Katy Perry has cemented her status as a global pop icon, delivering a string of anthems that have dominated airwaves and streaming platforms alike. Hailing from California, Perry’s journey from gospel beginnings to pop superstardom is a testament to her talent and adaptability. With a discography boasting numerous chart-toppers, pinpointing her most popular songs is a journey through the evolution of modern pop music.
1. “I Kissed a Girl”
Released in April 2008 as the debut single from her breakthrough album One of the Boys, “I Kissed a Girl” was the track that catapulted Katy Perry into the mainstream. This bold and catchy tune sparked conversations and quickly climbed the charts, holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks. The lyrics, revolving around experimentation and curiosity, resonated with a wide audience and are often credited with bringing queer themes into the pop music conversation, alongside tracks like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Same Love”. “I Kissed a Girl” remains one of Katy Perry’s signature popular songs, instantly recognizable and a staple in her live performances.
2. “Roar”
“Roar,” the lead single from her 2013 album Prism, is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment. Co-written with Bonnie McKee, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut, this power pop track resonated globally, reaching the top of the charts in 12 countries, including both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its message of finding inner strength and overcoming challenges struck a chord, making “Roar” not just a chart-topping hit but also an inspirational song for many listeners. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and Katy Perry’s ability to connect with her audience on an emotional level.
3. “Rise”
Released in July 2016, “Rise” served as an anthem of resilience and perseverance. Co-written with Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, and Ali Payami, this electronic-infused track quickly ascended into the top 10 in numerous countries, including the U.S. Notably, “Rise” was adopted as an anthem for the 2016 Summer Olympics, further amplifying its message of strength and overcoming adversity. An Olympics-themed music video and a subsequent official video helped solidify its place as one of Katy Perry’s impactful and popular songs, showcasing her ability to create music that resonates with significant global events.
4. “Bon Appétit”
“Bon Appétit,” featuring the rap trio Migos, offered a different flavor in Katy Perry’s discography. Released as the second single from her 2017 album Witness, this dance-pop track incorporated Migos’ signature trap rapping and was characterized by its suggestive lyrics and double entendres. While sonically different from some of her more straightforward pop hits, “Bon Appétit” showcased Perry’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries. The music video, featuring Perry literally being served as a meal, further amplified the song’s provocative and playful nature, making it a memorable and popular, albeit somewhat controversial, track.
5. “Firework”
From her massively successful 2010 album Teenage Dream, “Firework” is an uplifting anthem about inner potential. Co-written with Ester Dean and produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee, this dance track’s message of self-belief resonated deeply with listeners. “Firework” soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved top 5 status on charts across 20 other countries. Its empowering lyrics and memorable melody have made “Firework” a go-to song for motivational moments and celebrations, cementing its place as one of Katy Perry’s most enduring and popular songs.
6. “Dark Horse”
Featuring rapper Juicy J, “Dark Horse,” released in 2013 from the Prism album, blends elements of Southern rap and techno. This genre-bending track showcased Katy Perry’s ability to fuse seemingly disparate musical styles into a cohesive and catchy hit. “Dark Horse” topped charts worldwide and its music video, with its Ancient Egypt theme, became a visual spectacle. The song’s success highlights Perry’s versatility and her talent for creating popular songs that defy easy categorization, appealing to a broad audience with its unique sonic blend.
7. “California Gurls”
“California Gurls,” featuring Snoop Dogg, is Katy Perry’s ode to her home state and West Coast culture. Released from the Teenage Dream album, Perry envisioned it as a West Coast counterpart to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind.” This sunny and infectious track celebrates California with playful lyrics and Snoop Dogg’s signature laid-back rap verses. “California Gurls” became a summer anthem and a global hit, further solidifying Katy Perry’s status as a purveyor of catchy and culturally relevant popular songs.
8. “Wide Awake”
“Wide Awake” originated from the reissue of Teenage Dream, titled Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, and was inspired by Perry’s biographical film, Katy Perry: Part of Me. Released in 2012, this song blends power ballad elements with dance-pop sensibilities. “Wide Awake” is a reflective and empowering track about moving forward and gaining clarity after a period of turmoil. Its introspective lyrics and soaring vocals resonated with listeners, making it another popular song in Katy Perry’s catalog that showcases her emotional depth and vocal range.
9. “Daisies”
Released in 2020 as the lead single from her Smile album, “Daisies” is a passionate declaration of self-belief and resilience. While not as commercially dominant as some of her earlier hits, it still debuted at No. 40 in the US, marking Katy Perry’s 25th Top 40 song in America. “Daisies” is a testament to Perry’s enduring artistry and her commitment to creating music that is both personal and relatable. Its message of staying true to oneself resonated with fans and solidified its place among her collection of popular songs.
10. “Teenage Dream”
The title track and second single from her Teenage Dream album, released in July 2010, “Teenage Dream” perfectly captures the euphoria of young love. This quintessential pop song is all about the passion and excitement of teenage romance. With its infectious melody and relatable lyrics, “Teenage Dream” became a defining song of its era and remains one of Katy Perry’s most beloved and popular songs, embodying the youthful exuberance that has characterized much of her music.
Katy Perry’s popular songs are a vibrant tapestry of pop innovation, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her enduring connection with audiences worldwide. From bold anthems to introspective ballads, her discography is a testament to her status as a leading force in contemporary pop music.
