* Katy Perry is one of the best-selling pop artists of all time
* Three of her albums debuted at #1 on the charts
* We rank her studio albums – do you agree with our picks?
Whether you like her music or not, it’s hard to deny that Katy Perry’s talent and hustle have taken her to where she’s at today; namely: one of the best-selling artists of all time.
We’re taking a look back at the superstar’s albums, which have collectively sold more than 100 million units worldwide. Which one tops our list? Read on to find out.
4. Witness (2017)
Witness is the latest studio album from Perry, just released this past June. From the start, it received mix reviews from critics and fans alike. Ramping up to its release, Perry dropped three singles: “Chained to the Rhythm,” “Bon Appetit” and “Swish Swish.”
It was this final single (“Swish Swish”) preceding the release of the album that really garnered a lot of attention. Perry appeared on SNL for what became one of the most talked-about SNL performances in years, and the “Swish Swish” backpack dance became a cultural phenomenon.
The album is characterized to a great degree by collaborative efforts with various artists like Migos and Nicki Minaj, while also breaking away from the sunny pop stylings of previous releases in favor of a more mid-tempo and introspective vibe.
3. One of the Boys (2008)
With all that she’s accomplished (and given how ubiquitous she is across fashion and pop culture these days), it’s hard to believe that Perry has only released four studio albums.
Perry’s first album under the name that would make her famous (her real name is Katy Hudson), 2008’s One of the Boys contains the single that would propel her to the top of the charts as well as to the center of many a boy and girl’s hearts. “
” is still to this day, one of the most beloved summer anthems of all time.In addition to this number one hit, her debut album under the moniker Katy Perry also brought us “Waking Up in Vegas,” a top ten hit that speaks to many a wild weekend in Sin City.
The album itself is lighthearted, pop-infused and hints at the singer’s powerful voice which would be shaped by things to come.
2. Prism (2013)
With the release of Prism in 2013, fans were treated to a new side of Perry as she let her inner lion “Roar” for all to see. The tone of this album was definitely darker than her prior two releases and it was heavily inspired by dance and the EDM genre.
The album as a whole reflects a theme of self-empowerment that many believe in part can be attributed to her divorce the previous year from Russell Brand.
The darker themes and themes of personal growth were certainly a departure from the lighter side of music that Perry fans were used to. However, fans still embraced the album as a whole as they saw yet another side of the talented singer coming to the fore.
1. Teenage Dream (2010)
Teenage Dream captures the voice, charm and passion of Perry better than any other studio album she has put out thus far. With infectious songs such as “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream,” to the anthem “Firework,” this album and its dance, pop and disco-influenced tracks featured not only some of her most memorable songs, but also displayed the singer’s remarkable range.
Teenage Dream was nominated for seven Grammy awards and tied Michael Jackson’s record with five number one singles from an album. It is also Perry’s best-selling album, with more than six million units sold worldwide.
Watching Perry’s development over the years with regard to her vocal range, maturity as a singer and love for all things dance and collaboration has been a joy. As she now prepares to host the MTV Video Music Awards 2017, take some time to go back and appreciate who she is and where she’s come from.
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