Katie Perry - Firework

I like this song.  It's getting on the verge of being overplayed, IMO, but I like it.  It's got a catchy melody and inspiring lyrics.  However, to me, it sounds like poor Katie is about to bust a lung in certain parts.  I have to wonder how many takes it took to lay that track down?  My guess would be a fair few.  It's certainly not an easy song to sing, and in parts, poor Katie sounds like she's hurting.  I hate hearing a song where the vocalist sounds like they're in pain.  Not only that, but that song has gotta be a bitch to sing live, I mean it just has to be.  It's damn difficult to sing just one song with that much power behind the vocals, nevermind perform a whole concert and dance at the same time.  Not too many performer these days seem to be able to pull that off very well without the help of some pre-recorded backing vocals or the dreaded auto-tune, but that will be a whole 'nother rant of mine one of these days....



And what's with the video?  I mean, I get the point and all, with the whole "inner power" "believe in yourself because everyone is unique and special" thing, but seriously?  Every time I see the video, I can't help but feel like it's a rip-off of Austin Powers with Katie standing there like a 4th of July Fem-bot with sparklers shooting out of her jublees.  I half expect to see Mike Meyers jump out from somewhere in his little Union Jack G-String to try to make Katie's head explode.  The laboring mom who appears to be giving birth to Roman Candles is a tad disturbing as well, but you know, whatever blows your hair back and/or makes you randomly shoot pyros from your pelvic region I guess....