Katy Perry’s 2019 Hits: Chart‑Toppers and Surprises

When you think of Katy Perry’s music hits from 2019, three singles instantly surface: “Never Really Over,” “Small Talk,” and “Harleys in Hawaii.” Each track showcases a different shade of her pop‑savvy craft, and together they set the stage for the Smile era that arrived the following year. Below, we’ll break down how these songs performed, what they sound like, and why they mattered to both fans and the charts.

Never Really Over – The Summer Anthem That Refused to Fade

Released in late May, “Never Really Over” was Perry’s first major single after a brief hiatus. Built on a shimmering synth‑pop foundation, the track samples the 2016 dance hit “Better Off Alone,” giving it an instantly recognizable hook while layering her signature vocal bursts.

• Chart impact: The song breezed into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the US Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
• Music video: Directed by Mathew Cullen, the visual blends kaleidoscopic neon backdrops with choreography that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.
• Reception: Critics praised its “effortless ear‑worm quality” and noted how it re‑established Perry’s relevance in an increasingly EDM‑leaned pop landscape.

Beyond numbers, “Never Really Over” became a staple on summer playlists worldwide, proving that Perry can still craft a feel‑good anthem that feels both fresh and familiar.

Small Talk – A Light‑Hearted Pop Bite for Late‑Summer Nights

Just a few months later, Perry dropped “Small Talk,” a breezy, four‑minute track that feels like a postcard from a beachside bar. Its lyrics riff on the awkwardness of reconnecting with an ex, pairing tongue‑in‑cheek wordplay with a bright, bouncy beat.

• Chart performance: While it didn’t crack the top 20 on the Hot 100, the single found a home on the Dance Club Songs chart, where it reached the summit.
• Visuals: The video, shot on a sun‑drenched rooftop, features Perry in pastel outfits, reinforcing the song’s carefree vibe.
• Fan reaction: Listeners highlighted the track’s relatable lyricism, noting how it “captures the funny side of post‑relationship small talk.”

“Small Talk” may not have been a blockbuster hit, but its charm lies in its low‑key approach—an intentional contrast to the high‑energy anthem that preceded it.

Harleys in Hawaii – Island Vibes Meet Country Flair

In October, Perry ventured into uncharted territory with “Harleys in Hawaii,” a breezy tropical pop song that subtly borrows acoustic guitar twangs reminiscent of country‑pop crossovers. The track’s title alone sparked curiosity, and the chorus—“Riding on a Harley, riding on a Harley, on a Harley in Hawaii”—quickly became a meme‑worthy line.

• International reach: The single charted within the top 40 in Australia, Canada, and several European nations, illustrating its global resonance.
• Production notes: Co‑written with Oscar Holter and Max Martin, the song blends synth pads with surf‑guitar riffs, creating a laid‑back yet radio‑ready sound.
• Music video: Featuring Perry cruising on a bright red Harley along Hawaiian coastlines, the visual reinforces the escapist theme while showcasing local scenery.

Even though “Harleys in Hawaii” didn’t dominate the US Hot 100, it demonstrated Perry’s willingness to experiment with genre‑blending and to embrace playful storytelling.

How the 2019 Releases Shaped Her Next Album

Collectively, these three tracks acted as a testing ground for the sonic palette Perry would later expand on in Smile. “Never Really Over” confirmed that high‑octane dance beats still resonated, while “Small Talk” and “Harleys in Hawaii” hinted at a softer, more narrative‑driven side.

When Smile arrived in 2020, fans recognized recurring motifs: bright synth layers, lyrical optimism, and an undercurrent of personal reflection. In interviews, Perry cited the 2019 singles as “mini‑experiments” that helped her decide which directions felt authentic for the full album.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Did any of the 2019 singles receive Grammy nominations? None of the three songs were nominated for Grammy awards, though “Never Really Over” earned a nomination for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
• Which 2019 track performed best on streaming platforms? “Never Really Over” consistently topped Spotify’s global pop playlists and amassed over 500 million streams within its first year.
• Are there any notable collaborations on these songs? While the tracks are primarily solo efforts, “Never Really Over” features production input from famed hit‑makers Max Martin and Ali Tamposi, adding to its polished sound.
• Will Katy Perry revisit any of these songs in future tours? Setlists from her 2022 “Play” tour included “Never Really Over” and “Harleys in Hawaii,” indicating that she still sees them as staples in her live repertoire.