MTV Unplugged cover

MTV Unplugged

Katy Perry · 2009

76 min · 30 tracks · pop music

Intimate acoustic renditions blend confessional lyrics with Katy Perry's vibrant vocal delivery, creating an engaging live experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Kissed a Girl Start here — This performance captures the playful, provocative essence of Perry's breakout hit while highlighting her vocal range in a raw setting.
  • →
    Thinking of You — The emotional delivery of this ballad demonstrates Perry's capability to convey vulnerability, contrasting sharply with her more upbeat tracks.
  • →
    Waking Up in Vegas — This rendition infuses a new energy into the party anthem, showcasing how acoustic arrangements can transform familiar songs into fresh experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100
Foothills
Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong vocal performances and arrangements but lacks cohesion due to its interspersed interviews.

What we noticed

  • The EP features acoustic renditions of six major hits, each stripped down to highlight vocal performance and lyrical content.
  • Interludes before each song provide context and enhance the intimate atmosphere of the live setting.
  • The arrangement emphasizes a consistent mid-tempo feel, with minimal instrumentation allowing Perry's voice to take center stage.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate acoustic storytelling sessions
  • interview insights between songs
  • wave-like emotional dynamics
  • nostalgic sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy dance tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Showcases intimate renditions of hits, appealing to dedicated fans after her breakthrough.
Themes
intimate storytelling· pop persona contrast
Career context
Released on November 13, 2009, MTV Unplugged arrived shortly after Perry's breakthrough album, One of the Boys, solidifying her status as a pop icon. This EP features stripped-down versions of her major hits, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth at a pivotal moment in her burgeoning career.
Stylistic neighbors
Lady Gaga· Demi Lovato· Rihanna
New to Katy Perry? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 I Kissed a Girl Start here 4:12
  • 2 Ur So Gay 4:25
  • 3 Hackensack 3:03
  • 4 Thinking of You 4:40
  • 5 Lost 5:00
  • 6 Waking Up in Vegas 3:32
  • 7 Brick by Brick 4:39

Disc 2

  • 1 [unplugged title] 0:17
  • 2 Intro to I Kissed a Girl 0:26
  • 3 I Kissed a Girl Start here 4:12
  • 4 Intro to Ur So Gay 0:28
  • 5 Ur So Gay 4:24
  • 6 Intro to Hackensack 0:42
  • 7 Hackensack 2:59
  • 8 Intro to Thinking of You 0:24
  • 9 Thinking of You 4:47
  • 10 Intro to Lost 1:03
  • 11 Lost 4:58
  • 12 Intro to Waking Up in Vegas 0:13
  • 13 Waking Up in Vegas 4:17
  • 14 Intro to Brick by Brick 0:23
  • 15 Brick by Brick 4:55
  • 16 Interview, Part 1 1:05
  • 17 Interview, Part 2 1:18
  • 18 Interview, Part 3 1:09
  • 19 Interview, Part 4 0:57
  • 20 Interview, Part 5 1:08
  • 21 Interview, Part 6 1:20
  • 22 Interview, Part 7 1:24
  • 23 [credits] 4:08

What to play next

Teenage Dream
Listen next

Teenage Dream

2010

It expands on the vibrant energy with polished production and catchy hooks.
One of the Boys
Go back to

One of the Boys

2008

It sets the stage with a similar confessional tone and pop sensibility.
Full Katy Perry discography Where to start with Katy Perry Artists like Katy Perry
pop rock synth-pop

If this landed

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Little Voice

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Sara Bareilles

Combines heartfelt songwriting and acoustic arrangements, highlighting personal narrative.

21

21

Adele

Explores emotional themes through powerful vocals and minimalistic instrumentation.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata