On Sept. 20, Katy Perry released her seventh studio album titled “143,” her first album since “Smile” in 2020. While she is known for creating catchy pop songs that can be described as feel-good, “143” gives off more of a club vibe with a synthetic sound, featuring collaborations with artists like Kim Petras. “143” explores two very important things in Perry’s life: motherhood and female empowerment. Throughout the album, Perry unveils her experience of being a mother while also sending a message about female empowerment, especially in the midst of a tense election season. Perry explains the title as her “angel numbers,” a belief that certain numbers grouped together are a message from angels. Perry describes the numbers as meaning “I love you” and “We got you,” two statements of affirmation that fit into the theme of the album.
“DHL”
Frank Ocean
Released Oct. 19
Blonded
Frank Ocean returns from a two-year hiatus with a laid-back single. His voice, distorted as ever, nearly disappears into the single’s hazy backdrop,...