Local Santa Barbara artist and two-time Grammy nominee Katy Perry released her second album, “Teenage Dream,” on August 24th, 2010.

Throughout the 12 songs that make up the album, Perry reminds me of what a teenage California girl’s dream might encompass: boys, parties, sunshine, sex, alcohol, and living one’s life.

The album starts off with her first single “Teenage Dream,” released on May 7th, 2010.

Perry’s lyrics get crazier and more sexual with songs like “Peacock” and “Last Friday Night” in which she narrates stories of boys, drunk nights, and hangovers.

The album’s tone changes 180 degrees when Perry’s lyrics for “Firework” and “Who Am I Living For” show a different side of her. She finds the perfect way to blend sweet but powerful melodies with thoughtful topics like equality and hope.

Katy Perry is nominated for several prestigious awards such as Album of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her three singles “Firework,” “California Gurls,” and “Teenage Dream” have been on Billboard’s Hot 100 for more than 15 weeks.

Perry’s “Teenage Dream” is worthy of winning the Grammy Award, but I can’t ignore the fact that she is competing against the equally talented Lady Gaga.

Nevertheless, Perry’s feet are still planted firmly on the ground.  By reminding us in the last song on the album that things are “Not Like [in] the Movies.”