Katy Perry, Never Worn White | Track Review 🎵

After swinging and missing in the late 2010s, pop artist Katy Perry returns with a spark on the authentic, relatable ballad, “Never Worn White.”

Post-PRISM, things didn’t go nearly as smoothly for Katy Perry as they once did – FACTS.  Her final album of the 2010s, Witness, wasn’t particularly well-received, with no gargantuan hits.  Even post-Witness save for perhaps “Never Really Over”, the new singles have been meh or so-so at best.  Perry is back with spark with ballad, “Never Worn White.” Perhaps that’s surprising considering the artist at hand but occasionally, Perry and a ballad make a respectable match (“By the Grace of God”).

“Never Worn White” is beautifully executed overall.  Johan Carlsson does a nice job setting up Katy Perry with lovely production – nothing too crazy.  “Never Worn White” musically is anchored by piano and strings – gentler, more radiant sounds.  Of course, Perry herself actually sounds more alluring and compelling than she has in some time.  Perhaps she’s never been the most technically gifted vocalist, but the way she uses her instrument here – the expressiveness and nuances – are pretty sweet.  Listening to “Never Worn White,” I believe what she has to sell – the authenticity is clear and present.  Particularly impressive is how she truly rises to the occasion towards the end of the record, ‘bringing it on home.’

It’s easy to be more authentic when the subject matter is mature.  “Never Worn White” is about a committed, dedicated relationship, with matrimony in mind.  “Thank God that you were man enough to come,” Perry sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Answer my prayers / You asked the question, I said, ‘Yes’ / But I’m scared.” Of course, the centerpiece is the following chorus, where Perry wants to be the best version of herself to her future husband:

“‘Cause I’ve never worn white
But I wanna get it right
Yeah, I really wanna try with you
No, I’ve never worn white
But I’m standin’ here tonight=
‘Cause I really wanna say, “I do”
I do.”

Final Thoughts

After swinging and missing with the likes of “Small Talk” and “Harleys in Hawaii”, Katy Perry ‘comes up’ on “Never Worn White.” You could argue it’s not as exciting or thrilling as her up tempo singles from the past, but, again, I love the authenticity.  Furthermore, she sings this quite well in my opinion.  Of course, it should also be noted, the music video reveals that the singer is pregnant – can’t leave that out!

Katy Perry • “Never Worn White” – Single • Capitol • Release: 3.5.20

Photo Credit: Capitol