It's difficult to escape the phenomenon that is Gaga. I promise that I won't gush over this album being Lady Gaga has been the first artist to get me excited in a very long time however, it's kinda hard to not to notice how good this album is lyrically and you can hear loads of musical influences that helped shape who she is as an artist. On parts of this album you hear a bit of her signature sound, you hear the darkness of Grace Jones, the energy of ABBA, the lightness of Kylie Minogue and the cleverness of Janet Jackson.
"The Fame Monster" was expected to be an extension of her internationally successful "The Fame". Lady Gaga has continuously claimed that "The Fame Monster" will not repeat the theme of "The Fame" but instead will explore different emotions that potentially can get out of hand also known as "monsters" in life such as Fear, Love, Heartbreak, Lust, Anger etc.
The album starts out with her signature sound with producer Red One on "Bad Romance" with a fashion inspired video directed and designed by the great Alexander McQueen with dark pitched lyrics and a full throated hook and damn near operatic ohh's and ahh's throughout the song.
Right away, the album takes a new direction in "Alejandro" which sounds like a throwback to mid 80's Madonna with beefier vocals
The third track on the track "Monster" picks up the speed slightly. I hear Paula Abdul and Kylie Minogue all over this track. You will hear the breakdown of house music looping over the background during each of the verses which makes the song way more interesting to listen to. It's an overall fun track
The fourth track "Speechless" is the stand alone ballad on the album. It is not only a ballad but it's a power ballad with an original piano composition, heavy on live drum percussions and a cool guitar riff that appears throughout the track. This song is notable for being a letter to her dad who recently had open heart surgery.
Anyone who is old enough to recall the 70's/80's mega group ABBA will absolutely appreciate "Dance In The Dark". This on first listen was originally my favourite track. This song is what happens when Pop music in it's classic form is done correctly. The hook you can't get out of her head, again full throated and the breaks in between the song throughout to let you re gather yourself between vocals is absolutely pleasant.
"Telephone" is the second time Lady Gaga collaborates with Beyonce and finds them working with producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. You might want to pause on this one, Rodney Jerkins? Give him a try. Rodney Jerkins stepped out of his R&B/crossover comfort zone to accomodate Lady Gaga and even added an additional thump for Beyonce's verse to give the track some edge. The song is a very familiar situation that many couples experience: The girl that doesn't want to be bothered at the club so she picks up to argue the first couple of times and then decides not to pick up. As it's been said by many friends and associates of mine "If I didn't pick up or text you back the first couple of times what makes you think I will the next 18times?" What makes this song flawed is the song is kinda left flailing along with an operate recorded message spoken "We're sorry the number you have reached is not in service at this moment, please hang up and try your call again later". Rodney Jerkins also decides to let us know towards the end of the song that he produced it. Thanks Diddy *cough* I mean Rodney, congrats on the weight loss *rolls eyes and sighs* you look more and more like Diddy every time I see you.
So this song on first listen has already made it to my exclusive list of favourite songs ever. This is another example of pop music when done right can really get in your bones. What makes this song my favourite over "Dance in the Dark" is the lyrics really can make you a believer in love and romance without the lust even if you're in the worst of places emotionally. The production of this song is absolutely perfect! I tell everyone I can if you are happily in love or have been in a place where you experienced love in the past, this song is truly for you and I hope this becomes a single.
"Teeth" is produced by (take a seat) Teddy Riley of BLACKstreet. I think I'm going to end this here. This song is so Teddy Riley but Lady Gaga holds her own on this obvious R&B track. This song is about the importance it is to make a woman melt with your melt and god help you if you're teeth look a fool.
Overall this is the closest definition of a perfect album. It exceeds expectations of "The Fame" taking you through a tour of her "Fame Monster" concept. The album has texture and weight to it and is a perfect alternative to Rihanna's "Rated R" album which is also heavily inspired by Grace Jones' early 80's darkness.
Over all this album gets a flat A. Go get it! like now, no not now but like RIGHT THE FUCK NOW. :)
* Note: This album improved on my grade for "The Fame" in which I gave it a B- for accumulating too many filler tracks.
No comments:
Post a Comment