Katy Perry 
Prism (Capitol)

Katy Perry has been through some rough patches since releasing her 2010 smash, Teenage Dream, from the public break-up of her marriage to Russell Brand to parents pushing PBS to derail an apparently too-sexy duet with felt-bred Sesame Street character Elmo. So while the multi-platinum pop superstar may still be one of the biggest draws worldwide, it may not be that surprising that she starts her fourth full-length, Prism, with the “back-on-my-feet” number “Roar”.

Assisted by deep, swerving synths and gumdrop-sweet piano tinkles, Perry discusses “brushing off the dust” from a particularly possessive partner and coming through the other side a mighty tiger’s roar. It’s corny but endearingly feel-good enough for the stadium circuit.

Much of Prism, meanwhile, skews toward EDM-inspired pop confections, high on glossy melodies and a steady four-on-the-floor pulse. While “Legendary Lovers” runs wild with a tabla solo mid-song and “Ghost” attempts to rise above the fray with its gossamer string section, the first half of the album is inescapable house-styled bangers.

Despite its Champagne-poppin’ nature, “This Is How We Do” is the proverbial party-stopping record scratch on Prism. Its excess-celebrating lyrics seem to be delivered sarcastically but come across as anything but when Perry gives a spoken-word shout-out to valet and bottle service. The adult-contemporary ballad “By the Grace of God” is another miss that once again brings up the idea of picking oneself up after some tough times, though apparently with the help of the Almighty.

An unevenness runs throughout Prism, from the club-bangers to the more mature pop off its back end. Since the late-album entry “It Takes Two” has the star admitting that she has to grow up, maybe fans should consider this the awkward transition stage.