Cast member and singer Katy Perry poses at the premiere of "Katy Perry: Part of Me" at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California June 26, 2012.MARIO ANZUONI/Reuters
"Roar" by Katy Perry, from the forthcoming Prism (Capitol); streaming at www.vevo.com
Hell hath no anthemic pop like a Katy Perry scorned.
Possibly announcing a recovery from her marital non-bliss with the creepy comedian Russell Brand, the bubblegum chanteuse calls upon a jungle beast's ferocity, the iconic Rocky theme and a few seconds of serious exhaling that should have the Cranberries' Dolores O'Riordan nodding in approval.
"I've got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire," Perry hollers on the significant chorus, "because I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar."
The verse, which is girly and ditty-like, sets up the notice-serving main refrain perfectly. This is a girl in go-mode, and this is a big, fat hit for Perry – no cat has got her tongue.
Brad Wheeler