Prism by Katy Perry album cover 

PRISM’s musical themes can be described as much more reflective of her sense of self and struggles, pulling from her journey with mental health and going through divorce, but addressing the songs with uplifting and empowering themes. Despite this shift from her more lighthearted pop persona, this work still has qualities of the earlier pop sound she is known for. She describes its place in her discography at the time in an interview with Billboard, “I didn’t want to do Teenage Dream 2.0, Teenage Dream was highly conceptual, super-pop art. “PRISM” is more organic, au naturale, vulnerable, and honest, but still has the same amount of fun.”

In addition to the musical theme, visually, the cover differs from her previous works. It is considered by MTV to be less high concept than her previous works. Regardless, the choice feels appropriate, with a strong aesthetic and symbolic beauty. The choice of location and themes around nature and light for the cover provide a grounding and profound effect. In addition to provoking reflection, it is also representative of how brighter days can come even after hard times. This theme was a part of her story, as she recalls finding herself through a memorable trip to Africa and putting in the effort to work on herself. PRISM has an additional deluxe version too, with holographic detailing and the inclusion of a seed paper that can be planted. This paper is also in the shape of a triangle, with geometric forms also being associated with prismatic themes.

PRISM’s cover design could be said to have visual and thematical connections to Pink Floyd’s, Dark Side of the Moon because both employ the visual of a prism. In addition, both albums acknowledge mental health topics. While one’s cover is achieved through illustration and the other photography, they both involve light being refracted into individual colors. For PRISM, it could be said that this is best manifested through the deluxe cover.