Review Album of the Day: Katy Perry – Witness

Although his name was lifted thanks to the album "One of the Boys" (2008), but can not be denied if the figure of Katy Perry really shot into a mega star after "Teenage Dream" (2010), which until now still referred to as one of the pop album best and influential in the second decade of the millennium era. Katy caught up with "Prism", which is no less successful, although critics say it is not as smart or phenomenal as "Teenage Dream".

Of course it's a bit difficult to keep up with an album with 5 # 1 singles (or 6 if combined with a special edition of "Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection"). But at least Katy has done her best with "Prism" which has 2 or 3 songs that are no less memorable than the material in "Teenage Dream".

It does not feel four years have passed. Now we've really entered the digital age, where streaming is the primary means for listening to new songs. Almost every artist of today must struggle to find a formula or concept album that can be adapted to the present trend. And that includes by presenting songs that can be heard alone, rather than having to be a unified whole in the format of the album. Of course there are still musicians who remain idealistic with such a concept. It's just that, for the mainstream area, taste-it's hard not to join the same style. Likewise with Katy Perry's new album, "Witness".

For the affairs of the behind-the-scenes people who helped Katy in producing the album, she was still loyal to mega producer Max Martin, who served as executive producer alongside Katy (good bye Dr Luke), and recruited other famous producers like Ali Payami and Shellback. Also recorded names like Jack Garrat, Mike Will Made It, Duke Dumont, DJ Mustard, or Hot Chip. Do not miss the involvement of Sia, Nicki Minaj, Skip Marley, or Migos as collaborators. Interesting when knowing Katy also invites band bearer pop-electronic Purity Ring to help.

So, we can be sure "Witness" is eyeing the hits row. That is for sure. Pop electronic became the main weapon. The catchy hook is sure to be part of the song. But whether they work well can be another discussion. Admittedly, some of the tracks in "Witness" do indeed, just call it a retro house that is reportedly "eyeing" the nemesis, Taylor Swift, in 'Swish Swish'. Duke Dumont's production and Minaj's rap help make the song sound dynamic and attractive. Another house variation, this time carrying a deep subgenre, presented Katy with a draw in 'Déjà Vu'.

'Bon Appétit' in collaboration with Migos is repetitive, but no doubt if the song is catchy and memorable. Katy also looms in the 'Into Me You See' ballad (which can also be spoiled into 'intimacy'), where she sings with the vocal dynamics that can be one of the best of her.

But it must be admitted if Katy's best performance in this album is three albums where Purity Ring is behind it. The dazzling pop-electronic presented in tracks like 'Mind Maze', 'Miss You More' or 'Bigger Than Me' lifts the aura of a Katy Perry from a mere pop singer by becoming a carrier of atmospheric songs rich in nuances or depth.

But "Witness" is still included with a line of pop genre track, which is actually the product of Martin, either with Payami or Shellback. From the opening track of 'Witness', to the tracks titled cheesy (and honestly less creative) like 'Hey Hey Hey' or 'Save as Draft', a melody aimed to hear it tied to his hook. Fun to be heard, but unfortunately feels very familiar with many of Martin's other productions. A real hint has been indicated since the 'Chained to the Rhythm' is so easily forgotten.

Actually "Witness" is a pop album that remains fun to watch. At least when heard in a recurring frequency it will not seem too monotonous or dull. It's just that "Witness" has a collection of songs that can be called hit-and-miss or red thread that binds strongly from one track to another. Therefore, it is unfortunate as an album of the artist of Katy Perry, "Witness" turned out to have material and concepts that lack a strong impression.