For Real: New Katy Perry

Katy Perry is BACK, kicking off her sophomore campaign. After the incredible year 2008 was for her - during which she secured two of the highest-selling singles of all time in "I Kissed A Girl" (#1 in every country with 3.1 million copies sold domestically) & "Hot 'n Cold" (#3 in the U.S., but with3.8 million copies sold domestically) - there are very high expectations for her this year... and it might prove to be to difficult a challenge. But, her latest single, "California Girls," has had a great start after only a week. The track was released earlier than Capitol Records had intended (the result of internet leaks), but it immediately topped the iTunes Chart & stayed there for the majority of its first week. This Thursday, the track will debut in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, if not at #1.

"Excitement Sales," which is my term for singles that debut very high on the charts because there is great anticipation for whatever song the popular artist happens to be releasing, are great for the first week or two. But ultimately, it's radio play that will make the song a true hit. Case in point - Kelly Clarkson's "Never Again" debuted at #8 in 2007 due to a big first week sales number, but quickly descended & never recovered. Ultimately, it wasn't a hit.

But as for Katy Perry's new track, it has everything it needs to be a huge hit. Although the title isn't as controversial as "I Kissed a Girl" or as universal as "Hot 'n Cold," the sick beat makes up for it & gives it a brand of it's own. The tempo is faster than usual - for any pop song - but this is part of what will make it a smash summer anthem. It will be on pump-up playlists around the country. This song is like a mix between Ke$ha's "TiK ToK" and Fergie's "Glamorous." The chorus doesn't have as much sing-along potential as tracks like those, but it's still catchy and fun to listen to.

But Let's Be Real: Katy Perry is a leader amongst female pop stars today. She loves to "go there" with her music, but at the same time she pushes the actual sound to wherever the pop vibe really rests at the moment. I don't see her turning bland anytime soon, but she's gonna need something very different on this album if she wants to make it as influential on the pop scene as the last one was.

What It Is: #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

at 10:13 AM