Katy Perry, Smile | Track Review 🎵

The exuberant, uplifting single “Smile” is just what the doctor ordered for Grammy-nominated pop star Katy Perry as well as for her fans.

The struggle has been real for Katy Perry, at least where musical relevance is concerned.  Up until 2013, things were all rosy for the Grammy-nominated pop singer, with chart-topping singles and multi-platinum albums.  However, during the second half of the 10s, her popularity waned.  Witness underperformed previous albums, as well as getting mixed reviews at best (I personally only awarded the album two stars out of five).  Furthermore, building some buzz moving toward her next project, Smile, has been a long time coming.  After some blasé, forgettable singles, Perry has more spark than she’s had in a while, with “Smile” certainly being ‘just what the doctor ordered’ for her.

“Smile” is arguably the best single that Perry has released in years.  Yes, “Never Really Over”, “Never Worn White”, and “Daisies” are all strong or relatively strong, but “Smile” is potent instantly.  Sampling old-school hip-hop – Naughty by Nature, “Jamboree” – the production is clearly a pro. Beyond the sunny, soulful pop sound, Perry is exuberant and upbeat, matching the vibes of the music.  Essentially, she sounds reinvigorated and ready to reclaim her place among the pop elite.  The chorus is the centerpiece, and smartly, that centerpiece appears at the top to hook the listener:

“Yeah, I’m thankful
Scratch that, baby, I’m grateful
Gotta say it’s really been a while
But now I got back that smile.”

On the verses and pre-chorus, she reflects on where she’s been, and how she managed to come up – bounce back. “But ever tear has been a lesson,” she sings, continuing, “Rejection can be God’s protection / Long hard road to get that redemption / but no shortcuts to a blessin’.”

Final Thoughts

To reiterate, “Smile” is just what the doctor ordered for Katy Perry.  Whether or the single ascends the pop charts or not, this finds the pop star in a much better place than she was in the mid-late 00s.  “Smile” is catchy, uplifting, and Perry sings it quite well.

Katy Perry • “Smile” • Capitol • Release: 7.10.20

Photo Credit: Capitol