A standout track from Katy Perry's sixth album ‘143,’ titled “Artificial,” features a collaboration with rapper JID, creating a cosmic electropop journey that delves into themes of reality, disguise, and the delicate nature of human connections.
The name of Katy Perry’s sixth studio album, 143, is believed to represent a code for “I love you.” Released last September, the album showcases the best-selling artist embracing dance and electropop genres, with memorable moments like “Artificial.” While the album includes collaborations with various artists such as Doechii, Kim Petras, and 21 Savage, this particular track teams Perry with American rapper JID, known for his lively delivery and swift verses. The result is a song that merges reality with the artificial world, a concept that resonates significantly with today’s society.
Musically, “Artificial” draws notable similarities to one of Katy Perry's earlier hits, “E.T.” Both songs blend electropop and hip-hop influences with robotic elements while exploring themes of connection. “E.T.” focuses on attraction and a mesmerizing person who feels otherworldly, using science and space metaphors, whereas “Artificial” challenges this notion: A decade later, the inquiry shifts to whether something so advanced and unfamiliar can genuinely be real and human.
In an era dominated by the Information Age, where technology is deeply interwoven into our lives and society, Perry takes the chance to reiterate the question of what true human connection and individuality entail.
Musically reflective lines pose questions about authenticity and emotional connectivity, indicating the complexities of interacting through technology. The chorus emphasizes this inquiry, asking, “Does your heart beat, heart beat?” and “Who’s gonna save us / From losing our minds?”
JID’s verse contributes a deeper perspective on humanity in the digital age. With a thought-provoking and introspective tone, he reimagines the idea of “disguise” in contemporary life, expressing his internal conflict influenced by his surroundings. He employs metaphors such as “trapped in a maze” and “lost in the matrix,” illustrating the mixed realities of social media, where individuals can present various facades.
Overall, “Artificial” is not only engaging because of its rhythm but also due to its incisive lyrics and impactful message. Despite critiques suggesting it may not represent the peak of Katy Perry’s career, it’s essential to recognize that the “I Kissed a Girl” singer is again prompting us to reflect on the society we inhabit and the world we are shaping as we navigate a landscape filled with overwhelming information and increasingly synthetic experiences.
A standout track from Katy Perry’s sixth album ‘143,’ titled “Artificial,” features the continually progressing pop artist alongside rapper JID in a cosmic electropop journey that delves into themes of reality, illusion, and the delicate nature of human connections.