Why No One Is Talking About Katy Perry’s New Album, But Everyone Talks About Taylor Swift’s
It seems paradoxical to hear about the overwhelming success of Taylor Swift's new album Folklore, while popular artists like Katy Perry struggle to maintain their chart-topping status.
Taylor Swift's Folklore: A Critical and Commercial Success
Taylor Swift's latest album Folklore has rocketed to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. The album's debut single, "Cardigan," also hit number one on the Hot 100. Swift has recently set a record for the most weeks at number one on the US pop chart, tying Whitney Houston's record. The album has garnered critical acclaim and crossed a million Album-Equivalent Units, making it nearly certain to be nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
Katy Perry’s Struggles in the Post-Gen-Z World
Katy Perry’s latest album, Smile, has faced a different fate. Her album debuted at number five on the charts and fell off shortly after, with neither of the singles gaining much traction on the Hot 100. Katy Perry is not a fan favorite myself, but for her fans, the slow and agonizing decline from a chart-topping artist to an almost irrelevant figure can be heartbreaking.
Mid-30s Pop Artists Face Unique Challenges
The mid-30s have become a particularly challenging time for pop artists, especially female ones. Perry faces the same dilemma many older female pop stars do: catering to a predominantly under-20 audience. The demographic of her fan base is changing, and so is the cultural context in which she operates. Her previous album Prism also had mixed sales, partly due to this disconnect.
Strategies for Long-Term Success
For artists like Katy Perry, diversification is key. Considerations include moving into fields like Broadway or other creative endeavors that can showcase different aspects of their talent. Witness the success of artists who have embraced changes in their musical styles and expanded their artistic identities. Pink, for instance, has managed to remain relevant and successful by transitioning into a more aggressive form of pop that verges on rock. At 41, she continues to reinvent herself and maintain a strong presence in the music industry.
Conclusion
The contrast between Taylor Swift's and Katy Perry's current situations highlights the complex challenges faced by pop artists as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. Taylor Swift's success can be attributed to recent, relatable work and a strategic return to her roots, while Katy Perry’s struggles stem from the changing tastes and expectations of her audience. Both artists have lessons to learn; Swift about staying true to one's artistic vision and Perry about evolving with the genre and audience.