Katy Perry has had an illustrious career with numerous chart-topping hits and fan-favorite anthems. From the unforgettable "Firework" to the catchy "Teenage Dream," her catalog is filled with pop perfection. However, like every artist, she has released a few tracks that haven't been universally praised. The question on many minds: What is the worst Katy Perry song? While opinions may vary, one track that frequently appears in this debate is "Bon Appétit."
"Bon Appétit," featuring the rap group Migos, was released in 2017 as part of her album Witness. Despite its catchy beat and bold concept, the song was widely criticized by both critics and fans for several reasons:
Lyrics and Theme: The song's culinary-themed innuendos were met with mixed reactions. Some found the food metaphors cheesy (pun intended) and cringeworthy, making the song feel forced rather than clever.
Genre Shift: While Katy Perry is known for experimenting with different styles, "Bon Appétit" marked a significant shift in sound, leaning into a more electronic, trap-influenced beat. For fans who preferred her earlier pop-rock style, this move felt disconnected from the Katy Perry they loved.
Collaboration Choice: The inclusion of Migos, while trendy at the time, seemed out of place for some listeners. Migos’ verses didn’t blend as seamlessly with Perry’s style, leaving the collaboration feeling mismatched.
Music Video Reception: The accompanying music video was an over-the-top visual feast featuring Perry being prepped and served as a meal. While undoubtedly creative, the bizarre imagery alienated some fans and was viewed as too outlandish.
Despite high expectations, "Bon Appétit" underperformed on the charts. The song peaked at a relatively low position compared to Perry’s previous singles, failing to achieve the widespread commercial success of her earlier hits like "Roar" or "Dark Horse." Critics also gave the track lukewarm reviews, often citing its confusing concept and lack of emotional depth.
Fan reactions were polarized. While some praised Perry for taking risks and trying something new, many felt that "Bon Appétit" lacked the substance and authenticity that characterized her best work. Longtime fans who appreciated her empowerment anthems found the sexualized food metaphors and the song's overall tone disappointing.
While "Bon Appétit" often takes the crown as Katy Perry’s least popular song, it's not alone. Tracks like "Ur So Gay" and "This Is How We Do" have also sparked debates over the years. "Ur So Gay" was criticized for its problematic lyrics, while "This Is How We Do" was seen as lacking depth. However, neither of these tracks garnered quite the same level of widespread disappointment as "Bon Appétit."
So, is "Bon Appétit" the worst Katy Perry song? Many fans and critics seem to think so. With its underwhelming chart performance, mixed critical reviews, and a concept that didn’t quite resonate with the masses, it stands out as one of her most polarizing tracks. Still, it's important to remember that even Katy Perry's "worst" song has its share of fans who appreciate her willingness to take risks and push boundaries in the pop world.
Ultimately, the "worst" Katy Perry song is subjective and may vary depending on personal tastes. Whether it's "Bon Appétit" or another track, her ability to spark discussion shows her lasting impact on pop music.
