Katy Perry released her seventh studio album, 143, on Sept. 20, 2024. During the album rollout, she faced negative reviews, social media mockery, and speculation about her relationship. Even her fans took issue with the new album. One year after its release, Perry’s fans are sharing how they think she could have salvaged the album and, in the process, her reputation.

Katy Perry received generally negative reviews for her ‘143’ album

Perry’s 143 got off to a rough start when she released the lead single, “Woman’s World,” in July. It didn’t perform as well as she’d hoped on the charts. People also mocked both the lyrics and the accompanying music video. 

Things only got worse when Perry released the full album. Critics lambasted it, and it quickly fell off the charts. It was the worst-reviewed album of the singer’s career at a time when public opinion was already against her. The backlash reportedly alarmed her.

“Katy is freaking out right now because she is very aware of the feedback that ‘Woman’s World’ is getting,” a source told The Daily Mail. “She is pointing the fingers at everyone but herself, but it is her own fault.”

Katy Perry fans share how they think she could have fixed ‘143’

One year after the album’s release, Perry’s fans have speculated about what went wrong and how she could have fixed it. Many people believe 143 should have been an opportunity to try something new.

“This comeback could have been her moment for something more introspective with a fresh sound. Digging deeper with new collaborators could have gotten her the critical acclaim that has eluded her despite her massive success,” wrote one Reddit user. “But she and her team went back to an old sound and did it in the most bland way possible. Maybe the next one will be that ‘career defining’ one for her, or maybe not. We’ll see.”

Many people noted that the music sounded dated and noted that Perry should have collaborated with fresh female voices in pop music. 

“I think she needed to change the music,” wrote one person. “Katy Perry hasn’t been cool for a while, so releasing the same type of songs she’s been releasing for two decades was a poor choice. I get the music industry is 90% marketing, but whenever an artist starts to get that ‘uncool’ aura about them, they need to get that stink off them somehow, and releasing a solid album no one expected you to release is a good way to do that. Doing the same thing she’s always done comes across as disingenuous, and shows a lack of self awareness.”

For many people, the problem came down to the fact that Perry worked with Dr. Luke on songs about female empowerment. Kesha accused the producer of sexual assault, harassment, gender violence, and emotional abuse. People noted that made Perry seem tone deaf at best.

“She was completely tone deaf in her decision to work with Dr. Luke and do that Bezos rocket launch stunt,” wrote one person. “Most people have no appetite for it. She’s still carrying on like it’s 2010, meanwhile the public and the zeitgeist have moved on without her.”

“Dr. Luke and the male gaze are a big problem on this album,” added another person.

Some people felt that the best thing Perry could have done for herself was not to release the album at all.

She is currently touring for the album

Despite all the backlash, Perry is currently on her Lifetimes Tour. While many have criticized the tour itself, it has performed well commercially. According to Billboard, the tour has generated $80 million in sales.