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"Part Of Me" is hardly a new song for fans who pay close attention to
Katy Perry
. It has been the subject of leaks since late 2010. However, that takes nothing away from the fact that "Part Of Me" is another classic Katy Perry song with the sure pop production hands of
Dr. Luke
and
Max Martin
. In the wake of her recent divorce, "Part Of Me" takes on new resonance and also contains lyrics that specifically point at the end of the relationship. With its emotional survival theme and seriously catchy melody, "Part of Me" keeps Katy Perry pointed directly at the pop mainstream.
Pros
- Powerful, edgy lyrics
- Engaging singalong chorus
- Focus on survival
Cons
- Perhaps all a bit simplistic
Description
- Written by Katy Perry, Bonnie McKee, Lukasz Gottwald, and Max Martin
- Produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin
- Released February 2012 by Capitol Records
Guide Review - Katy Perry - "Part Of Me"
"Part Of Me" was written during the songwriting sessions that produced
"California Gurls,"
"Teenage Dream,"
and
"Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)"
for the
Teenage Dream
album project. Songwriter Bonnie McKee reportedly stayed up all night working on the lyrics to the song. It is a powerful statement of survival amid the ruins of a relationship. When the song first appeared in leaks it seemed obvious that "Part Of Me" was a response to Katy Perry's failed relationship with Travie McCoy of
Gym Class Heroes
. Now, with lyrics about giving back the diamond ring, it seems obvious the recent divorce from Russell Brand is the song's subject.
Musically "Part Of Me" bears all the hallmarks of a
Dr. Luke
and
Max Martin
collaboration. A pulsing beat underlining the verse gives way to a singalong chorus with the key line, "This is the part of me that you're never gonna ever take away from me." The song only slows for a moment in the bridge to deliver the message, "You can keep everything...except for me!" There is a ragged edge to the words here, but the light pop touch of Dr. Luke and Max Martin keeps the listener focused on the upbeat message of survival instead of any wallowing in past pain.
Katy Perry has delivered another gem that gets better as you listen more. It is not on the masterful level of a few of her past hits, but "Part Of Me" will sound great on your radio. It is impossible to know how long the streak will last, but for now Katy Perry's music remains at the core of the definition of mainstream pop today.