Billboard: Katy Perry's 143 seems primed to finally have its time in the sun

[TaylorSwift 161,449]

They say timing is everything when it comes to putting on a show and Katy Perry was right on time last month for her FIFA World Cup performance, as the singer dazzled a sold-out SoFi Stadium crowd as part of the global soccer tournament’s official U.S. Opening Ceremony on June 12.

The singer took to the pitch just before kickoff to perform “Wonder,” an euphoric EDM cut from her much-maligned 2024 album, 143, which is seemingly back in the zeitgeist two years later. Official on-demand U.S. streams of the album have been steadily climbing virtually all year, and reached a new weekly peak for 2026 in the tracking week ending June 18, with nearly 10.9 million streams, according to Luminate. 

143 debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 albums chart when it was released in September of 2024,  it marked one of her lowest-performing album debuts to date. The album was generally panned by reviewers, with critics bemoaning what they believed to be uninspired production, while even longtime KatyCats cringed at lead single “Woman’s World,” which saw the singer re-team with writer-producer Dr. Luke.

But almost two years after 143 was first released, and with the promotional tactics and lead single a more distant memory, it may be time to give the album a second spin — and a second opinion. The anthemic refrain and buoyant lyrics of “Wonder” were a joyous party starter to welcome the World Cup, but the rest of Perry’s dance-pop record is similarly ready for a rose-colored revival, as an adrenaline shot to help ease the nerves of a weary nation, and as a frivolous anecdote to some of the more tepid confessional releases currently on the charts.

Picture a drive up the PCH on a postcard-sunny California day, as the beat drops on 143’s rapturous second single, “Lifetimes,” with sunroof open and windows down. The soulful house vibe of “Lifetimes” gives way to the Crystal Waters-samping (and Doechii-assisted) “I’m His, He’s Mine,” which failed to hit the Billboard Hot 100, but is a guaranteed groove at balls and block parties alike. The Eurodance appeal of “Crush” would well, crush, at Nikki Beach (or any beach for that matter), and it’s impossible not to wind your hips around the slinky pulsating beats on “Truth.” While fans were divided over many of 143’s album tracks, “All the Love” and “Nirvana” were consistently name-dropped as favorites, and the synthy electronic cuts float in the air as two songs destined for a night out in Ibiza — or the gay village.

In the right settings — and with measured expectations — Perry’s album is also just plain damn fun. 143 isn’t a groundbreaking album, but it can still make for a great summer soundtrack.

The weather is balmy, spirits are high and the country feels ready to rally. Maybe we’re just feeling optimistic, but 143 seems primed to finally have its time in the sun.

[Lextyr97 20,768]

Right…

[MarvinGa 744]

The one fan of Katy who works for Billboard finally got his time to shine after 12 years 

[Rahrahbitchson 22,993]

To the person who wrote that article: I want to let you know that I’m already coordinating help with the drug dependency center, we won’t leave you alone in this, bro.

 

[jackweller 535]

No shade I just don’t see it happening. The difference between 143 and say Midnight Sun is that MS was good music that was just slept on until eventually it had its moment. 143 wasn’t slept on, it never took off because it’s crap.

[bowlcutchris 187]

The homophobia of that article on the last day of alphabet month, knowing COADF2 is coming on Friday. 

[Addison Rae 18,023]

since when are we supposed to retrospectively praise an album that wsnt just a pile of ****, but was panned mainly for the involvement of dr luke? 

[onTheBrink 898]

29 minutes ago, TaylorSwift said:

Picture a drive up the PCH on a postcard-sunny California day, as the beat drops on 143’s rapturous second single, “Lifetimes,” with sunroof open and windows down. The soulful house vibe of “Lifetimes” gives way to the Crystal Waters-samping (and Doechii-assisted) “I’m His, He’s Mine,” which failed to hit the Billboard Hot 100, but is a guaranteed groove at balls and block parties alike. The Eurodance appeal of “Crush” would well, crush, at Nikki Beach (or any beach for that matter), and it’s impossible not to wind your hips around the slinky pulsating beats on “Truth.

This is all just lies, they're all as objectively bad as it's possible for subjective art to be. 

[Lord Mayhem 3,360]

Who on her team paid for this late contractually obligated promo for her old album? 

[Defmix100 7,004]

2 minutes ago, Lord Mayhem said:

Who on her team paid for this late contractually obligated promo for her old album? 

it says it was written by someone called Katheryn Hudson 

[Tyler1992 2,304]

Well in that case music is dead

[NemoMyName 2,062]

#ad

[TheFrenchGuy 5,406]

1 hour ago, TaylorSwift said:

The singer took to the pitch

Unfortunately she did not find it in time for her performance 

[Madame Goo Goo 4,127]

Lifetimes has a fantastic chorus, I’m His He’s Mine and Wonder are sometimes listenable, and the cover is cunty. And that’s all I’ll say for 143.

[elijahfan 27,435]

Someone at her label must really like her.