Katy Hudson is the eponymous debut studio album by American singer Katy Hudson, who subsequently adopted the stage name Katy Perry. It was released on February 8, 2001 by Red Hill Records. It incorporates primarily Christian rock and contemporary Christian music elements with lyrical themes of adolescence and childhood and Hudson's faith in God. Reviews of the album were mixed and it sold fewer than 200 copies. Later due to Hudson's increased popularity, demand for the album increased.
Katy Hudson saw Hudson exploring Christian rock and contemporary Christian music (CCM). Amongst what was described as an alternative direction were prominent influences of pop rock. During an interview for her official website at the time, Hudson cited artists Jonatha Brooke, Jennifer Knapp, Diana Krall, and Fiona Apple as her musical influences. "Trust in Me", "Naturally", and "My Own Monster" were said to capture "loneliness, fear and doubt often ascribed to teens".
The first features "haunting" strings with "electronica effects" and "solid rock roots". An aggressive track, "Piercing" depicts the infatuation people have with expendable things. In "Piercing", Hudson sings: "Lord, help me see the reality / That all I'll ever need is You". "Last Call" was written by Hudson while reading the book Last Call for Help: Changing North America One Teen at a Time, written by Dawson McAllister. Musically, it sees Hudson going into a more jazz-oriented sound. Hudson described "Growing Pains" as an anthem for children and adolescents, explaining that society shares a misconstructed image of them, often viewing them as individuals that do not believe in or do not know much about God. Written by Hudson when she was in eighth grade, the song "Spit" addresses the hypocrisy she faced in Christian school.
Through this skin you see my heart
Through this laughter You feel my pain
Even through this mask You see my face
For you are the only one who really knows just who I am
And You search me
And You know all the secrets of my heart
Revealing the mysteries of who You are
You search me
Growing up never comes easily
In Your hands, You're the potter molding me
Then why do I wear this mask and play this game of hide and seek
When You are the only one who really knows just who I am
My Father, my Father
You are my Father, oh, and
I am Your child
And You hear my cry