No one seemed to control the mid-2000s like Santa Barbara native Katy Perry. With her brightly colored costumes and delightfully whimsical performances, she sauntered onto the scene with her bold presence. As a result, she created some of the most infectious hits ever created. While everyone has their personal favorites, here are five Katy Perry songs that the world won’t ever get enough of.
Top 5 Best-Selling & Most Compelling Katy Perry Songs
“Teenage Dream”
Video of “Teenage Dream” courtesy of Katy Perry Official Account
Extracted from her hit album of the same name, “Teenage Dream” explores the euphoric feeling of the ultimate teenage love experience. Written by Perry and Bonnie McKee, the feel-good tune was co-written by Max Martin, Benny Blanco, and Dr. Luke. Throughout the song, Perry melodically describes being with a lover who makes her feel young again. With its upbeat, retro vibe, the song feels like a candy-coated trip down memory lane that we all remember. Topping the US Billboard Hot 100, “Teenage Dream” became Perry’s third number-one single on that chart. Additionally, it reached number one in multiple countries, including New Zealand and Ireland.
“E.T.”
Video of “E.T.” courtesy of Katy Perry Official Account
Also extracted from her third album, Teenage Dream (2010), E.T. was co-written and produced by Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Ammo. The hip-hop-infused hit speaks of “falling in love with a foreigner. With its clap-stomp rhythmic pattern, the song’s beat is delightfully reminiscent of Queen’s “We Will Rock You”. E.T. eventually became Perry’s fifth number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the charts in New Zealand, Poland, and Canada. Winning Favorite Song at the 38th People’s Choice Awards, the upbeat tune also received three nominations at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.
A remix of the song, featuring Kanye West, was included on the reissue of the album, Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (2012). To date, “E.T.” has sold over 5 million digital downloads in the US, making it one of the biggest songs of 2011.
“Firework”
Video of “Firework” courtesy of Katy Perry Official Account
Produced by Sandy Vee and Stargate, the self-empowerment anthem was co-written by Perry and Ester Dean. With its energetic vibe, the song melodically enhanced self-worth, while providing hope to the hopeless. “Firework” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. To date, “Firework” has sold over 1 million copies in the United Kingdom and was certified 12× platinum. Also extracted from Teenage Dream (2010), “Firework” won Video of the Year at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards.
“Roar”
Video of “Roar” courtesy of Katy Perry Official Account
The lead single from her fourth studio album, Prism (2013), “Roar” was co-written by Perry, Bonnie McKee, and its producers Max Martin Cirkut, and Dr. Luke. The uplifting pop song details the significance of self-empowerment and standing up for oneself. A quality that we all must possess if we want to survive in this unpredictable world. Becoming an empowerment anthem, “Roar” topped charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The song was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. By the end of 2013, “Roar” had sold over 9.9 million units worldwide.
“Dark Horse”
Video of “Dark Horse” courtesy of Katy Perry Official Account
Extracted from Perry’s fourth album, Prism (2013), “Dark Horse” features Memphis-born rapper Juicy J and explores playful occult themes. Perry wrote the seductive song from the perspective of a witch, warning a man that falling in love with her will make her his last. Written by Perry and Juicy J, the hip-hop-flavored hit was co-written with Sarah Hudson, and its producers are Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Cirkut. With its trap beat, “Dark Horse” slightly samples 2008’s “Joyful Noise” by Christian rap artist Flame. A commercial success, “Dark Horse” charted at number one in the US and Canada.
It also reached the top ten in other countries, including New Zealand and the United Kingdom. “Dark Horse won Single of the Year at the 2014 American Music Awards and was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. Eventually, the song became one of the best-selling songs worldwide in 2014.
These days, Perry is discovering new talent as one of three judges on American Idol. However, no matter how many years go by, these glitter-filled hits will never lose their luster.
