· Alex Harris · Trending
From I Kissed a Girl to Daisies: A Deep Dive into Katy Perry’s Popular Songs and Their Impact
Katy Perry: the queen of unapologetic pop, where rainbows, fireworks, and the occasional alien encounter dominate.
If you haven’t caught yourself singing along to Roar in the car, are you even living?
Perry’s journey from gospel-singing hopeful to full-blown pop sensation has been a kaleidoscope of cultural moments, eccentric outfits, and, of course, chart-topping hits.
She’s not just a pop star; she’s a force that can turn something as mundane as a plastic bag into a metaphor for self-worth.
What Is Katy Perry’s Biggest Hit? (We All Know Which One)
Katy Perry didn’t just emerge onto the scene quietly. No, she crashed onto it with I Kissed a Girl, a song that, back in 2008, sparked plenty of conversations.
This wasn’t just another pop song; it was bold, brash, and held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks.
Some were scandalised, others were thrilled, but everyone was talking about it.
And whether you’re willing to admit it or not, you’ve probably sung, “I kissed a girl and I liked it,” at least once.
Katy Perry’s Top 10 Earworms (That Are Still Playing in Your Head)
Now let’s be honest, Katy Perry has a knack for creating songs that stick in your head for days.
Whether you like it or not, they’re the soundtrack of many a car journey, dance floor, and shower singalong.
Here are ten of her biggest hits that you definitely know:
“Roar” – Perry’s anthem of self-empowerment has become the unofficial song of “gearing up to do something brave.”
“Firework” – Yes, we’ve all been told we’re like plastic bags, drifting through the wind, but somehow, it feels inspiring when she says it.
“Dark Horse” – With its blend of trap beats and pop, this collaboration with Juicy J was bound to be a hit.
“Teenage Dream” – It’s all about first loves, and no matter how far removed from teenage years you are, it still feels relevant.
“California Gurls” – If this isn’t playing at every summer party, is it really even summer?.
“Hot N Cold” – The ultimate song for anyone who’s experienced an up-and-down relationship.
“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” – You probably don’t want to admit how much you relate to the chaos in this track.
“Wide Awake” – A reflective, emotional track that shows Perry’s more serious side.
“Part of Me” – A song about resilience, perfect for those post-breakup moments when you need a pick-me-up.
“Unconditionally” – A love ballad that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
These songs aren’t just hits—they’ve become part of the cultural fabric.
Perry’s music is more than just catchy; it’s the soundtrack to both big nights out and quiet moments of reflection.
What Was Katy Perry’s First Hit?
Katy Perry’s first proper taste of mainstream success came with I Kissed a Girl.
Before that, she dabbled in gospel music with her album Katy Hudson, but let’s just say that didn’t exactly make waves.
Once I Kissed a Girl hit the airwaves in 2008, however, Perry was everywhere.
The track wasn’t just her breakout hit—it was the song that cemented her as a pop star capable of making people talk.
Katy Perry’s Top 5 Most-Streamed Songs on Spotify (And Why You Keep Playing Them)
When it comes to Spotify, Perry’s songs are on heavy rotation—and you’re partially to blame.
Here are her top five most-streamed tracks on the platform:
- “Dark Horse” – 471 million streams
This trap-pop hybrid, featuring Juicy J, captured listeners from the start. Its hypnotic beats and sultry vibe make it one of her most addictive songs. - “Chained to the Rhythm” – 284 million streams
Released as a single in 2017, this track mixes disco beats with a political message—yes, it’s possible to dance and reflect at the same time. - “Roar” – 171 million streams
As if you weren’t expecting this. Roar is a staple for anyone in need of a confidence boost, and it’s been soundtracking pep talks everywhere since 2013. - “Never Really Over” – 351 million streams
Perry went electro-pop for this 2019 hit, and judging by the stream count, it worked. The track perfectly captures the endless cycle of trying to move on from someone. - “Feels” – 257 million streams
This collaboration with Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams, and Big Sean is a summer staple—fun, breezy, and impossible not to dance to.
What’s the Secret to Katy Perry’s Longevity? (Hint: She’s Always One Step Ahead)
What keeps Katy Perry relevant while so many pop stars fade into obscurity? Simply put, she knows how to adapt.
Perry’s not afraid to switch things up, whether it’s diving into trap beats for Dark Horse or mixing disco-pop with Chained to the Rhythm.
She has an instinct for what’s going to resonate, even if it’s completely different from what she’s done before.
Add in her unapologetic confidence and playful approach to pop music, and you’ve got a recipe for lasting success.
Unlike other artists who can sometimes feel stuck in their glory days, Perry seems perfectly content evolving with the times—and maybe that’s why we keep listening.
Katy Perry’s Underrated Tracks (That Deserve Another Listen)
While the spotlight often shines on Roar and Firework, there are plenty of Katy Perry songs that didn’t quite get the attention they deserve.
Here’s a reminder of some of her best underrated bangers:
“Daisies” – Released in 2020, this uplifting anthem about staying true to yourself didn’t blow up like some of her earlier hits, but it’s as powerful as any empowerment track Perry has ever done.
“Waking Up in Vegas” – This song is essentially the soundtrack for anyone who’s ever had a chaotic, wild night out that you’d rather not talk about.
“Unconditionally” – Sandwiched between big hits like Roar and Dark Horse, this ballad about unconditional love was slightly overlooked, but it’s a stunning track.
What Makes a Katy Perry Song Stick?
Katy Perry knows how to create an earworm, but what’s the magic behind her songs?
It’s not just the catchy choruses or the glittery music videos (though they help).
Perry’s secret lies in the way she can tap into a universal feeling—whether it’s empowerment, love, or resilience—and wrap it in a melody you can’t stop humming.
There’s a bit of a chameleon in Perry too, always evolving but never straying too far from what made her a star in the first place.
Her ability to mix genres, collaborate with unexpected artists, and constantly reinvent her sound is what keeps her on top.
She’s playful but precise, and that’s why Katy Perry’s songs don’t just come and go—they stick with you.
Katy Perry’s career has been a whirlwind of reinventions, glitter, and chart-dominating hits.
From I Kissed a Girl to Daisies, she’s consistently managed to deliver songs that aren’t just catchy—they’re cultural moments.
Love her or hate her, there’s no denying she’s one of pop music’s most enduring figures, and something tells us she’s not done yet.