Katy Perry has unleashed her new single “Chained to the Rhythm,” days after the Recording Academy confirmed she will be performing at the Grammy Awards this forthcoming Sunday, February 12. Skip Marley, grandson of the reggae legend Bob Marley, makes a guest appearance at the end of the track.
“Chained to the Rhythm” opens with lo-fi uncanny piano chords that sound like they’re churning through tinny TV speakers playing an 80s aerobics VHS tape, then smooths out the chords into an instant karaoke classic. With writing credits by Perry, current beloved chart-topper Sia, songwriter Ali Payami, and king of Top 40 music Max Martin, it’s nevertheless a safe return for Perry back into the pop spotlight. Nothing in the vocals or production are embellished or over the top, but Katy’s flare for spectacle is usually left to her live performances rather than her music.
Check out the lyric video for “Chained to the Rhythm” above, and keep your ears out for surprise vocals from Sia layered within the track.
Watch Katy and Skip make their debut performance of “Chained to the Rhythm” live at the Grammy Awards this Sunday, February 12 at 8PM EST.