Katy Perry may be closer to 30 than she is to being a teenager, but she shows an incredible understanding of teen conflict in her lyrics for the songs on her album, “Teenage Dream.”

Beginning with the title song, the 12 tracks are filled with thoughts of a young person faced with love, rejection, acceptance, peer pressure and first times.

“Firework” says even if you feel buried by the world there is “still a chance for you. Ignite the light that lives inside and let it shine.”

The tempo of the music and Perry’s words motivate the listener to get out of a rut and try something new.

“Circle the Drain” is about the declining spiral of a close friend on drugs.

“Last Friday Night” is the Saturday morning lament of a teen who partied a bit too much on Friday and is slowly remembering the events of the evening.

“E.T.” shows the illogical emotion of someone who feels the person they are in love with is so different from other people; the only explanation is that he/she is an alien.

Some of the songs, like “California Gurls” and “Peacock,” are just funny. “Who Am I Living For” showcases Perry’s extensive voice range.

The music is upbeat, playful, and draws the listener in. It makes you want to dance.

For an added bonus, the talents of Kenny G, Kanye West and Snoop Dogg are also featured in “Last Friday Night,” “E.T.” and “California Gurls.”

The song “Teenage Dream,” is a young girl saying “… because you accept me the way I am, I will share my body with you.”

“Teenage Dream”, the album, is a plea to accept yourself as you are, because you are not alone.

You can get a copy of “Teenage Dream” on Amazon for $12.45.

Rated: A+