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Draft:Legendary Lovers

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"Legendary Lovers"
Song by Katy Perry
from the album Prism
Recorded2013;
Playback Recording Studios
(Santa Barbara, California);
MXM Studios
(Stockholm, Sweden);
Luke's in the Boo
(Malibu, California);
Secret Garden Studios
(Montecito, California)
Genre
Length3:44
LabelCapitol
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Legendary Lovers" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry for her fourth studio album Prism (2013). The song was written by Perry, Bonnie McKee, Cirkut, Dr. Luke, and Max Martin, while the latter three also handled its production. Musically, it is a worldbeat song set to a danceable bhangra beat and is influenced by country music, while its instrumentation is composed of tablas, oriental strings, a coral sitar, and a double violin. Its lyrical content combines Eastern philosophy with mild sexual references, expressing "eternal passion" and also referencing the romances of infamous fictional characters and historical figures. The song received generally mixed reviews from music critics, who praised its production but were ambivalent towards its lyrics. With digital downloads exceeding 2,330, the song entered the South Korea Gaon International Chart (GIC) at number 69.

Background

[edit]
Bonnie McKee (pictured) co-wrote "Legendary Lovers" with Luke, Martin, Cirkut, and Perry.

Perry told Entertainment Weekly in October 2013 that she penned "Legendary Lovers" through electronic mail, inspired by her then-boyfriend and American musician John Mayer.[1] "We had a long courtship before anything was [public], just writing letters to each other — and seeing 'legendary lovers,' it sounded so nice", she commented on the song's development. "Some things float into my mind, and I process them, and [then] I make songs about them."[2] The track was the second to be written by Perry and Bonnie McKee for the former's fourth studio album Prism (2013). The latter deemed the writing process "fun", and mused that the song was inspired by her own early "Eastern-influenced" material and "classic" Bollywood themes. McKee categorized it as a love song, despite recognizing it had a "could have been" feeling. She stated, "When you're writing love songs, it's always forever; they seem to always last throughout time."[3]

The recording of "Legendary Lovers" took place at various studios, including Playback Recording Studios in Santa Barbara, California, MXM Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, Luke's in the Boo in Malibu, California and Secret Garden Studios in Montecito, California. Serban Ghenea and mixing engineer John Hanes mixed the song at MixStar Studios, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Audio engineering was helmed by Peter Carlsson, Clint Gibbs, Sam Holland, and Michael Illbert; Rachael Findlen, Justin Fox, Elliott Lanam and Cory Bice served as assistant engineers. Dr. Luke played coral sitar, Gingger Shankar played the double violin, Ronobir Lahiri played sitar and Aditya Kalyanpur played tabla. The track's producers Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut programmed the instruments.[4]

On 16 October 2013, "Legendary Lovers" leaked online, becoming the second song off Prism to leak after the album's lead single "Roar" leaked in August.[5][6][7] The song was officially released alongside the album on 22 October.[6] In March 2014, Perry revealed to a fan that "Legendary Lovers" will be released as a single in 2014.[8][9][10] On 16 October 2014, producer Max Martin published details of a track titled "Legendary Lovers (feat Drake)" on his production company Maratone Studios' website, sparking rumors that a remix of the song featuring Canadian rapper Drake will be released as a single.[11][12][13] There was also speculation that the remix would be performed at Perry's Super Bowl XLIX halftime show in 2015.[14] Capital FM commented on the potential remix that it would be "bound to be AMAZING",[12] while Kevin Apaza from Directlyrics proclaimed that "Katy's new Hot 100 #1 seems to on its way".[15] In November 2014, PureCharts and Europe 2 pop radio reported that "Legendary Lovers" has received radio airplay for weeks in France, and that the French market acts as a "test zone" before deciding whether or not the song will be released as a single globally.[16][17]

Perry included "Legendary Lovers" on the setlist of her 2014-2016 Prismatic World Tour.[18] While performing the song, she showcased her dance skills through steps, turns, and lifts alongside two male dancers dressed as pharaohs.[19][20] When a fan on TikTok thought about the possibility of the song being on the setlist of the 2025 The Lifetimes Tour, Perry replied: "keep dreaming."[21]

Composition

[edit]

At a length of three minutes and forty-four seconds (3:44),[22] "Legendary Lovers" is a "mystical" worldbeat and folk song,[23][24][25] replete with sitars, tablas, a double violin and oriental strings".[26][27][28] "Legendary Lovers" contains danceable beats and a fast-sung pre-chorus. Musically, it contains elements of country music,[4][29] It is composed in the key of E minor and set in a 4/4 time signature at a metronome of 126 beats per minute. The melody spans the tonal range of B3 to E5, while the music follows the chord progression of C—G—Em—D.[30] Its bridge is characterised by an instrumental percussion break, which was likened to Timbaland's works.[29] At a listening party for Prism in September 2013, Perry described "Legendary Lovers" as having "a little bit of curry in it".[31]

Lyrically, it discusses infinity and karma,[32] and revolves around Eastern philosophy,[27] which is used to describe the mystical kind of "eternal passion she and her man could experience".[23][33] Perry makes references to historical and infamous characters, including Cleopatra and Romeo and Juliet protagonist Juliet, which are well known for their romances.[23] In the chorus, Perry sings "Take me down to the river / Underneath the blood-orange sun / Say my name like a scripture / Keep my heart beating like a drum", which Jason Lipshutz from Billboard classified as the album's "most interesting chorus".[32] John Walker from MTV Buzzworthy opined that "Legendary Lovers" was reminiscent of Perry's "Pentecostal upbringing",[34] while Rob Harvilla from Spin deemed it a "Bollywood swipe" and a "boudoir jam".[35]

Critical reception

[edit]
Perry performing "Legendary Lovers" on her Prismatic World Tour.

"Legendary Lovers" received mostly mixed reviews from music critics, who, despite praising the instrumentation and overall production, criticized its lyrical content. Helen Brown from The Daily Telegraph found the lyrics to be subpar to the "great, playfully exotic tune", describing them as being "of the level you might find in a day spa".[27] Jon Dolan from Rolling Stone compared the song to works by Robyn and Lykke Li, stating that they "go for a darker, moodier intimacy", and that they "set stark revelations to torrential Euro splendor".[36] Allison Stewart from The Washington Post described the lyrics as "one-size-fits-all spiritual catchphrases of someone who once read a self-help book in an airport".[37]

Sam Lansky from Idolator thought the song "didn't feel like a surprise" in Prism, although he considered that its chorus was the album's "catchiest". He also thought the first verse had "closet shade" directed to Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga.[38] Trent Wolfe from The Verge hailed the song's chorus, recognizing it as grand, and praised Dr. Luke for "transforming obscure sounds into popular ones".[39] Glenn Gamboa from Newsday criticized "Legendary Lovers"' lyrical content, describing the song as "such a bad 'tribute' to Buddhism and Indian music that it's practically a joke, with lyrics like 'I feel my lotus bloom' and 'You are my destiny, my mantra'".[40] Jason Lipshutz from Billboard acknowledged "unforgivingly clobbered" drums on the chorus.[23] Mesfin Fekadu from ABC News stated that Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Bonnie McKee did not "bring out the best Perry in the song," deeming it "forgettable."[41] Jonathan Hamard from PureCharts characterized the song as "effective and made for the radio", while noting that it "has the potential to become the pop star's next hit".[16] Música News felt the song is "catchy, perfectly radio-friendly" and has "a very oriental touch that offers an intriguing and original sound."[42]

In 2015, Billboard picked "Legendary Lovers" as one of Katy's most underrated five songs, highlighting its "stellarly produced" instrumental that gives the song "a distinctive and memorable sound to complement Perry’s emotional singing."[28] In 2017, the editorial staff on Giornalettismo listed "Legendary Lovers" as one of five Katy Perry songs that could have been a potential hit, describing how "all fans wanted [it] as a single."[43] Gay Times selected "Legendary Lovers" as a top-three standout track on Prism, reflecting how Perry "delivered banghra-inspired beats and soaring vocals to create one of [their] favourite songs from her career so far."[44]

Credits and personnel

[edit]
Recording
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Prism, Capitol Records.[4]

Charts

[edit]

Upon the release of Prism, "Legendary Lovers" debuted at number 69 on the South Korea Gaon International Chart, with sales of over 2,330.[45]

Charts (2013–14) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[46] 9
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[47] 33
South Korea International (GAON)[45] 69
US Pop Digital Songs (Billboard)[48] 50

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Katy Perry Poses With Shirtless Men on Entertainment Weekly Cover, Talks John Mayer". E! Online. 2013-10-30. Archived from the original on 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  2. ^ "This week's cover: Inside the wild world of Katy Perry". Entertainment Weekly. October 13, 2013. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  3. ^ "Go Behind Katy Perry's 'Raw And Emotional' Prism Writing Sessions". MTV News. October 23, 2013. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Prism (inlay cover). Capitol Records. 2013. p. 2.
  5. ^ Admin, Stagedoor FM (2013-10-16). "Katy Perry track 'Legendary Lovers' leaks online". Stagedoor FM. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  6. ^ a b "Katy Perry "Prism" Leak: New Song "Legendary Lovers" Leaks ONLINE Before Scheduled Release [LISTEN NOW] [FREE DOWNLOAD]". www.breathecast.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  7. ^ Entretenimento, Portal Uai (2013-10-17). "Cinco faixas de 'Prism', de Katy Perry, vazam na internet". Portal Uai Entretenimento (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  8. ^ "Katy Perry promet d'exploiter le titre "Legendary Lovers" cette année". www.chartsinfrance.net (in French). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  9. ^ "Katy Perry lançará "Legendary Lovers" como single este ano". Vagalume (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  10. ^ "Katy Perry deve "Legendary Lovers" como single; Confira os detalhes". br.nacaodamusica.com (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2014-03-26. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  11. ^ "Drake to Appear on Katy Perry's Remix to "Legendary Lovers"". Hypebeast. 2014-10-17. Archived from the original on 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  12. ^ a b "Katy Perry And Drake To Release A Joint Remix Of 'Legendary Lovers'?". Capital. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  13. ^ ""Legendary Lovers": Katy Perry pode lançar novo single com remix de Drake". Vagalume (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  14. ^ "Katy Perry cuenta con Drake para una nueva versión de 'Legendary lovers'". EuropaFM (in Spanish). 2014-10-20. Archived from the original on 2021-05-19. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  15. ^ "Breaking: Katy Perry "Legendary Lovers" Remix with Drake Coming!?". Directlyrics. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  16. ^ a b "Katy Perry : "Legendary Lovers" testé en France... avant un lancement international ?". www.chartsinfrance.net (in French). Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  17. ^ "Katy Perry : Legendary Lovers sera son prochain single". Europe 2 (in French). 2014-11-20. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  18. ^ Kreps, Daniel (2015-08-31). "Katy Perry Preps 'Prismatic World Tour Live' Concert Film". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  19. ^ "Katy Perry wows fans in Anaheim, heads to Los Angeles for two-night show". Daily News. 2014-09-17. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  20. ^ Papadatos, Markos (2015-10-31). "Review: Katy Perry outstanding on 'The Prismatic World Tour Live' DVD (Includes first-hand account)". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  21. ^ Torres, Leonardo (2025-02-18). "4 músicas que Katy Perry já deixou claro que não cantará na "The Lifetimes Tour" | #Internacional". POPline (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  22. ^ "PRISM (Deluxe) by Katy Perry". iTunes Store. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  23. ^ a b c d Lipshutz, Jason (October 21, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'PRISM': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 23, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  24. ^ Willott, Carl (October 15, 2013). "Preview Katy Perry's 'Prism': Stream 90 Seconds Of Each Song". Idolator. Retrieved January 1, 2014.[permanent dead link]
  25. ^ Walker, John (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism': A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs!". MTV Buzzworthy. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  26. ^ Fallon, Kevin (October 22, 2013). "'Prism' Review: Katy Perry Perfects the Pop Blockbuster". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  27. ^ a b c Brown, Helen (October 17, 2013). "Katy Perry, Prism, review". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  28. ^ a b Strecker, Erin (2015-06-17). "5 Underrated Katy Perry Songs for 'One of the Boys' Anniversary". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  29. ^ a b Tolzman, Samuel (October 18, 2013). "Review – Katy Perry: Prism". Pretty Much Amazing. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  30. ^ "Katy Perry 'Legendary Lovers' Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Kobalt Music Publishing America. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  31. ^ Gundersen, Edna (September 13, 2013). "Katy Perry sheds light on 'Prism' at L.A. preview event". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  32. ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason (September 6, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism' Album Preview: 10 Things You Need To Know". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  33. ^ ""Legendary Lovers": Ouça mais uma faixa do álbum "Prism", de Katy Perry". Vagalume (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  34. ^ Walker, John (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism': A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs!". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  35. ^ Harvilla, Rob (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry Grows Up and Bums Us Out on Her Shrewd, Tepid 'Prism'". Spin. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  36. ^ Dolan, Jon (October 16, 2013). "Katy Perry 'Prism' Review". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  37. ^ Stewart, Allison (October 22, 2013). "Album review: Katy Perry grows up, gets spiritual on 'Prism'". The Washington Post. Katharine Weymouth. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  38. ^ Lansky, Sam (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism': Album Review". Idolator. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  39. ^ Wolfe, Trent (October 23, 2013). "Get real: Katy Perry lets go of the teenage dream with 'Prism'". The Verge. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  40. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (October 18, 2013). "'Prism' review: Katy Perry is all over the place". Newsday. Cablevision, Fred Groser. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  41. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (October 21, 2013). "Music Review: Katy Perry Plays It Safe on 'Prism'". ABC News. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  42. ^ "Katy Perry 'Legendary Lovers'". Música News (in Spanish). 2014-10-05. Archived from the original on 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
  43. ^ "Katy Perry: 5 canzoni che potevano essere delle potenziali hit". Giornalettismo (in Italian). 2017-06-11. Archived from the original on 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  44. ^ Megarry, Daniel (2019-03-19). "We ranked every single Katy Perry album from worst to best". GAY TIMES. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
  45. ^ a b "South Korea Gaon International Chart". Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  46. ^ "Katy Perry – Legendary Lovers" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  47. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Katy Perry" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 15, 2014.
  48. ^ "Pop Digital Songs: Nov 09, 2013". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2013.

Category:2013 songs Category:Katy Perry songs Category:Songs about sexuality Category:Song recordings produced by Cirkut Category:Song recordings produced by Dr. Luke Category:Song recordings produced by Max Martin Category:Songs written by Bonnie McKee Category:Songs written by Dr. Luke Category:Songs written by Katy Perry Category:Songs written by Max Martin

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