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{{Short description|2013 song by Katy Perry}}
#REDIRECT [[Prism (Katy Perry album)]]
{{Infobox song

| name = Legendary Lovers
{{redirect category shell|
| artist = [[Katy Perry]]
{{R from song}}
| album = [[Prism (Katy Perry album)|Prism]]
{{Rwh}}
| recorded = 2013;<br>Playback Recording Studios<br>([[Santa Barbara, California]]);<br>[[MXM Studios]]<br>([[Stockholm, Sweden]]);<br>Luke's in the Boo<br>([[Malibu, California]]);<br>Secret Garden Studios<br>([[Montecito, California]])
| genre = {{flatlist|
*[[Worldbeat]]
*[[folk music|folk]]
}}
| length = 3:44
| writer = {{flatlist|
*[[Katy Perry]]
*[[Dr. Luke|Lukasz Gottwald]]
*[[Max Martin]]
*[[Bonnie McKee]]
*[[Cirkut (record producer)|Henry Walter]]
}}
| label = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
| producer = {{flatlist|
*[[Dr. Luke]]
*Max Martin
*[[Cirkut (record producer)|Cirkut]]}}
}}
}}


"'''Legendary Lovers'''" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter [[Katy Perry]] for her fourth [[studio album]] ''[[Prism (Katy Perry album)|Prism]]'' (2013). The song was written by Perry, [[Bonnie McKee]], [[Cirkut (record producer)|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 (music)|bhangra]] beat and is influenced by [[country music]], while its instrumentation is composed of [[tabla]]s, [[Music of Asia|oriental]] [[Strings (music)|strings]], a [[coral sitar]], and a [[Violin|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 journalism|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 Chart|Gaon International Chart]] (GIC) at number 69.
[[Category:Songs written by Katy Perry]]

[[Category:Songs written by Dr. Luke]]
== Background ==
[[Category:Songs written by Max Martin]]

[[Category:Songs written by Bonnie McKee]]
[[Image:BonnieMcKeePerforming.png|thumb|left|[[Bonnie McKee]] (''pictured'') co-wrote "Legendary Lovers" with Luke, Martin, Cirkut, and Perry.]]
[[Category:Songs written by Cirkut]]
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]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-30 |title=Katy Perry Poses With Shirtless Men on Entertainment Weekly Cover, Talks John Mayer |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/475726/katy-perry-poses-with-shirtless-men-on-entertainment-weekly-cover-talks-john-mayer |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=E! Online}}</ref> "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."<ref>{{cite journal|work=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|accessdate=July 14, 2014|date=October 13, 2013|title=This week's cover: Inside the wild world of Katy Perry|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/10/30/this-weeks-cover-katy-perry/}}</ref> The track was the second to be written by Perry and [[Bonnie McKee]] for the former's fourth studio album ''[[Prism (Katy Perry 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."<ref name="go">{{cite web|title=Go Behind Katy Perry's 'Raw And Emotional' Prism Writing Sessions|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1716064/katy-perry-bonnie-mckee-prism.jhtml|publisher=[[MTV News]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 23, 2013}}</ref>

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 (record producer)|Cirkut]] programmed the instruments.<ref name="Notes"/>

On 16 October 2013, "Legendary Lovers" leaked online, becoming the second song off ''[[Prism (Katy Perry album)|Prism]]'' to leak after the album's lead single "[[Roar (song)|Roar]]" leaked in August.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=Stagedoor FM |date=2013-10-16 |title=Katy Perry track 'Legendary Lovers' leaks online |url=https://stagedoor.fm/2013/10/16/katy-perry-track-legendary-lovers-leaks-online/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Stagedoor FM |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Katy Perry "Prism" Leak: New Song "Legendary Lovers" Leaks ONLINE Before Scheduled Release [LISTEN NOW] [FREE DOWNLOAD] |url=https://www.breathecast.com/news/katy-perry-prism-leak-new-song-legendary.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=www.breathecast.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The song was officially released alongside the album on 22 October.<ref name=":0" /> In March 2014, Perry revealed to a fan that "Legendary Lovers" will be released as a single in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Katy Perry promet d'exploiter le titre "Legendary Lovers" cette année |url=https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Katy-Perry/news-90937.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=www.chartsinfrance.net |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Katy Perry lançará "Legendary Lovers" como single este ano |url=https://www.vagalume.com.br/news/2014/03/26/katy-perry-lancara-legendary-lovers-como-single-este-ano2.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Vagalume |language=pt-br}}</ref> On 16 October 2014, producer [[Max Martin]] published details of a track titled "Legendary Lovers (feat Drake)" on his production company [[Maratone Studios|Maratone Studios']] website, sparking rumors that a remix of the song featuring Canadian rapper [[Drake (musician)|Drake]] will be released as a single.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-17 |title=Drake to Appear on Katy Perry’s Remix to “Legendary Lovers” |url=https://hypebeast.com/2014/10/drake-to-be-on-katy-perrys-remix-to-legendary-lovers |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Katy Perry And Drake To Release A Joint Remix Of ‘Legendary Lovers’? |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/katy-perry/news/drake-remix-legendary-lovers/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Capital |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Legendary Lovers": Katy Perry pode lançar novo single com remix de Drake |url=https://www.vagalume.com.br/news/2014/10/17/legendary-lovers-katy-perry-pode-lancar-novo-single-com-remix-de-drake.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Vagalume |language=pt-br}}</ref> ''[[Capital (radio network)|Capital FM]]'' commented on the potential remix that it would be "bound to be AMAZING",<ref name=":1" /> while Kevin Apaza from ''Directlyrics'' proclaimed that "Katy's new Hot 100 #1 seems to on its way".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking: Katy Perry "Legendary Lovers" Remix with Drake Coming!? |url=https://www.directlyrics.com/katy-perry-legendary-lovers-remix-with-drake-coming-news.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Directlyrics |language=en}}</ref> In November 2014, ''[[Puremédias|PureCharts]]'' 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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Katy Perry : "Legendary Lovers" testé en France... avant un lancement international ? |url=https://www.chartsinfrance.net/Katy-Perry/news-94552.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=www.chartsinfrance.net |language=fr}}</ref>

== Composition ==

At a length of three minutes and forty-four seconds (3:44),<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[iTunes Store]]|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/prism-deluxe/id690928033|title=PRISM (Deluxe) by Katy Perry|accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref> "Legendary Lovers" is a "mystical" [[worldbeat]] and [[Folk music|folk]] song,<ref name="track"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Willott, Carl|title=Preview Katy Perry's 'Prism': Stream 90 Seconds Of Each Song|url=http://www.idolator.com/7489015/katy-perry-prism-stream-preview-snippets-tracks|publisher=[[Idolator (website)|Idolator]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 15, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Walker">{{cite web |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/10/22/katy-perry-prism-review-cat-gifs/ |title=Katy Perry's 'Prism': A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs! |first=John |last=Walker |publisher=[[MTV Buzzworthy]]|date=October 22, 2013 |accessdate=December 12, 2013 }}</ref> replete with sitars, [[tabla]]s, a [[Violin|double violin]] and [[Music of Asia|oriental]] [[Strings (music)|strings]]".<ref>{{cite web|author=Fallon, Kevin|title='Prism' Review: Katy Perry Perfects the Pop Blockbuster|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/22/prism-review-katy-perry-perfects-the-pop-blockbuster.html|work=[[The Daily Beast]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 22, 2013}}</ref><ref name="brown"/> "Legendary Lovers" contains danceable beats and a fast-sung pre-chorus. Musically, it contains elements of [[country music]],<ref name="Notes">{{cite AV media notes|title=[[Prism (Katy Perry album)|Prism]]|year=2013|type= inlay cover|publisher= [[Capitol Records]]|page=2}}</ref><ref name="Sam">{{cite web |url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/reviews/katy-perry-prism |title=Review – Katy Perry: Prism |first=Samuel |last=Tolzman |publisher=Pretty Much Amazing|date=October 18, 2013 |accessdate=October 22, 2013 }}</ref> It is composed in the key of [[E minor]] and set in a [[Common time|4/4]] [[time signature]] at a [[metronome]] of 126 beats per minute. The melody spans the tonal range of B<sub>3</sub> to E<sub>5</sub>, while the music follows the chord progression of C—G—Em—D.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Musicnotes.com. Kobalt Music Publishing America|title=Katy Perry 'Legendary Lovers' Sheet Music|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0126950&|accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref> Its bridge is characterised by an instrumental [[Percussion instrument|percussion]] break, which was likened to [[Timbaland]]'s works.<ref name="Sam"/> At a listening party for ''[[Prism (Katy Perry album)|Prism]]'' in September 2013, Perry described "Legendary Lovers" as having "a little bit of curry in it".<ref name="usa">{{cite web|author=Gundersen, Edna|title=Katy Perry sheds light on 'Prism' at L.A. preview event|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/09/13/katy-perry-previews-prism-album-in-los-angeles/2812283/|work=[[USA Today]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=September 13, 2013}}</ref>

Lyrically, it discusses infinity and karma,<ref name="ten">{{cite web|author=Lipshutz, Jason|title=Katy Perry's 'Prism' Album Preview: 10 Things You Need To Know|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5687099/katy-perrys-prism-album-preview-10-things-you-need-to-know|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=September 6, 2013}}</ref> and revolves around [[Eastern philosophy]],<ref name="brown">{{cite web|author=Brown, Helen|title=Katy Perry, Prism, review|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopreviews/10386191/Katy-Perry-Prism-review.html|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 17, 2013}}</ref> which is used to describe the "eternal passion she and her man could experience".<ref name="track">{{cite web|author=Lipshutz, Jason|title=Katy Perry's 'PRISM': Track-By-Track Review|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/5763162/katy-perrys-prism-track-by-track-review|work=Billboard|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 21, 2013}}</ref> Perry makes references to historical and infamous characters, including [[Cleopatra]] and ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]'' protagonist [[Juliet]], which are well known for their romances.<ref name="track"/> 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 (magazine)|Billboard]]'' classified as the album's "most interesting chorus".<ref name="ten"/> John Walker from [[MTV|MTV Buzzworthy]] opined that "Legendary Lovers" was reminiscent of Perry's "Pentecostal upbringing",<ref name="mtv">{{cite web|author=Walker, John|title=Katy Perry’s ‘Prism’: A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs!|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2013/10/22/katy-perry-prism-review-cat-gifs/|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 22, 2013}}</ref> while Rob Harvilla from ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' deemed it a "Bollywood swipe" and a "[[boudoir]] jam".<ref>{{cite web|author=Harvilla, Rob|title=Katy Perry Grows Up and Bums Us Out on Her Shrewd, Tepid 'Prism'|url=http://www.spin.com/articles/katy-perry-prism-capitol/|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|accessdate=January 2, 2014|date=October 22, 2013}}</ref>{{-}}

== Critical reception ==

[[File:Katy Perry - The Prismatic 10.jpg|thumb|200px|right|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".<ref name="brown"/> 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".<ref>{{cite web|author=Dolan, Jon|title=Katy Perry 'Prism' Review|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/prism-20131016|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Wenner Media LLC]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 16, 2013}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web|author=Stewart, Allison|title=Album review: Katy Perry grows up, gets spiritual on 'Prism'|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/album-review-katy-perry-grows-up-gets-spiritual-on-prism/2013/10/21/f7d26706-39ef-11e3-b0e7-716179a2c2c7_story.html|work=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher=[[Katharine Weymouth]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 22, 2013}}</ref>

Sam Lansky from ''[[Idolator (website)|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]].<ref name="id">{{cite web|author=Lansky, Sam|title=Katy Perry's 'Prism': Album Review|url=http://www.idolator.com/7489676/katy-perry-prism-review|publisher=Idolator|accessdate=January 2, 2014|date=October 22, 2013}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web|author=Wolfe, Trent|work=[[The Verge]]|accessdate=January 2, 2014|date=October 23, 2013|title=Get real: Katy Perry lets go of the teenage dream with 'Prism'|url=http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/23/4877672/get-real-katy-perry-lets-go-of-the-teenage-dream-with-prism}}</ref> 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'".<ref>{{cite web|author=Gamboa, Glenn|title='Prism' review: Katy Perry is all over the place|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/prism-review-katy-perry-is-all-over-the-place-1.6280564|work=[[Newsday]]|publisher=[[Cablevision]], Fred Groser|accessdate=January 1, 2014|date=October 18, 2013}}</ref> Jason Lipshutz from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' acknowledged "unforgivingly clobbered" drums on the chorus.<ref name="track"/> 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."<ref>{{cite web|author=Fekadu, Mesfin|title=Music Review: Katy Perry Plays It Safe on 'Prism'|url=http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=20636044|publisher=[[ABC News]]|accessdate=January 2, 2014|date=October 21, 2013}}</ref> 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".<ref name=":2" />

== Credits and personnel ==

;Recording
*Recorded and engineered at 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]].
*Mixed at MixStar Studios in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]].

;Personnel
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*[[Lead vocals]] - [[Katy Perry]]
*[[Songwriting]] – [[Katy Perry]], [[Dr. Luke|Lukasz Gottwald]], [[Max Martin]], [[Bonnie McKee]], [[Cirkut (record producer)|Henry Walter]]
*[[Record producer|Production]] – [[Dr. Luke]], Max Martin, [[Cirkut (record producer)|Cirkut]], Stukk
*[[Mixing (music production)|Mixing]] – Serban Ghenea
*Mixing engineer – John Hanes
*[[Audio engineering|Engineering]] – Peter Carlsson, Clint Gibbs, Sam Holland, Michael Illbert
*Assistant engineers – Rachael Findlen, Justin Fox, Elliott Lanam, Cory Bice
{{col-2}}
*[[Coral sitar]] – Dr. Luke
*Double violin – Gingger Shankar
*[[Sitar]] – Ronobir Lahiri
*[[Tabla]] – Aditya Kalyanpur
*[[Instrumentation]] and [[Music programming|programming]] – Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Cirkut
*Production coordination – Irene Richter
{{col-end}}
Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''Prism'', Capitol Records.<ref name="Notes"/>

== Charts ==

Upon the release of ''Prism'', "Legendary Lovers" debuted at number 69 on the [[South Korea]] [[Gaon Music Chart|Gaon International Chart]], with sales of over 2,330.<ref name="sk">{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=E&current_week=44&current_year=2013&chart_Time=week |title=South Korea Gaon International Chart|publisher=[[Gaon Music Chart]]|accessdate=January 1, 2014}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" |Charts (2013–14)
! scope="col" |Peak<br>position
|-
{{singlechart|Wallonia Tip|9|artist=Katy Perry|song=Legendary Lovers|rowheader=true|accessdate=August 10, 2015}}
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch40|33|artist=Katy Perry|song=Legendary Lovers|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 15, 2014}}
|-
!scope="row"|South Korea International ([[Gaon Music Chart|GAON]])<ref name="sk"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|69
|-
!scope="row"|US Pop Digital Songs (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2013-11-09/pop-digital-songs |title=Pop Digital Songs: Nov 09, 2013|work=Billboard|accessdate=January 4, 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|50
|-
|}

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{Katy Perry}}

[[Category:2013 songs]]
[[Category:2013 songs]]
[[Category:Katy Perry songs]]
[[Category:Katy Perry songs]]
[[Category:Songs about sexuality]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Cirkut (record producer)]]
[[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]]

Revision as of 11:15, 14 August 2024

"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

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] 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.[7][8] 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.[9][10][11] Capital FM commented on the potential remix that it would be "bound to be AMAZING",[10] while Kevin Apaza from Directlyrics proclaimed that "Katy's new Hot 100 #1 seems to on its way".[12] In November 2014, PureCharts 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.[13]

Composition

At a length of three minutes and forty-four seconds (3:44),[14] "Legendary Lovers" is a "mystical" worldbeat and folk song,[15][16][17] replete with sitars, tablas, a double violin and oriental strings".[18][19] "Legendary Lovers" contains danceable beats and a fast-sung pre-chorus. Musically, it contains elements of country music,[4][20] 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.[21] Its bridge is characterised by an instrumental percussion break, which was likened to Timbaland's works.[20] At a listening party for Prism in September 2013, Perry described "Legendary Lovers" as having "a little bit of curry in it".[22]

Lyrically, it discusses infinity and karma,[23] and revolves around Eastern philosophy,[19] which is used to describe the "eternal passion she and her man could experience".[15] Perry makes references to historical and infamous characters, including Cleopatra and Romeo and Juliet protagonist Juliet, which are well known for their romances.[15] 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".[23] John Walker from MTV Buzzworthy opined that "Legendary Lovers" was reminiscent of Perry's "Pentecostal upbringing",[24] while Rob Harvilla from Spin deemed it a "Bollywood swipe" and a "boudoir jam".[25]

Critical reception

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".[19] 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".[26] 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".[27]

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.[28] 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".[29] 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'".[30] Jason Lipshutz from Billboard acknowledged "unforgivingly clobbered" drums on the chorus.[15] 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."[31] 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".[13]

Credits and personnel

Recording
Personnel

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

Charts

Upon the release of Prism, "Legendary Lovers" debuted at number 69 on the South Korea Gaon International Chart, with sales of over 2,330.[32]

Charts (2013–14) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[33] 9
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[34] 33
South Korea International (GAON)[32] 69
US Pop Digital Songs (Billboard)[35] 50

References

  1. ^ "Katy Perry Poses With Shirtless Men on Entertainment Weekly Cover, Talks John Mayer". E! Online. 2013-10-30. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  2. ^ "This week's cover: Inside the wild world of Katy Perry". Entertainment Weekly. October 13, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  3. ^ "Go Behind Katy Perry's 'Raw And Emotional' Prism Writing Sessions". MTV News. October 23, 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. 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. ^ "Katy Perry promet d'exploiter le titre "Legendary Lovers" cette année". www.chartsinfrance.net (in French). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  8. ^ "Katy Perry lançará "Legendary Lovers" como single este ano". Vagalume (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  9. ^ "Drake to Appear on Katy Perry's Remix to "Legendary Lovers"". Hypebeast. 2014-10-17. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  10. ^ a b "Katy Perry And Drake To Release A Joint Remix Of 'Legendary Lovers'?". Capital. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  11. ^ ""Legendary Lovers": Katy Perry pode lançar novo single com remix de Drake". Vagalume (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  12. ^ "Breaking: Katy Perry "Legendary Lovers" Remix with Drake Coming!?". Directlyrics. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  13. ^ a b "Katy Perry : "Legendary Lovers" testé en France... avant un lancement international ?". www.chartsinfrance.net (in French). Retrieved 2024-08-14.
  14. ^ "PRISM (Deluxe) by Katy Perry". iTunes Store. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  15. ^ a b c d Lipshutz, Jason (October 21, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'PRISM': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  16. ^ Willott, Carl (October 15, 2013). "Preview Katy Perry's 'Prism': Stream 90 Seconds Of Each Song". Idolator. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  17. ^ Walker, John (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism': A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs!". MTV Buzzworthy. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  18. ^ Fallon, Kevin (October 22, 2013). "'Prism' Review: Katy Perry Perfects the Pop Blockbuster". The Daily Beast. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  19. ^ a b c Brown, Helen (October 17, 2013). "Katy Perry, Prism, review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  20. ^ a b Tolzman, Samuel (October 18, 2013). "Review – Katy Perry: Prism". Pretty Much Amazing. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  21. ^ "Katy Perry 'Legendary Lovers' Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Kobalt Music Publishing America. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  22. ^ Gundersen, Edna (September 13, 2013). "Katy Perry sheds light on 'Prism' at L.A. preview event". USA Today. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  23. ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason (September 6, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism' Album Preview: 10 Things You Need To Know". Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  24. ^ Walker, John (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism': A Track-By-Track Review..... In Cat GIFs!". MTV News. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  25. ^ Harvilla, Rob (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry Grows Up and Bums Us Out on Her Shrewd, Tepid 'Prism'". Spin. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  26. ^ Dolan, Jon (October 16, 2013). "Katy Perry 'Prism' Review". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media LLC. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  27. ^ Stewart, Allison (October 22, 2013). "Album review: Katy Perry grows up, gets spiritual on 'Prism'". The Washington Post. Katharine Weymouth. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  28. ^ Lansky, Sam (October 22, 2013). "Katy Perry's 'Prism': Album Review". Idolator. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  29. ^ Wolfe, Trent (October 23, 2013). "Get real: Katy Perry lets go of the teenage dream with 'Prism'". The Verge. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  30. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (October 18, 2013). "'Prism' review: Katy Perry is all over the place". Newsday. Cablevision, Fred Groser. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  31. ^ Fekadu, Mesfin (October 21, 2013). "Music Review: Katy Perry Plays It Safe on 'Prism'". ABC News. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
  32. ^ a b "South Korea Gaon International Chart". Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
  33. ^ "Katy Perry – Legendary Lovers" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  34. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Katy Perry" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 15, 2014.
  35. ^ "Pop Digital Songs: Nov 09, 2013". Billboard. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
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