Mother Monster: "Joanne" Review

The Fame is amazing!, was listening to it just yesterday whilst driving in my car. Please could you do her other albums these reviews are very interesting.

I hope you review her album "O Hai Guyz, I"m a Biek Now!" next!!

Lol, I'll be honest, I'm worried her new album, Joanne, is going to be a bit on the bland side.

By the way, you forgot to review the song "Disco Heaven"
I have the album that includes that one and it's a good 70's ish disco tune.

The Fame Monster (2009)

1. "Bad Romance"
This is probably the most iconic song of Gaga's career (so far)! Gaga sings with a deep bass in her voice at the start of the song as she is desperately wants the affection of a man by creating what she calls a "bad romance". This is a really excellent pop tune that captures that eccentric yet unique quality that Gaga possesses. The lyrics are well written and the production is top notch. It's no wonder this became one of her biggest hits as it is extremely catchy and the perfect single for Top 40 radio. Like I said, I'm not a fan of Gaga but there is no denying that this is a strong pop tune!
(A+)

2. "Alejandro"
"Alejandro" seems to be telling a story of a man that Gaga couldn't be less interested in. I like the lyrics; though it's hard for me to decipher what the exact meaning of the song is. All I get from it is she is fed up with this guy named Alejandro...yup...that's about it!  The production is good, having sort of a Latin flavor to it. This is another standout track!
(B+)

3. "Monster"
Gaga sings about the metaphorical monster that she sees in the man that broke her heart. I like the song as it has a nice production and lyrics that are filled with a creativity that is nice to see from Gaga. I enjoy how you can relate to the song as well as it just being a fun tune all together.
(B)

4. "Speechless"
"Speechless" seems to be a song with deep, emotional depth as Gaga has nothing else to say after such a devastating break up. She even goes on to sing that she is "a loser in love", which is kind of sad. It's a song that makes you feel like you have been in that situation before. It's a somber pop song that I like for its emotional lyrics and Gaga's vocal delivery is quite good. 
(B+)

5. "Dance In The Dark"
"Dance In The Dark" seems to be about a tumultuous relationship that has a girl dancing in the comfort of her own isolation as she can't truly express herself to the man she loves. It makes her feel insecure when she is around him, so she just dances in the dark. Please tell me I got the message of this song right?!  Little monsters, help me out!  It's a pretty decent song though and I enjoy the production of it.
(B-)

6. "Telephone" (Featuring Beyonce)
I think "Telephone" might be my favorite of Gaga's songs; the melody is sweet, the chorus is ridiculously catchy and the lyrics are just plain fun. Gaga is frustrated by her man continuing to call her during her night out. She is too preoccupied with having fun on the dance floor. Beyonce comes in and adds to the song's playful nature as she sings her own concerns about not being distracted by her phone constantly ringing. This is just some great pop music right here!
(A+)

7. "So Happy I Could Die"
In the club drenched, dance-pop track, Gaga couldn't be more content as she is just having a blast on her night out. The dance floor is her oasis to have fun and do what she pleases. It makes for an overall solid tune with a nice production and lyrics that are fun.
(B-)

8. "Teeth"
With a banging beat and Gaga making some not so subtle recommendations for a guy to take a bite of her "bad girl meat", "Teeth" seems to be a song about a guy...uhh...going down on a girl?!  I mean I could be wrong but that's what the lyrics imply. I mean it's a cool song but I wouldn't be lying if I said this didn't make me blush a little bit. But hey Gaga have your cake and eat it too. Not one of my favorites but this is definitely pretty entertaining music.
(C+)


Released a year after her pretty satisfying debut, "The Fame", "The Fame Monster" is sort of its unofficial sequel. Though the fame theme is downplayed this time around, the main themes of partying, love and sex are still present. This is still a really good album and I definitely prefer it over her debut. It's a really short album but the good thing about that is it leaves no room for filler. You have a much more contained album that feels more focused and cohesive. The pop hits are great ("Bad Romance", "Telephone") and the the non-singles are actually pretty awesome in their own right. The music from the album draws inspiration from predominately three genres: disco, glam rock and synthpop sounds, which for the most part all works. The album turned out to be another success for Lady Gaga as while it went to #5 in the US and sold 174,000 in it's first week, it was even more of a success worldwide. Singles like "Bad Romance" and "Telephone" became international hits. "The Fame Monster" would go on to get nominated for 6 Grammys, winning 3 for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Short Form Music Video for "Bad Romance". The critics also adored the album and said it was an artistic achievement for the young pop star. While I won't say that, I do think it is an improvement over her debut. Don't get me wrong, her debut is good, but I love "Fame Monster"'s composition better as well as its singles. This was a great continuation of Gaga's work. She was showing once again she was a force to be reckoned with in the pop world and you couldn't help but take notice.

"Continuing to show her art with an even more polished pop album, "The Fame Monster" is a great follow-up that sees the mother of all little monsters singing some near flawless pop hits as well as other terrific tracks on their own."
(B+)

I base my reviews on the album that are on Spotify. "Disco Heaven" wasn't available but I can add that to my review list. 

Born This Way (2011)

1. "Marry The Night"
In this contagiously catchy hit single, "Marry The Night" has Gaga in a state of fearlessness as she is prepared to marry the night. What that implies, I'm unsure of but the production is explosive, with a beat that I'm sure got many on the dance floor in 2011. It has that infectiousness to it that is irresistible. A great pop song if you ask me.
(B+)

2. "Born This Way"
In this unapologetic advocacy for all people to be who they are no matter what society tells them, "Born This Way" was HUGE back during it's release back in 2011, especially in the LGBT community. With it's moving lyrics and electrifying video, a lot of people in her fan base were using this as a personal anthem to defy all the laws and rules that told people not to be who they are. As a song it's pretty strong, catchy but having a deep meaning. I have always said a song that could be fun and meaningful is the best pop music could offer and I continue to believe that with song's like this. Excellent! 
(A)

3. "Government Hooker"
Ok, we get some opera singing from Gaga at the beginning before the beat drops. "Government Hooker" is as odd and weird as Gaga herself. She is in a state of complete ecstasy as she wants to be some guy's hooker as well as having her man be her hooker. The arrangements as well as the melody is bizarre. Don't know what to make of this one, it's ok I guess. I have nothing else to really say about it besides that. 
(C)

4. "Judas"
"Judas" continues the quite strange music from Gaga. This time she uses the biblical betrayer of Christ as a man she is helplessly devoted to despite his constant betrayal. The production is definitely a standout and the lyrics are pretty clever. This is an almost a religious song but I still enjoy it as it's very creative. It's certainly a song that I'll be going back to further to truly understand its uniqueness.
(B+)

5. "Americano"
Well, this has a Spanish influence in it. It's a pretty hilarious song to me. I don't know if I should take it seriously or not, I mean the lyrics are once again...odd.  The production is nice, but the song remains a mystery to me. Did this one just go over my head or something?  I mean it's not bad but it's hard to say whether I like it or not. It's just kind of there.
(C+)

6. "Hair"
Comparing herself to her hair, Lady Gaga is expressing her rebellious nature as she shows that as a young girl the social ideals that were forced on her. She wants to be liberated from being the social norm and wants to be free from such expectations. It goes back to the album's theme of individuality and I like it. It's one of those "stand up and cheer" kind of songs and I'm all for it. Even Gaga's vocals are far more exceptional here than usual.
(B+)

7. "ScheiBe"
Starting the song by speaking German before the beat comes in, "ScheiBe" has a intense dance-pop production. I like the uniqueness of the track and the lyrics are feminist inspired. As Gaga goes on to repeat "if you are a strong female/You don't need permission". It shows Gaga is trying to empower her female listeners and the song has a great melody that is fun to dance to.
(B)

8. "Bloody Mary"
In this freaky pop tune, Gaga makes biblical references as well as references to Michaelangelo. The lyrics seem to have some deep emotional meaning and I like that. It makes me question what Gaga's intentions are as she seems to be in a state of discontent on this song but it makes it all the more intriguing. I definitely want to go back and hear this one simply for it's complex lyrical content.
(B)

9. "Black Jesus + Amen Fashion"
Gaga's eccentric ways continue on this track that sees her singing about a black Jesus and fashion...all I can say is huh?  How does that even make sense but from what I get from it is when she says "Jesus is the new black" is that she is comparing black people and Jesus on how cruel opinions are toward them but regardless have to remain strong in the public eye. I mean that's all I got from this one; it is pretty thought provoking. Is this just a frivolous tune that is meant to be fun or a strong message about expressing yourself, especially on the runway? Whatever the case, I like it. 
(B+)

10. "Bad Kids"
Gaga is back to preserving the right to be who you are as she sings about how being bad kids shouldn't matter, that you should be proud of it. What I like about the song is it continues the overarching theme of the album which is individuality. For the bad kids...as well as young people told they are a bad kids, Lady Gaga believes that they "will survive". This is a pretty cool anthem for them; needing to be told that there is nothing wrong with them and that their childish antics can't be helped.
(B-)

11. "Fashion Of His Love"
This has an 80s pop feel to it that makes it stand out!  I guess Gaga is singing about being the "fashion of love" for her man. She even sings "I'm seeing all the signs from above/I'm gonna be the one that he loves/I was made for loving him/Oh yeaah!" Though the song is far too brief for me. I mean it's pretty good pop music but I wish there was more of it to give me a better impression of it.
(C+)

12. "Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)"
Ok, we get a unicorn metaphor?! Ok, that's...uhh...nice.  I would say this is one of those songs where I have trouble deciphering the lyrics because they seem to have some deeper meaning. Is this a song about overcoming heartbreak from finding new love?!  Not sure as even Gaga sings "I wanna drink til we die". Is it about experiencing one more night of escapism before time runs out? Who knows! I need help with this one guys. It's a pretty good song though.
(B-)

13. "Heavy Metal Lover"
In this electronic synth pop track, Gaga can't help to contain herself with her "Heavy Metal Lover". I like how the "Born This Way" theme is echoed throughout this song and then there's the part where Gaga sings "But would you love me if I ruled the world world world". Hmmmm, is she implying whether a man would still love her if she gains more power than he has? Once again I'm intrigued by the though provoking lyrics. Seems Gaga is trying to say that success shouldn't stop someone from loving the other, that it's just material and love goes far beyond that. I like that kind of symbolism as it's a message that should be taken seriously. But then again, this is also a fun pop track. Meaningful and fun...you know what that means!
(B+)

14. "Electric Chapel"
We start with a cool guitar melody and I can already tell this is gonna be a good one!  I really like the guitar instrumentation mixed with heavy pop beat. Lyrically? We get "Electric Chapel" as a metaphor for consummating love as Gaga is eager to make this "holy fool" she calls experience something truly special. I also like the lyric "I need something sacred from you"; implying something sexual I'm sure but her masking it with a religious undertone. A pretty awesome track! 
(A-)

15. "The Queen"
"The Queen"...is ok, it has a nice production, especially with that good guitar solo at the middle of the track. Though is doesn't grab me like the previous tracks has. Gaga sounds splendid as usual but "The Queen" is simply alright. Though once again, the guitar solo is a highlight.
(C+)

16. "You and I"
There is a great sense of romanticism about "You and I", it has those lost in love type of lyrics as Gaga won't let go of this certain love in her life. This is lovely song with some nice instrumentation included in it's grand production. You can tell Gaga was feelin' this one as she sings this with a pure, heartfelt delivery. The part where she tells you to "put your drinks up", you might comply as this is a song for those looking to rekindle a relationship that you wish never ended. A superb little tune!
(A-)

17. "Edge Of Glory"
Ending this deluxe version of the album is this glorious (I really need to stop with the puns! ) pop song! "Edge of Glory" is a tremendous track that became a hit single for good reason. It's a love song that describe why she is willing to hold on to the love she has in her life and is willing to go "the edge" for him. This is terrific pop music as it's catchy, written well and has a great production from start to finish. The perfect way to conclude the album! 
(A+)


What I LOVE about "Born This Way" is that it has a theme and concept that is ever so paramount through the whole record. We have Gaga expressing what it feels like to be an individual in society who is often ostracized because they aren't considered the norm. Whether because of their sexual orientation, their gender, their color, etc. The message is very clear: "Be yourself and don't care what anyone else thinks." I like that...I like that a lot. This is a strong album that shows Gaga making a public statement about what is wrong with society and her take on what the problem is about the high expectations that most people are held too. We are all human and shouldn't be to what other people want us to be, we should be simply proud of who we are inside and out; which there lies the beauty of the album. It was a massive success with fans and the public, going on to sell over 1 million copies its first week. The first album in years to do so!! It debuted at #1 of course and went on to sell over 2 million copies in the US as well as over 6 million copies worldwide. It was once again an album that showed that Gaga was on top in the music scene. This might be her best album yet for me because it feels like the album with the most to say from Gaga so far. It's artistic, fun, unapologetic and has a concept that I'm sure resonated with a lot of fans. Hey, I'm not even a fan and it has definitely left a pretty big impression of me.

"Using society's cruel and unrealistic expectations to fuel an album about individuality, loving yourself and embracing our differences, "Born This Way" is fun, fantastic and full of themes that will make her little monsters proud as well as inspire them."
(A-)

ARTPOP (2013)

1. "Aura"
We get a frantic guitar melody, we get this pretty incoherent mess, I really don't know what to make of "Aura"!! The lyrics are fine but the production is just too much for me, Feel a bit too chaotic and by the time it's over, you are wondering more "what happened?" than being amazed. I don't like it honestly. 
(D+)

2. "Venus"
Ummmm, this is just bizarre as the lyrical content is beyond strange. Using the Roman goddess as a way to escape Earth and travel to the planet. She is using "Venus" as a metaphor for love it seems as their love to Gaga feel out of this world. But still, the lyrics are so odd but the production is fine I guess. But unfortunately I don't really enjoy this one, it's pretty decent but the message of it feels jumbled.
(C+)

3. "G.U.Y."
In this gender reversal track, Gaga wants to be they guy and for her lover to be the girl. Once again, this comes off just strange...but then you remember this is Lady Gaga!!  I mean it's a pretty decent song, just not one that feels like a memorable song to me. Oh well...
(B-)

4. "Sexxx Dreams"
Gaga isn't subtle with this track that has her singing about having sex dreams with another lover. Could this lover be a woman as she even sings "I heard your boyfriend was away this weekend". The lyrics are entertaining I give it that. Gaga even admits during the song that she had far too many drinks. I find this song hilarious yet foolish. I don't know what to rate it, but it is pretty fun so I'll give it a better score.
(C+)

5. "Jewels N' Drugs" (Featuring T.I., Too $hort and Twista)
In this electronic hip hop track, Gaga is adamant about showing that she is about her prized possessions and making that money. The rap verses by Twista, T.I. and Too $hort are fine I guess but this isn't really a great song. Comes off very juvenile and poorly written, at least for me. I don't like this song's message and Gaga seems anything but convincing here.
(D+)

6. "MANiCURE"
Oh isn't this song full of puns!!  "MANiCURE" is funny...no its pretty laughable actually. Nothing about it feels clever or special, though it tries to be. The different way she uses manicure might seem amusing to some but to me I find it plain silly and not the good kind.  Man, this album isn't doing so good...not at all.
(C-)

7. "Do What U Want" (Featuring R. Kelly)
Now, was that so hard!? This has a pleasant melody to it that makes for an enjoyable tune and veteran R&B heavy hitter R. Kelly sounds good along side Gaga. "Do What U Want" has some sexy lyrics as both Gaga and R. Kelly are eager to let their lover know that can do as they please with their body. Overall this is solid pop tune as I'm glad there is a song so far that hasn't left me scratching my head or wanting to press that skip button.
(B+)

8. "ARTPOP"
So in this title track, Gaga so poetically tries to describe what ARTPOP is but even she says at one point it could mean anything. So one wonders is ARTPOP suppose to be this vague message that is left up to the listeners' interpretation? I like the production though, that beat is pretty soothing and hypnotic. Though still I wish the title track had more going for it and it's a shame that it doesn't.
(B-)

9. "Swine"
........I just can't with this song!! It's such a mess that it is painfully hysterical!! Is this some EDM throwaway garbage!? The production is all over the place and the arrangements are ill conceived. The repeated chants of swine before that eternally long beat drop is just...WTF!? It makes me want to leave the dancefloor rather than want to turn up. I don't care if your man is a swine Gaga, this is just none-sense. 
(D-)

10. "Donatella"
Christina is that you?!  Looks like Gaga embraces her inner self-centered attitude she gloats about her fashion and fortune. I mean that's about it, that's all Gaga had to say with this song, now she has done a song like this before but at least then there was a charm to it but her description of her girl so into herself really isn't highlight on this album. The production is weak too and not memorable in the least.
(D)

11. "Fashion!"
Ok, this song just has a bizarre arrangement as the production and Gaga's vocals feel like they are both going at a different pace. I guess this was suppose to be a fun song but it's kind of a mess as well...seriously, what is up with this album!?  Gaga's vocal delivery just feel awkward here on top of that. Not a fan of this at all!
(D+)

12. "Mary Jane Holland"
This song has some odd arrangements, especially during its chorus. This is suppose to be creative but it comes off bad. I don't know what to say about this song besides Gaga tried vocally...well she's ok what am I saying, this song isn't great at all.  It isn't catchy or memorable. I don't feel the need to meet Mary Jane Holland Gaga because this song is very unconvincing! 
(C-)

13. "Dope"
WOW!!  Touching lyrics? check! A stunning vocal performance? check! No chaotic beats or strange arrangements!? Double check!! Now what that so hard Gaga, this is showing you her real talents as a pianist as well as a vocalist. This is one of the best tracks on the album as well as one of the best of her career. Why couldn't the rest of the album be more like this!? 
(A-)

14. "Gypsy"
Wow, another good song!? What is going on here, was Gaga just messing with us for the majority of the album. There is more effort put in the lyrics, vocals and production here than the previous tracks on "ARTPOP" that it is almost insulting that we are getting the good stuff at the end! Jesus Gaga!  Oh well, I like the song, the lyrics are good, the vocals are strong and the production is great, not to messy or overproduced like the rest of the album.
(B)

15. "Applause"
Ending the album is this single that has Gaga eager to get her ovation from her fans as well as the public. I love the production to the song as well as it's catchy lyrics. Now how come the rest of the album be like this once again? Is it that hard to make a decent pop song like this. It's fun, creative and an easy song to dance to. I guess we can just be glad that the album ended strong, instead of on mediocre note.
(B+)


"ARTPOP"...ummmm...I don't like it!   I mean, the album as a whole is messy and feels so awkward with it's strange productions, overproduced beats, incoherent singing from Gaga and lyrics that fail to truly make a good impression. Gaga set out to make the album into what she calls "a celebration and a poetic musical journey"...which I hardly see in the album. Songs like "Venus" were using references to make statements about human behavior. The album's themes range from fame, love, sex, feminism, self-empowerment, overcoming addiction, and reactions to media scrutiny; I just wish the album's productions were better produced. The songs have overall weak melodies and they aren't memorable unfortunately. I commend Gaga for going with such bold themes but they are lost in the chaotic mess that takes up most of the album. The album could have been more successful is the beats were cleaner, the lyrics more clear and not have some songs have such bizarre instrumentation, if any instrumentation at all. The album as a whole was a success for Gaga, topping the charts and going on to sell over 258,000 in it's first week as well as over 750,000 copies in the US. Now 3 years later, the world of little monsters waits for her anticipated 5th album, Joanne! Who knows what the new album will bring creatively to the table as early listens of the album describe it as already some of her best work yet. We can only hope that is true as "ARTPOP" has left me very disappointed as it could have been a really bold artistic statement for Gaga but the production of the album is sloppy at best. So lets hope LG5 rectifies the shortcomings of this album.

"Once again going for surreal themes that range from fame to sex to scrutiny in the public eye, "ARTPOP", as a whole, is a painfully underwhelming album with productions that leave me pondering what Gaga's team of producers were trying to do."
(D+)