Katy Perry’s highly anticipated seventh album, “143,” was released on Friday to mostly negative reviews, marking the end of a rough rollout that began with poorly received singles and controversy surrounding her decision to work with controversial producer Dr. Luke. Reviews from outlets such as Variety, The Guardian, The Independent, and NME all criticized the album for sounding dated and lacking the iconic playfulness that made Perry a pop sensation in the past.
The lead single from “143,” “Woman’s World,” had a feminist message but received negative reviews and failed to make an impact on the charts, peaking at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for Perry’s second single, “Lifetimes,” sparked controversy as it was filmed in Spain without proper authorization, leading to an investigation by the Balearic Islands’ environmental department.
Dr. Luke, who produced much of “143,” faced a lawsuit from Kesha accusing him of rape and emotional abuse, allegations he denied. Perry’s decision to work with him drew criticism from media outlets and celebrities, with some questioning her choice to collaborate with an accused abuser. Perry defended her decision in an interview, stating that Dr. Luke was just one of many collaborators on the album and that it had sparked important conversations.
“143” comes as a follow-up to Perry’s 2020 album “Smile,” which also faced underwhelming chart performance compared to her previous releases. Despite breakout success in the early 2010s with hits like “Teenage Dream,” Perry’s recent work has not reached the same level of commercial success. The album’s performance on the charts will be a key indicator of its success following the negative reviews.
As Perry navigates the aftermath of the “143” rollout, the controversy surrounding the album and her collaboration with Dr. Luke continues to generate discussion in the music industry. The scrutiny over Perry’s choices and the response to her music highlight broader conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry and the ongoing impact of abuse allegations on artists’ careers.
