The Bottom Line
A question on the minds of many has been whether Katy Perry could find a worthy follow-up to such a huge breakthrough hit as "I Kissed a Girl." "Hot n Cold" delivers no doubt that Katy Perry leaves any concerns over one hit wonder status in the dust. It's a triumphant second single that musically may be superior to the first.
Pros
- Driving electro-pop
- More pointed lyrics from Katy Perry
- Irresistible singalong chorus
Cons
- Nothing significantly wrong here
Description
- Written by Katy Perry, Lucas Gottwald, and Max Martin
- Produced by Dr. Luke
- Released by Capitol Records September 2008
Guide Review - Katy Perry - "Hot n Cold"
Anticipation for a Katy Perry follow-up to "I Kissed a Girl" was so high that "Hot n Cold" has taken off in pop radio airplay and digital downloads well ahead of Capitol Records' promotional push. It really is no surprise, as "Hot n Cold" is a bright, pumping piece of electro-pop with a real edge.
Max Martin, who first rose to international prominence with productions of music by Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, is back in full force with production and songwriting credits on Pink's current smash "So What" and as co-songwriter here. Frequent collaborator Dr. Luke put together the driving production, and we have a bit of pop heaven. The driving beats are danceable or perfect just for a car radio singalong.
Katy Perry continues her lyrical edginess here, but her words of frustration with a fickle boyfriend are not as immediately arresting as "I Kissed a Girl." However, the honesty is evident and many female listeners will easily connect with the sentiments expressed. Katy Perry is one of the brightest new pop artists to emerge in 2008, and she is hitbound once again.
