Katy Perry returns to pop roots on ‘Never Really Over’

Katy Perry is back with new music, and by all first impressions ‘Never Really Over’ marks a welcome return to classic Perry-pop with an anthemic approach.

Perry is a music legend in her own right. Her 2010 sophomore record Teenage Dream saw her becoming the first-and-only female artist to have five #1 singles on the Billboard Chart from one album. Ever since then she’s continued to break records, top the charts and sell out arena shows worldwide.

Her new single ‘Never Really Over’ is the pop-stars first solo release since her 2017 record Witness and hears her returning to her dreamy pop roots.

Teaming up with co-writers Zedd, Dagny, Gino Barletta, Michelle Buzz, Jason Gill and Australia’s own Daniel James, Leah Haywood and Hayley Warner, this song explores the symbolic contrast of the dark and light experiences from every relationship you have.

“All of our relationships – from first love, through failed love, to great love – all become a part of you, so that none are ever really over, and once you accept both the dark and the light, you may find that the darkness brought you to the light,” Perry explains.

Produced by Zedd and Dreamlab, this track dives back into the classic pop sound that Perry perfectly injected into the airwaves through her records Teenage Dream and Prism. It’s a left-field pop approach compared to the previous EDM collaboration ‘365’ between Zedd and Perry.

Her last record Witness saw her heading towards a heavier experimental route that divided fans and critics alike. But this track will re-install faith that Perry still knows how to deliver a big, carefree pop hit with a whole lot of heart.

Following the carefree atmosphere of the song and the bright accompanying artwork, the music video sees Perry heading towards a hippy aesthetic. Directed by Phillipa Price (St. Vincent, BANKS), this video transforms a Malibu, California backdrop into a ’70s fuelled landscape with a range of colourful costumes.