Pop Perspective: Katy Perry’s “Rise” Rated & Reviewed

Carl Williott | July 15, 2016 12:59 pm

At Idolator, the editors share a passion for high-quality pop. Occasionally, our tastes align. Other times, not so much. So, in the spirit of debate (and online drama), we’ve developed a recurring feature called Pop Perspective. In a nutshell, our editors dissect a particularly noteworthy pop-happening, and give it a rating out of 10.

That way you’re getting a full spectrum of views and we can all vent. (It’s cheaper than therapy!) The latest event to be dragged under the Idolator microscope is Katy Perry‘s inspirational Rio Olympics theme “Rise.” Is it an anthem worthy of a gold medal or does it give you premature Olympics fatigue?

Read our first takes below.

Robbie Daw — 6/10 Here’s the thing with Katy Perry’s new song: It should be fine background noise during the upcoming Rio Summer Olympics coverage. It’s inoffensive. It’s slow. It’s aiming for drama. On the other hand, if I never hear it again, I’m perfectly okay with that, too.

There’s nothing captivating about this song, nor is it a terrible listen. It just sort of exists. Weird.

Carl Williott —4/10 Oh yay another melodramatic Sia-wave anthem! But at least it’s a new voice to break up the monopoly Sia has held (sometimes with the help of Rihanna) on the contemporary power ballad over the last couple years.

The song fits the assignment. It’s grand and lush, Perry’s vocals as towering as ever, which means it’ll hold its own propped up next to the suffocating pageantry of NBC’s Olympics coverage. Outside of that context, though, it feels minor despite its hugeness.

Rachel Sonis — 7/10 Say what you will, but there’s no denying that this song is pretty perfect for the occasion. Co-produced by the King Midas of Pop Max Martin, it has drama, power, soaring lyrics and shows off Perry’s vocal belt. Basically, it’s a motivational number ready-made to rev up even the most stoic of Jon Snow-types before battle. So perhaps it’ll do for a leading international sporting event as well.

AVERAGE SCORE: 5.7/10

How would you rate “Rise”? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!