Katy Perry’s latest album, 143, released on September 20, 2024, has struggled to make an impact on the charts, sparking discussions about its underwhelming performance. Despite high hopes from fans and critics, the album failed to connect with listeners and align with contemporary musical trends, falling short of the top ten on major charts like Billboard.
Critics have been particularly vocal about the album’s shortcomings. The production has been described as overly polished and devoid of the unique personality that once set Perry apart. Peter Piatkowski of PopMatters observed that while Perry aimed for a dance-pop sound, her “ingratiating charm is buried underneath thick layers of gloss and sheen,” leaving the music feeling flat rather than energetic, unlike hits such as “Firework” or “Roar.” Tracks like “Artificial” and “Crush” have been harshly criticized as forgettable, with Piatkowski remarking that they seem “designed to be played at Forever 21″—a far cry from the innovation that once characterized her work.
Fans have echoed this sentiment, expressing their disappointment with the album. Senior Dane Printz remarked, “She sounds AI-generated—go back a decade, and she was pumping out hits, but there’s been a sharp decline.” Reflecting on why 143 has been labeled a flop, Printz added, “It’s like she’s trying to relive her ‘Teenage Dream’ era, but it just doesn’t work anymore.”
As Perry grapples with this misstep, it remains unseen whether she can adapt her sound to resonate with modern audiences or continue struggling to recapture the magic of her earlier successes.