Several songs contain passing nods to prayer. On “One of the Boys” Perry embraces her femininity and warns a guy seeking sex, “Not until you gimme my diamond ring.” “Fingerprints” alludes to Matthew 7:24-27 and talks of living life with gusto and leaving a legacy. Unfortunately …
That song contains a muted s-word and mentions homeless people trading sex for lodging. The malicious “Ur So Gay” insults a boyfriend Perry claims is so effeminate that he could pass for a homosexual. She refers to male anatomy and masturbation, telling the guy she hopes he dies during autoerotic asphyxiation. More bitter barbs and profanity mar “Hot N Cold.” The hit “I Kissed a Girl” finds a woman giddy after alcohol leads to a forbidden smooch with a female stranger (“You’re my experimental game … Ain’t no big deal, it’s innocent”). Sexual innuendo appears on “If You Can Afford Me” and “Thinking of You,” while “One of the Boys” draws inspiration from Vladimir Nabokov’s teen temptress, Lolita. An underage couple get drunk and blow their money before “Waking Up in Vegas.” “I’m Still Breathing” is a musical suicide note to a boyfriend—a last-ditch attempt to get some reaction.
One chorus on this angry, disturbed disc asks, “Have you ever been so lost?/Known the way and still so lost?” Interesting, coming from a former Christian artist (as Katy Hudson) who left to follow idols like Alanis Morissette. Pray this prodigal finds her way home.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
