Listen To Katy Perry's New Single 'Roar' From Her Upcoming 'Prism' Album

Increasing the hype for her upcoming album Prism, Katy Perry has released a taste of what it has to offer through her new single 'Roar'.

Katy Perry at the premiere of The Smurfs 2 held at the Regency Village Theatre in L.A.

The promo material was enough for fans to anticipate hearing something very different from Perry. The video footage shows Perry burning her signature blue wig, a sure sign the singer has decided it's time for a change of image if not music style.

Watch Katy Perry's promotional video for 'Roar':

'Roar' sounds distinctly lower key than Perry's usual bright and cheerful pop sound. It's upbeat but there's something quite unlike Perry - it's not quite as sickly sweet and sugar coated as her music and image usually is. There's definitely a heavier drum beat which leads the song to its uplifting climax, where Perry uses the, not terribly original metaphor, of a lion roaring pride and championing.

Perry bellows through the chorus "I got the eye of the tiger, the fire/Dancing through the fire, 'cause I am a champion/ And you're gonna hear me roar". It doesn't have the same immediate hook that the 'Firework' chorus had but, as Perry is already very well established, it seems likely to be a radio staple over the next few weeks.

The single is due to be released today (12 August) but was leaked a few days early.

Listen to Katy Perry's new single, 'Roar':

The song appears to be about triumphantly escaping from an overpowering partner and there's definitely going to be references to Perry's ex-husband Russell Brand, or perhaps even John Mayer, in the song, alythough names are mentioned.

Meanwhile, Perry has been focussing on advertising her upcoming third studio album Prism, which is due out on 22 October.

Russell Brand, Katy Perry's ex-husband, could 'Roar' be able their relationship? Brand photographed here at an event for the Amy Winehouse Foundation.