On a day where the most exciting music releases are coming from R. Kelly and Allison Iraheta, it only seems appropriate to look back at last week's roster of big-name releases. If you're a Lady Gaga fan, you've probably already bought The Fame Monster and played it to death. If you're still a Gaga skeptic, you probably wouldn't care if this album was the next Thriller. But if you're on the fence (or just lazy), you need to go pick up your copy immediately.
From start to finish, The Fame Monster is a practically flawless and cohesive pop album. Even the lone piano-driven power ballad "Speechless" seems perfectly placed amongst the upbeat set. The first seven seconds may make you wonder if Avril Lavigne popped in as a guest star, but the rest of the song channels the combined energies of David Bowie, Queen and Elton John. In the end, Gaga surprisingly manages to pull this off.
Of course, this isn't her only foray into emulation territory. Following the album's lead single on the track list, "Alejandro" offers up a vibe that's extremely reminiscent of '90s pop group Ace of Base. With it's country-inspired stomp, "Teeth" is like a modern-day reinterpretation of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walking". "Dance In The Dark" recalls Madonna's "Vogue", with a breakdown listing women who were met with unfortunate ends. From Judy Garland to Sylvia Plath, they're all in there.
The most refreshing aspect of this project is that it manages to be theatrical without all the tabloid-worthy gimmicks. As weird as some of the songs' lyrics may be, many of them are about real feelings and situations. And unlike some of her previous attempts at showing emotion [see "Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)"], her vocals actually make her sound like she's passionate about these varying topics. It's a step up from her debut The Fame, and it's horrifying that it was originally slated as a mere rerelease. Will the world even be ready for what Gaga will serve up next?
– Dewitt
It’s funny you compare “Teeth” to country music. All the while Entertainment Weekly said if you like country music then you would like “Speechless”. 2 different views I guess. Either way both songs are quite awesome but I must confess “Speechless” is EPIC!!
P.S. Rihanna’s Rated R album is simply amazing also! I like dark Rihanna more than pop Rihanna.
I have to agree that this album is out-of-this-world on many fronts. I was a Gaga fan from the very beginning though so I may be just biased.
I think that people have to give Gaga credit where credit is due. For me, I am always spellbound by people who sing, write, and can play an instrument. (Sad that these are virtues that I yearn for in music when it should just be readily available!)
In the music world, where pop means anyone can pop into a recording studio and record an album, it’s good to know that true talent can ultimately reign. Yes, she can be severe and overly-provoking but I think that at the heart of it all, there is pure talent!
On another note, I think “Alejandro” is very reminiscent of Madonna’s forays in spanish-dom like “La Isla Bonita” et al. Actually, there are quite a few odes to Madonna in Gaga’s 8 new songs!