Singer-songwriter and television personality Katy Perry released her seventh album 143 on Sept. 20, 2024, by Capital Records. It is her first album in four years, since 2020’s Smile. The album was preceded by three singles: “Woman’s World” “Lifetimes” and “I’m His, He’s Mine,” which Perry performed at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 11, two days before the album’s release, and features guest appearances by German singer Kim Petras and American rappers JID, 21 Savage and Doechii.
Katy Perry stated that the album’s numeric title represents the expression “I love you”, but is also her symbolic “angel number.” A dance-pop record, 143 explores the themes of self-love and empowerment, inspired by her motherhood. Controversy surrounded 143 before it was released. First, Perry received criticism for working on “Woman’s World,” with Dr. Luke, whom singer Kesha has accused of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Further, “Lifetimes,” was allegedly filmed illegally in the Balearic Islands in Spain, whose provincial government said that filming had been conducted without authorization and could have caused environmental damage to the highly protected dunes of S’Espalmador.
Best of Katy Perry’s 143:
While not one of Perry’s best, 143 starts and finishes strong. The album’s lead track, “Woman’s World” reminds fans why they love Perry’s music, despite her misguided attempt at making a “feminist” track and music video with a controversial producer. The album finishes on a strong note with “Wonder.” The song works better than “Woman’s World” as a feminist track, conveying a message of supporting not just each other, but ourselves, an inspiration that Perry wishes to send to her four-year-old daughter as she sings “Stay free, little Daisy, don’t let the envious ones say that you’re just a weed.” For a record about feminism and empowerment, “Wonder” is the perfect closing track and the best track on the album.
The fourth track on 143, “I’m His, He’s Mine” featuring Doechii, is another of Perry’s best songs on the album. Serving as the album’s third single, “I’m His, He’s Mine” is sampled from the Crystal Waters song “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”. The song tells the story of a confident woman unapologetically asserting her power in a romantic relationship against potential competition. Of the three singles released by 143, “I’m His, He’s Mine,” is arguably the best, and would serve as a better debut single than “Woman’s World.” Overall, “I’m His, He’s Mine” is the second best track from 143, after “Wonder.”
The Weakest Link of 143
The weakest track on Perry’s latest album has to be “Artificial” featuring rapper JID. An electronic-pop song, “Artificial” feels out of place on the album, and doesn’t feel like the artist her fans know and love. Basically, it could have been left out entirely.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Perry’s latest release is one of the weaker albums of her career. It just doesn’t feel like the same singer who topped the charts with hits like “Teenage Dream” “Firework” “California Gurls” “I Kissed a Girl” or “Hot n Cold” but ultimately, artists grow over time and their work should reflect that. However, 143 did have some bright spots. “I’m His, He’s Mine” is the best of the album’s three singles, and arguably works as a better debut single than “Woman’s World” which misses the mark on its intended feminist message. Meanwhile, the best track of 143 is its closing track, “Wonder” which successfully enforces the album’s empowering feminist message, and reminds fans why they love Perry’s music.
Katy Perry’s latest album, 143, is now streaming on several music platforms. An accompanying tour has yet to be confirmed.
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