Three years ago, Katy Perry went into her third studio album with a "Roar" (literally) and after releasing a bevy of irreverent party songs since then ("This Is How We Do," "Birthday"), the prismatic pop star is back once more with another uplifting anthem: "Rise," the official tune for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

The Max Martin-produced track and Perry's first single in two years was released late Thursday, July 14 on iTunes and Apple Music exclusively. Featuring atmospheric electronics, heavy, climatic beats and a high-flying chorus that soars into the stratosphere, "Rise" is a triumphant electro-pop anthem that speaks not only to the fortitude of athletes, but also to the resilience of humanity.

"When the fire's at my feet again / And the vultures all start circling / They're whispering, 'You're out of time,' / But still I rise," the California Gurl sings on the dramatic chorus.

"This is a song that’s been brewing inside me for years, that has finally come to the surface. I was inspired to finish it now, rather than save it for my next album, because now more than ever, there is a need for our world to unite," Perry shared in a statement.

"I know that together we can rise above the fear — in our country, and around the world. I can’t think of a better example than the Olympic athletes, as they gather in Rio with their strength and fearlessness, to remind us how we ALL can come together, with the resolve to be the best we can be. I hope this song can inspire us to heal, unite, and rise together. I am honored that NBC Olympics has chosen to use it as an anthem before and during the Rio Games."

The 2016 Summer Olympic Games will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between Friday, August 5 and Sunday, August 21.You can listen to "Rise" on Apple Music.

Katy Perry is currently working on her fourth studio album, hopefully due out before the next Olympic games...

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