Aural Only: Katy Perry

It’s time to spice things up on our Weekly Top Ten! We’ve been holding off on Katy Perry‘s latest single “E.T.”, as we continued to wait for the official music video. Alas, the song’s been out for a while now, and we feel it’s gained enough momentum to have a fair chance on our charts. Frankly, we should have posted this, like, ten years ago.

Despite what you may think, we don’t actually hate Katy Perry. There was just something vaguely sketchy about the way she exploited her gay audience in the “Firework” video. Maybe it was all in our heads? It’s yet to be determined. Either way, we’re willing to get over it and approach her next phase with a clean slate.

Admittedly, we’re kind of intrigued by this “E.T.” business. It’s easily one of the most R&B-tinged singles released in Perry’s career. With the utmost sincerity, we give her props for branching out into new territory. Albeit she’s doing it on a song that’s either about literally boning an alien or having sex with someone so talented that they send you into outer space… But, um, it’s still progress!

We do, however, find ourselves a bit perplexed at the presence of Kanye West on the official single version. The addition of a guest rapper often signals that a label isn’t confident on an artist’s ability to do it on their own (see B.o.B‘s wholly unnecessary verse on “Price Tag”). Of course, in this case, it could just be a ploy to get the song some spins on hip-hop stations. Katy Perry isn’t irrelevant or desperate enough to resort to such antics, right?

– Dewitt

To listen to “E.T. (Futuristic Lover)”, follow the JUMP:

Head over here to listen to the official single version with Kanye’s contribution.

19 thoughts on “Aural Only: Katy Perry

  1. the lyrics…..
    and the way she sings them out……
    erm…. can’t find a bad enough word.
    well, but california girls lyrics was even worse… so, u can’t expect much.
    don’t think i like it, but i’m sure it will be a hit, cos radio plays her music a lot.

  2. I like this, both versions are good. I’d like to see her do something with Rihanna or Nicki Minaj too. And No, the addition of a guest rapper does not signal that a label isn’t confident on an artist’s ability to do it on their own. Sometimes it just opens the song up to a different audience. In this case I think Kanye rather small verse works with the song.

  3. The song is better without Kanye. Check the Dave Aude Remix. Looks like another #1 for Mrs. Brand Perry.

  4. Of course the whores at Vevo won’t let me listen to the link you posted.

    Its an ok song. Not fond of the beat. And as previous people said it is better without Kanye (most things are)

  5. Sorry, but I can’t get behind a song with lyrics like “For you I’ll risk it all….Infect me with your loving, fill me with your poison. Take me, wanna be your victim.”

  6. “There was just something vaguely sketchy about the way she exploited her gay audience in the “Firework” video.”

    In what way was she exploiting her gay audience and how was it sketchy? Lady Gaga, Britney, Christina, Madonna, Pink… and so many more “exploit” their gay audience. What is the difference here?

  7. Great song! It is already burning up the charts.

    There are at least 3-4 more singles on this album – Last Friday Night (best song by far), Hummingbird Heartbeat, Peacock, The One That Got Away.

    What a record breaking album! It should have won album of the year!

  8. I guess the rumors might be true. That Katy is planning to re-release the album with a couple of new singles. This version with Kanye seems to indicate that. The song is good without rap.

  9. Don’t know why Kanye has to be part of this. I don’t want to believe Capitol (Katy’s label) doesn’t trust her on her own. Teenage Dream is the first album from that label to achieve 4 Top Ten hits in 25 years. The last one to do that was “These Dreams” by Heart. I like the Dave Aude Mix and also the one by Manhattan Clique.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.