Katy Perry's "The One That Got Away" gets the acoustic treatment

Categories: Poptimystic

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Grab the tissues. The acoustic version of "The One That Got Away" is a real tear-jerker.
​As if Katy Perry's divorce news weren't bad enough, now there's an acoustic version of "The One That Got Away" to empathize with. Released yesterday, this rendition, drenched in piano and acoustic guitar, shows greater depth and emotes way more than the video ever could have.

Had Perry released this version in the first go-around, she might have actually broken Michael Jackson's record and earned the distinction of having six number-one singles from one album. There would've been no need for a memorable video. Just this stripped-down version, which is far more affecting.

Instead, though, she released the album version of "The One That Got Away" with that obtrusive drumbeat, focusing attention on the production rather than her voice or the words, which in this sparser remake seem notably more heartrending: "Someone said you had your tattoo removed/They saw you downtown, singing the blues/It's time to face the music, I'm no longer your muse."

The background coos, not present in the album version, float along with Perry's sadness here. They're a nice addition to an otherwise bleak reflection on love lost. The memories sting, like this take on the track. By the end of Perry's four minutes, all you can hope for is that in another life she will find another teenage dream to live for.

Though the album version peaked at number three only a few weeks ago, Perry has never been one to be absent from the charts since releasing "California Gurls" in June 2010. Moreover, her new partnership with Electronic Arts' release of "The Sims 3 Showtime Katy Perry" will further proliferate the Perry brand. Now, whether the world needs a Sims video game that focuses on Perry's outlandish hair colors and costumes is a whole other debate for another time. For now, pass the tissues.



Follow Backbeat on Twitter: @westword_music

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