♪ Katy Perry: One of the Boys

I tried to dislike Katy Perry for a long time. “I Kissed a Girl” was so over the top and supposed to be shocking and scandalous that it irritated the heck out of me. Plus, she routinely includes watermelons in her wardrobe. I love fruits, but come on.

The Track List: Katy Perry: One of the Boys
1. One Of The Boys—This title track has an upbeat pace that’s perfect for a warm-up. It also hearkens a childhood innocence of my own, when I was more into catching frogs down by the creek than boys. Of course, like Katy, that changed in a few years and I “starting reading Seventeen and shaving my legs,” too, but I totally remember wanting to not be one of the boys. Despite how you remember your teenage years, this is a sweet song that sets a nice tone for a whole workout.

2. I Kissed A Girl—If you’re not totally sick of this song from it being overplayed on the radio, I highly recommend saving this one for a high-energy interval when you’re feeling a bit sassy. As a side note, I really wonder how much cherry Chapstick sales have gone up since this song came out…

3. Waking Up In Vegas—This track has a definite high school feel to it, where two young kids go to Vegas, get drunk, get hitched and wake up wondering what the heck they did because they have no money, no hotel key and they’ve lost their fake IDs. The FBGs don’t condone underage drinking, but that sounds like quite a memorable night. The song has an upbeat pace that’s good for recovery during interval work. It might also have you thinking twice before booking your next trip to The Strip.

4. Thinking Of You—After my best friend hipped me to this track and accompanying video (warning: really sad), I was hooked. Granted, the lyrics are far from great, but the video saves it. Use it as a cool down for best results.

5. Mannequin—Mediocre lyrics aside, Katy does have some fun takes on things, such as when she calls a commitaphobe a mannequin instead of a man in this song. Sure, she’s no Bob Dylan, but it’s interesting, and makes you wonder who the heck Katy has dated in the past. (I looked it up so that you don’t have to—her most public relationship has been with this guy. Be sure to read the section on the promise ring in his “personal life.” Bastard.) “Mannequin” makes for another good recovery or moderate-paced song.

6. Ur So Gay—If you weren’t cool enough to hear this the first time it went around MySpace (and no worries, ’cause I wasn’t either!), download it now. It’s hilariously awesome in its tongue-in-cheek attitude. Kinda reminds me of a modern day “Don’t Want No Short-Short Man” by Gillette. It has to be the best break-up song of the last few years. Play this one when you’re getting bored in your workout. It’s way entertaining.

7. Hot N Cold—This one is all over the radio, too, and I like it even more than track two. It’s high energy, high fun, sassy and perfect for running, walking, ellipticalling or randomly dancing in your living room. Plus, the video for the song is also awesome, featuring some seriously pissed off brides (and rightfully so). Again, see note on this guy’s personal life.

8. If You Can Afford Me—I could never really get into this one, but it’s cheery, good-natured pop that is easy to keep a steady pace to. And I know that Katy is kinda a pop-rock chick, but I really think this song would be good in a country format. Carrie Underwood, take note.

9. Lost—For such a light-hearted, fun album, this is the song where you really see the soft, vulnerable side of Katy. It’s a slow and pretty song, which is normally good for a cool down, but it’s so intense that I’m not sure you would want to end your sweat session that way. You want to slow down, not fall down and cry.

10. Self Inflicted—Again, this one just wasn’t my fave. It’s a bit forgettable but works okay for the middle of your workout when you’re in a groove and just looking to keep up your intensity.

11. I’m Still Breathing—Katy slows it down again in this pretty mid-tempo song. I really enjoyed this one, whichI have to imagine is about a breakup. You’ll cringe a bit when she blames the breakup on her being too pale or fat, but I think it’s in jest. I’m going to pretend it’s in jest. Regardless, it’s a heartfelt song that I love as a cool down.

12. Fingerprints—This track really reminds me of John Mayer’s big breakout song “No Such Thing” because it’s really about making the most of your life and doing more than “they” think you can do in high school. The lyrics are great for when you’re wanting to skip a workout or hit the end button on the treadmill. Her message, “gotta make my mark, gotta run it hard,” will resonate with ya. Promise.

13. I Think I’m Ready (Bonus Track)—This is a super sweet song that tells a story of a girl finding the right guy and finally being ready to fall in love. It’ll totally make you smile. Of all the slower songs on the album, this is my fave for cool downs.

So is One of the Boys the best CD we’ve ever reviewed? By far, no. Does it have some great tracks that are worth the download? TOTALLY. —Jenn