5 Underrated Songs From Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’

Katy Perry’s career defining track, ‘Teenage Dream’, just completed 10 years since its release. The upbeat, cheeky pop track marked a momentous occasion in the pop star’s career, launching her into a new peak. In addition to its contribution to pop music, the album of the same name also made history in more ways than one. 

“Teenage Dream” marked the second album in music history to have 5 singles to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, Katy Perry also became the first female artist in music to achieve this feat. And, while Perry claimed success with tracks like ‘ET’, ‘California Gurls’, ‘The One That Got Away’, and more, the album is home to some underrated pop bops. These tracks may not have hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 or represented her magnanimity as a pop star. But, they definitely offer up a deep insight into the singer’s life, her vulnerabilities and inner most thoughts. Take a look! 

1. Circle The Drain

In this disarming tune, Katy Perry details the addiction issues of a loved one, and how it affects her. Offering an emotional look at the various complexities substance abuse involves, ‘Circle The Drain’ is one of the more sombre pop ballads on the album. 

Perry sings: “Thought that I was the exception/ I could rewrite your addiction/ You could’ve been the greatest/ But you’d rather get wasted.” And, while she isn’t dismissive of the weight of the issue at hand, she also acknowledges her own frustration and anger regarding the situation. In one verse, she sings: “I’m not sticking around to watch you go down/ Wanna be your lover, not your f**king mother/ Can’t be your savior; I don’t have the power.” This song may not have been a chart topper. But, it definitely is food for thought. 

2. Who Am I Living For?

In yet another empowering, thought provoking track, Perry sings about self discovery and exploration in ‘Who Am I Living For?’. This light rock pop ballad sees Katy Perry using the metaphor of battle and turns onto a journey of empowerment. 

To a catchy electronic riff, she sings: “I am ready for the road less traveled/ Suiting up for my crowning battle/ This test is my own cross to bare/ But I will get there”. Ahead, she sings of the final realisation, “I can see the writing on the wall/ I can’t ignore this war/ At the end of it all/ Who am I living for?” Complete with a cinematic score and grandiose imagery, this song is worth an attentive listen. 

3. Peacock 

Moving away from the intensity and evocativeness of the previous tracks, ‘Peacock’, is Perry’s moment of fun. The singer uses the metaphor of the colourful, vibrant bird and makes it a sexually charged, cheeky pop anthem for intimacy. 

Singing to some upbeat, high energy pop bars, Perry croons: “I wanna see your peacock, cock, cock/ Word on the street, you got somethin’ to show me/ Magical, colorful, Mr. Mystery/ I’m intrigued, for a peek, heard it’s fascinating/ Come on baby let me see/ What you’re hiding underneath.” So, while Perry offers food for thought in emotional pop ballads, this one is a track to let loose and have fun to. 

4. Not Like The Movies

In this track, Katy Perry explores uncertainty, nervousness and a collapsing relationship. She sings of the kind of love that just isn’t right, from the very beginning. Complete with witty imagery and strikingly simple writing, the singer captures the essence of relatability in a pop song. 

She sings: “I didn’t feel/ The fairytale feeling/ Am I a stupid girl/ For even dreaming that I could/ If it’s not like the movies/ That’s how it should be.” Take a ride of this gentle, stripped down pop ballad, and let those floodgates open. 

5. Starstrukk: 

This collaboration flew under the pop radar. It was big at the time of its release, but quickly went by unnoticed. But, one listen and you’d wonder why. The track is upbeat, electro-pop goodness that will have you dancing the moment you hit play. 

Featuring duo, 3OH!3, this track is an underrated track from the ‘Teenage Dream’ era. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t let loose to it.

By: Ahalya Narayanan