Ur So Gay

Ur So Gay is a song by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry, from her second studio album, One of the Boys. The song was written by Katy Perry and produced by Glen Ballard, who has also worked with Alanis Morissette and Dave Matthews Band. Katy Perry has stated that the song was inspired by her observations of the Los Angeles music scene, where she encountered many David Bowie and Prince-esque characters, including Marilyn Manson and Lady Gaga. The song's title is a reference to the LGBTQ+ community, with Katy Perry citing Freddie Mercury and Elton John as influences.

Background

The song's background is rooted in Katy Perry's experiences in the Los Angeles music scene, where she was exposed to a diverse range of artists, including The Killers, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys. Katy Perry has stated that she was inspired by the Glam rock movement, which was popularized by artists such as David Bowie, T. Rex, and Roxy Music. The song's lyrics also reference Katy Perry's relationships with men who were unsure of their sexual orientation, including Johnny Marr and Morrissey. Katy Perry has cited The Smiths and The Cure as influences on her songwriting style, which is evident in the song's new wave and post-punk sound.

Composition

The composition of the song is characterized by its electronic and dance-pop sound, which was influenced by artists such as Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Prince. The song features a distinctive guitar riff, which was played by Katy Perry herself, and a drum machine beat, which was programmed by Glen Ballard. The song's lyrics are a commentary on the LGBTQ+ community, with Katy Perry referencing Gay pride and Gay rights movements, including the Stonewall riots and the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation. The song's melody is reminiscent of ABBA and The Beatles, with a catchy chorus and a sing-along hook.

Release

The song was released as a single in 2007, prior to the release of One of the Boys, and was included on the iTunes Store and Amazon Music. The song was also featured on the Now That's What I Call Music! series, alongside other popular artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga. The song's release was accompanied by a music video, which was directed by Walter May and featured Katy Perry performing the song in a Los Angeles nightclub, surrounded by drag queens and LGBTQ+ icons, including RuPaul and Cher. The song was also performed live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, alongside other artists such as Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Reception

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its catchy melody and Katy Perry's witty lyrics, which were compared to those of Lily Allen and Regina Spektor. The song was also praised for its LGBTQ+ themes, with GLAAD and The Trevor Project praising Katy Perry for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, alongside other artists such as Lady Gaga and Macklemore. However, some critics felt that the song's lyrics were too simplistic and juvenile, and that the song's production was too polished and commercial, compared to other artists such as St. Vincent and Tame Impala. The song was also criticized by some for its perceived homophobia and transphobia, with Katy Perry responding to the criticism by stating that the song was intended to be a commentary on society's treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, rather than a criticism of the community itself.

Music_video

The music video for the song was directed by Walter May and features Katy Perry performing the song in a Los Angeles nightclub, surrounded by drag queens and LGBTQ+ icons, including RuPaul and Cher. The video also features Katy Perry dancing and singing along to the song, alongside other performers such as Dita von Teese and P!nk. The video was praised for its colorful and playful visuals, which were compared to those of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. The video was also praised for its LGBTQ+ themes, with GLAAD and The Trevor Project praising Katy Perry for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, alongside other artists such as Lady Gaga and Macklemore.

Chart_performance

The song peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, behind Low by Flo Rida and T-Pain, and was certified platinum by the RIAA. The song also peaked at number 1 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart, alongside other popular artists such as Rihanna and Beyoncé. The song was also a hit internationally, peaking at number 1 on the Australian Singles Chart and the Canadian Hot 100, alongside other popular artists such as Kanye West and Taylor Swift. The song's success helped establish Katy Perry as a major pop star, alongside other artists such as Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus. Category:Katy Perry songs