Katy Perry, Daisies | Track Review 🎵

Following the enjoyable & respectable “Never Worn White,” Katy Perry continues her upward trajectory with her 2nd single of 2020, “Daisies.”

Generally, things have slowed down for Grammy-nominated pop singer Katy Perry.  This slackening of the pace began with Witness which simply didn’t quite work… Since then, Perry has released various singles, some of which worked (“Never Really Over” and “Never Worn White”), and some that simply didn’t (“Small Talk” and “Harleys in Hawaii”).

The good news for Perry is, that like “Never Worn White,” “Daisies” gives her another stronger moment.  Don’t call it game changing or mind bending, but “Daisies” is a winner.

“Daisies” features great production work by The Monsters & Strangerz.  While the backdrop is predominately electronic, it also incorporates acoustic rhythmic guitar – an excellent touch to say the least. The best instrumental moments overall occur on the chorus, which is also, unsurprisingly, the crowning achievement of “Daisies.” In addition to production by one of pop music’s production elites, “Daisies” features songwriting by alternative pop standout Jon Bellion – always a boost!

The production is great, but this is not about The Monsters & Strangerz, or co-writing by Bellion among others.  This is about Katy Perry! With a solid backdrop supporting her, from Perry’s end of things, she delivers a successful performance.  The record commences with a certain degree of poise on the brief but thoughtful first verse:

“Told them your dreams, and they all started laughing
I guess you’re out of your mind ‘til it actually happens.”

Even if she doesn’t ‘dig right in,’ “Daisies” builds up to a truly dynamic level, which comes to head via the chorus.  Here, Perry delivers assertive, powerhouse vocals on the chorus.  Sure, there are vocalists with an even wider range who may have added even a greater spark than Perry does, but this is a truly strong moment for her.

“They told me I was out there, tried to knock me down
Took those sticks and stones, showed ‘em I could build a house
They tell me that I’m crazy, but I’ll never let ‘em change me
‘Til they cover me in daisies, daisies, daisies
They said I'm going nowhere, tried to count me out
Took those sticks and stones, showed ‘em I could build a house
They tell me that I’m crazy, but I'll never let ‘em change me
‘Til they cover me in daisies, daisies, daisies.”

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Final Thoughts 

After a period of so-so musical offerings, as discussed earlier, Katy Perry seems to be on the right track.  “Daisies” is a strong follow-up to “Never Worn White,” which seems to indicate a project that should ultimately easily eclipse Witness.  Again, this isn’t a game changing or life changing record for Perry – we’d still opt for “Firework” or “Roar” if we had to choose – but it’s successful.

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Katy Perry • “Daisies” • Capitol • Release: 5.15.20

Photo Credit: Capitol

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