For a reviewer to go out and folk out hard-earned cash (and believe me we don’t get paid much for our weekly ramblings) it’s proof enough that the record has to be a goodie. Add to the fact that a few months back we made Ms Perry’s ‘Ur So Gay’ our Single of the Week and this album is fast becoming an essential buy. But don’t take my word for it – in the US her album debuted inside the top 10 and the single, ‘I Kissed A Girl’, hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, selling a staggering million copies in the process; it’s also the 1,000th to top the singles chart there. The song is pure feel-good edginess with more then a nod to the likes of Avril Lavigne and Kelly Clarkson – little wonder as all three share the same producer in Dr. Luke. Three-years-in-the-making ‘One Of The Boys’ shows her label’s commitment with additional input from an array of noted producers including Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette), Dave Stewart (The Eurythmics), Butch Walker (Pink), and Greg Wells (Mika). But the most important ingredient is her self-penned lyrics that are fun, flamboyant, and oozing with witty and innuendo. Perry could well be the female equivalent to Mika. Although she actually describes herself as a slimmer version of Lily Allen and a fatter version of Amy Winehouse! A sharp and droll pop-rock collection that includes candid tales of neurotic ex-boyfriends (‘Hot N Cold’, ‘Mannequin’, ‘Ur So Gay), lost weekends (‘Waking Up In Vegas’), and girl power odes (‘If You Can Afford Me’). At just 23, the Californian has made an album that’s sure to figure heavily in the end-of-year best of polls and will help her cement a place in the Brit’s hearts too.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene
