Katy Perry is one of the most successful pop stars of the 21st century, known for her catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and vibrant personality. From her breakthrough hit “I Kissed a Girl” to her more recent smash “Dark Horse,” Perry has consistently delivered chart-topping hits that have become anthems for a generation. In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best Katy Perry songs of all time, based on their commercial success, critical acclaim, and lasting impact on popular culture. These songs showcase Perry’s versatility as an artist, with a mix of power ballads, electro-pop anthems, and dancefloor bangers that have earned her a legion of devoted fans around the world. Whether you’re a die-hard Katy Perry fan or just someone who appreciates great pop music, this list is sure to have you singing along to some of her biggest hits.
1. Teenage Dream
“Teenage Dream” is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry, released in 2010 as the second single from her third studio album of the same name. The track was co-written by Perry, Bonnie McKee, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke, and produced by the latter two. The song’s lyrics describe a young love that feels perfect and eternal, with Perry reminiscing about the intensity and passion of a teenage romance. The catchy chorus and upbeat melody make it a classic pop anthem that celebrates the thrill of young love.
The music video for “Teenage Dream” depicts Perry in a dreamlike world, surrounded by attractive young men and women, as she relives a joyful and carefree summer romance. The video’s bright and colorful visuals perfectly complement the song’s upbeat and optimistic tone. The song was a commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
2. I Kissed a Girl
I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry:
“I Kissed a Girl” is a pop-rock song by Katy Perry, released in 2008 as the lead single from her debut album, “One of the Boys.” The song was written by Perry, Max Martin, Cathy Dennis, and Dr. Luke, and produced by the latter two. The song’s lyrics describe a woman’s curiosity and experimentation with same-sex attraction, as she kisses another woman in a moment of spontaneity and excitement. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in several other countries.
The music video for “I Kissed a Girl” features Perry performing at a wild party, where she catches the attention of another woman and kisses her. The video’s playful and provocative imagery perfectly captures the song’s theme of exploring sexual identity and challenging social norms. While the song drew some controversy for its subject matter, it also earned praise for its catchy melody and bold lyrics. Overall, “I Kissed a Girl” helped establish Katy Perry as a pop superstar and remains one of her most iconic hits.
3. Hot n Cold
“Hot n Cold” is a pop-rock song by Katy Perry, released in 2008 as the second single from her debut album, “One of the Boys.” The song was written by Perry, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin, and produced by the latter two. The song’s lyrics describe the frustrations and confusion of being in a relationship with someone who is inconsistent and unpredictable, with the chorus contrasting the “hot” and “cold” behavior of the partner. The song’s catchy melody and energetic instrumentation make it a fan favorite and a staple of Perry’s live performances.
The music video for “Hot n Cold” features Perry as a bride on her wedding day, chasing after her groom as he runs away from the altar. The video’s humorous and quirky tone perfectly captures the song’s playful and sarcastic lyrics. “Hot n Cold” was a commercial success, reaching the top five on several international charts and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
4. California Gurls
“California Gurls” is a pop song by Katy Perry, released in 2010 as the lead single from her third studio album “Teenage Dream.” The song features rapper Snoop Dogg and was written by Perry, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Benny Blanco, and Snoop Dogg, with the production handled by the first three. The song’s lyrics celebrate the fun and carefree lifestyle of California girls, with Perry singing about the sunny beaches, hot guys, and party scene in the state.
The music video for “California Gurls” features Perry in a candy-coated fantasy land, surrounded by dancing cupcakes, lollipops, and beach balls. The video’s colorful and whimsical imagery perfectly captures the song’s upbeat and playful tone. The song was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
5. Roar
“Roar” is a pop-rock song by Katy Perry, released in 2013 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “Prism.” The song was written by Perry, Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Bonnie McKee, and Dr. Luke, and produced by the latter three. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to find their voice and stand up for themselves in the face of adversity. The track’s catchy chorus and upbeat melody make it a pop anthem that inspires listeners to be confident and fearless.
The music video for “Roar” depicts Perry as a survivor of a plane crash, who learns to fend for herself in a jungle full of dangerous animals. The video’s empowering imagery perfectly complements the song’s theme of self-empowerment and resilience. “Roar” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
6. Firework
“Firework” is a power ballad by Katy Perry, released in 2010 as the third single from her third studio album, “Teenage Dream.” The song was written by Perry, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm, and Ester Dean, and produced by the former two. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their uniqueness and potential, and to not let anyone else dim their light. The track’s soaring chorus and uplifting melody make it a pop anthem that inspires listeners to be their best selves.
The music video for “Firework” depicts Perry as a bystander who encourages others to embrace their individuality and inner strength. The video’s powerful and emotional imagery perfectly complements the song’s theme of self-acceptance and personal growth. “Firework” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.
7. Dark Horse
“Dark Horse” is an electro-pop song by Katy Perry, featuring rapper Juicy J. The song was released in 2013 as the third single from Perry’s fourth studio album, “Prism.” The track was written by Perry, Max Martin, Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Juicy J, and produced by the former four. The song’s lyrics describe a seductive and mysterious woman who is irresistible to men. The track’s catchy chorus and unique blend of pop and hip-hop elements make it a standout hit that showcases Perry’s versatility as an artist.
The music video for “Dark Horse” depicts Perry as a queen of an Egyptian-inspired kingdom, with Juicy J playing a pharaoh who tries to win her heart. The video’s elaborate sets and costumes perfectly complement the song’s theme of mystique and sensuality. “Dark Horse” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
8. Wide Awake
“Wide Awake” is a pop ballad by Katy Perry, released in 2012 as the second single from her first live album, “Katy Perry: Part of Me.” The song was written by Perry, Bonnie McKee, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut, and produced by the latter three. The song’s lyrics describe the aftermath of a failed relationship and the process of healing and moving on. The track’s emotional lyrics and soaring melody make it a powerful ballad that resonates with listeners who have experienced heartbreak.
The music video for “Wide Awake” features Perry navigating a surreal and dreamlike world, as she confronts various obstacles and ultimately finds her way to self-acceptance and empowerment. The video’s imaginative visuals perfectly complement the song’s theme of personal growth and resilience. “Wide Awake” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
9. E.T.
“E.T.” is a futuristic electro-pop song by Katy Perry, featuring rapper Kanye West. The song was released in 2011 as the fourth single from Perry’s third studio album, “Teenage Dream.” The track was written by Perry, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Ammo, and Kanye West, and produced by the former four. The song’s lyrics describe a romantic relationship with an extraterrestrial being, using space imagery to convey a sense of otherworldly love and attraction. The track’s unique blend of pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements make it a standout hit that showcases Perry’s versatility as an artist.
The music video for “E.T.” features Perry as a cosmic queen, who is worshipped by a group of alien creatures. The video’s visually stunning and imaginative imagery perfectly complements the song’s theme of interstellar love and attraction. “E.T.” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
10. The One That Got Away
“The One That Got Away” is a power ballad by Katy Perry, released in 2011 as the sixth and final single from her third studio album, “Teenage Dream.” The song was written by Perry, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, and Henry Walter, and produced by the former three. The song’s lyrics describe a lost love that still haunts the narrator, as she reflects on the pain of letting go of someone who was once the most important person in her life. The track’s emotional lyrics and haunting melody make it a poignant ballad that resonates with listeners who have experienced heartbreak.
The music video for “The One That Got Away” features Perry as an elderly woman who looks back on her past romance with regret and longing. The video’s poignant and emotional imagery perfectly complements the song’s theme of lost love and regret. “The One That Got Away” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Perry a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
