feb 6, 2020
    6
    This album came to change the history of pop, but has something generic and totally commercial, the sound and compositions do not get to be bad but there is something that bothers me, but the album is around saturated to hear from having heard in each corner or because it is surface too much. A mature Katy Perry in her next few years is what I'd like to hear.
  36. Brzuchaczyk
    Sep 1, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Singles - bop. As usually. Katy, great job. Trully deserved 5 number #1. It's 2020 and i'm sure there are millions of people listening to it. Teenage dream is my personal favourite - summer vibe easy going song with her soft voice. Non singles are pretty okay, but with huge exception of Peacock. Why? How did this happend? And Hummingbird Heartbeat didn(t get my heart either. But it's not bad. But didn't have to make it to the album. In the end - I do reccomend… Expand
  37. reviewer2410
    Aug 31, 2020
    6
    First of all, Peacock is an awful song that I don’t why Katy Perry refused to scrap… or make in the first place. Is this album bad? Yes and no. Is it good? Yes and no. These songs are bulletproof from letting the valid criticism affect their commercial performance but also aren’t well-written aside from a couple of songs. This album is good for passive listening but you’ll have a hard timeFirst of all, Peacock is an awful song that I don’t why Katy Perry refused to scrap… or make in the first place. Is this album bad? Yes and no. Is it good? Yes and no. These songs are bulletproof from letting the valid criticism affect their commercial performance but also aren’t well-written aside from a couple of songs. This album is good for passive listening but you’ll have a hard time trying to find a deep lyric that isn’t either cliché or cringe-worthy.… Expand
  38. Urielpadilla27
    Jan 17, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El peor de los 5 albumes que tiene lo único bueno son los videos aun que solo me gusta uno realmente ni siquiera tuvo que estar nominado a los Grammy… Expand
  39. shad0w0711
    Dec 27, 2021
    6
    TD will remain a benchmark for extremely pop albums but the album without the singles leaves much to be desired.
  40. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    5
    Only really liked two songs on this album so an average review. Don’t really like futuristic pop.
  41. Pedrica
    Jan 29, 2023
    6
    Não é o melhor álbum da cantora, pois foi feita para hitar e criar uma estética doce e alegre. Levando em conta seus objetivos, o álbum alcançou um desempenho espetacular, sendo retratado até como a maior era feminina do pop. Nos trouxe músicas motivacionais e plot twists muito bons. Ela subindo às nuvens na primeira música do álbum e caindo da nuvens, acordando do seu sonho foi uma coisaNão é o melhor álbum da cantora, pois foi feita para hitar e criar uma estética doce e alegre. Levando em conta seus objetivos, o álbum alcançou um desempenho espetacular, sendo retratado até como a maior era feminina do pop. Nos trouxe músicas motivacionais e plot twists muito bons. Ela subindo às nuvens na primeira música do álbum e caindo da nuvens, acordando do seu sonho foi uma coisa muito bem pensada. Mas infelizmente suas músicas sem ligação e sonoridades meia boca abaixam o desempenho.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2010
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. PopMatters
    40
    After some severe front-loading, the album is filled out by songs that are too dark or lifeless to work alongside the Candyland motif of the cover and sunbeamy splash of California Gurls.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Teenage Dream is the kind of pool-party-pop gem that Gwen Stefani used to crank out on the regular, full of SoCal ambience and disco beats.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    40
    There's none of the ABBA or Cardigans influence she claimed, nor any of the fun she seems to have in real life. For now she just sounds like another of pop's Stepford Wives.
    Read full review
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