Top 10 Katy Perry Songs

Just a few months after divorcing comedian Russell Brand, Ms. Perry refocused her energies and released an uplifting tune about falling hard and beginning anew. With lyrics that millions of fans could instantly relate to, along with a fresh down-tempo beat, “Wide Awake” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. A born-again theme hinted at the pop star’s Christian upbringing, while the sensational chorus left fans with palms to the sky, gently raising the proverbial roof.’

For the fourth single from the 2010 album Teenage Dream, Perry enlisted the help of rap icon Kanye West. With a supernatural theme combined with saucy lyrics, the “E.T.” sensation traveled Planet Earth on an unstoppable Dubstep train while reaching #1 on the charts. Kanye and Katy’s hip-hop ballad of outer worldly delights became a modern slow jam for star-crossed lovers, while reminding us all that aliens need love too.

On one late summer day in 2013, the one and only Juicy J spoke the words “Let’s Rage”, and thus the scene was set for the next Katy Perry Billboard destroyer. With a witchcraft theme based on the 1996 film “The Craft”, and palpable black magic lyrics, “Dark Horse” levitated through the charts and went Platinum six times in the United States. Just like the featured guest noted in his final verse, “America messed around and got addicted”. You win, Ms. Perry - ride your majestic dark horse with honor into the night.

Like a breath of fresh air, the titular single of Katy Perry’s third studio album tingled the senses of listeners worldwide, and said, “Hey world. I’m not just a beautiful pop star – I’m a woman in love.” The lyrical message and retro vibe of “Teenage Dream” caused a collective vision of summertime bliss and sandy beaches, and endeared the brunette bombshell to whole new demographics of fans. In fact, a few scientists claim that one shall see the ocean blue if the name “Katy Perry” is spoken three times into a mirror. THAT is the power of this Grammy-nominated track.

What happens in Katyland stays in Katyland. That was the message of this 2009 jam that became the singer’s third top ten hit. The release pre-dated the classic Vegas film “The Hangover” by about two months, and evokes feelings of an early morning slumber, tremendous bed-head and breath that would make your loved one hurl. While “Waking Up in Vegas” may not be the perfect slow jam for candlelight canoodling, it is the ultimate pre-game anthem for Sin City thrill seekers.

This power-pop anthem became Katy Perry’s eighth single to top the Billboard charts and closed the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards under the Brooklyn Bridge. Although “Roar” wasn’t praised for its lyrical astuteness, the potent message of self-empowered was embraced worldwide and is three minutes and forty-two seconds of classic Katy Perry magic. The hook-tastic track was released as the first single off the singer’s fourth studio album Prism and became a late summer anthem in 2013, thus inspiring a new season of swag for devoted fans.

It’s the Snoop D-O Double-G and Katy P. Boom! This 2010 Grammy-nominated ode to the Golden State was produced in response to Jay-Z’s “Empire State of My Mind”. While the west-coast MC and blue-haired beauty never engaged in a lyrical battle, the Disco-pop smash did become Billboard’s #1 summer song of all-time and inspired a wave of endless YouTube parodies. Perry’s decision to feature the iconic Snoop Dogg ensured that all states would bow down to the supreme power of “California Gurls.”

Originally intended as the first release off Perry’s 2008 album One of the Boys, this catchy track became one of the world’s best-selling singles of all the time. With a headbanger beat and biting lyrics, “Hot n Cold” became an instant hit and let the world know that Ms. Perry don’t take no mess. Perry’s story of mood swing madness inspired listeners to embrace their inner sass and instant dancing regardless of location. That’s the sign of a true pop hit.

Katy Perry became an immediate sex symbol after the 2008 release of this controversial hit. With a hook designed to challenge social taboos, “I Kissed a Girl,” introduced the Santa Barbara native as a pop star in the making while swiftly shedding her innocent image. The lyrics are brief yet forceful, and the singer’s equally dynamic image caused endless double takes and long stares. Whether it was the confusion of listeners or the sudden realization of a new talent, “I Kissed a Girl” demanded attention; a musical marvel of pop and circumstance.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”
Teenage Dream (2010)

“Birthday”
Prism (2013)

“Part of Me”
Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection (2012)

“This is How We Do”
Prism (2013)

“Thinking of You”
One of the Boys (2008)

With a sweet blend of self-introspection and social consciousness, Katy Perry altered the universe with this musical dynamo. “Do you ever feel like a plastic bag?” she asked, and we responded with a collective “YES.” Perry’s angelic voice guided faithful followers to the pop anthem promised land with an inspirational chorus and a fist-pumping Euro-pop beat. “Firework” went platinum nine times over making Katy Perry became the first artist to have three singles top the six million mark in units sold. And that, my friends, deserves a slow clap of appreciation.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Katy Perry song? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.