Katy Perry's comeback single falters in charts

Katy Perry, a well-known pop singer, has recently made her return to the music scene with a new single titled 'Woman's World. ' This song is the first track from her upcoming album, which is set to be released in September and is titled '143. ' Unfortunately for Katy, the song has not performed well on the music charts. In the United States, it debuted at number 63, while in the United Kingdom, it landed at number 47. This disappointing performance has led to a wave of criticism on social media, with many fans expressing their dissatisfaction. Critics have not held back, with some feeling that the song's feminist message is outdated and out of touch with current sentiments. One critic even asked, 'What regressive, warmed-over hell is this? ' while another raised the question, 'Did Katy Perry release the worst comeback single of all time? ' In 'Woman's World,' Katy sings about the strength and importance of women, referring to them as sisters, mothers, champions, and superheroes, all while maintaining a confident and sexy demeanor. The song features a catchy chorus that proclaims, 'It’s a woman’s world, and you're lucky to be living in it. ' The accompanying music video takes things a step further, showcasing Katy dressed as Rosie the Riveter, a symbol of female empowerment, as she dances with other women at a construction site. The video includes various humorous and provocative scenes, such as women using urinals and Katy being hit by an anvil, which leads to her growing bionic legs. Additionally, popular YouTuber Trisha Paytas makes an appearance, driving a monster truck. In a behind-the-scenes video, Katy explained that the music video was intended to be a form of satire, filled with slapstick humor. However, some critics, including Laura Snapes from the Guardian, believe that Katy is struggling to keep up with her pop star peers who are currently dominating the charts. Snapes pointed out that artists like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX are redefining what it means to be a pop star in 2024, showcasing creativity, self-awareness, and a mix of fun and depth that Katy seems to have lost over time. Another point of contention surrounding Katy's new single is her collaboration with producer Dr. Luke. This partnership has drawn criticism, especially considering that the song is about female empowerment. Dr. Luke has been embroiled in controversy since 2014 when fellow singer Kesha sued him, alleging that he had subjected her to sexual, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. Kesha sought to void her contract with Dr. Luke, claiming that the abuse had nearly cost her life. Dr. Luke has denied these allegations, and they reached a settlement in a long-running defamation lawsuit last year. When Katy announced her collaborators for the new album, Kesha tweeted 'lol,' which many interpreted as a jab at Katy. Kesha was later seen wearing a vest top with the same message, further fueling speculation about the tension between the two artists. Katy Perry's rise to fame began with her 2010 album 'Teenage Dream,' which made history as she became the first female artist to achieve five number one songs from the same album on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Her last album, 'Smile,' was released in 2020 and, despite receiving mixed reviews, managed to reach the top five in both the UK and US charts. As Katy embarks on this new chapter with 'Woman's World,' she hopes to reclaim her place in the music industry, but the initial response suggests that she has a long way to go.