Pop music. For years, the butt of all jokes in the music industry; the moneymaker. For many music aficionados, it’s a sort of guilty pleasure – many wouldn’t be seen dead listening to the crude but catchy lyrics of today’s pop artists. But then, Lady Gaga is more than just a pop artist.
Two years in the making, Lady Gaga is undoubtedly pop’s only perfectionist. Whilst certain artists (ahem, Rihanna) have been churning out lackluster efforts year in, year out, Gaga took a step back from the public eye, only returning from a media ‘blackout’ with the release of her first single from the album, ‘Applause’. It was during this time, she crafted this record with a fantastic group of producers (DJ White Shadow, Zedd, Madeon, Rick Rubin), keeping everything tightly under wraps whilst her fans grew anxious and excited ahead of the albums release.
And so here it is: ARTPOP. And it’s nothing short of brilliant.
Whilst her sophomore effort ‘Born This Way’ was a fantastic pop record, it’s criticisms came from it’s sometimes off-putting production. Here, we have a meticulously polished record with some of the most commendable examples of EDM/Pop in the industry today.
It opens on a rather off putting note – the guitar strums of Aura, a rather vicious liberating record in which Gaga speaks of the power of women: “I’m not a wandering slave / I am a woman of choice.” It may start acoustic, but it ascends into a thrilling, strong anthem of dance music.
ARTPOP finds diversity within it’s main genre. Although incredibly dance influenced, there is something so gleefully delightful about the almost ABBA-like cheesy vocals in Venus. G.U.Y. acts as potentially the greatest option for the album’s next single – it’s fearless and enticing.
It may be danceable, but Gaga’s unfiltered ideas are so delightfully dirty on Sexxx Dreams that parents will be covering their kids ears as she chorally sings: “When I lay in bed I touch myself and think of you.” It’s one of those moments where you almost can’t believe the words have been said, but you love it anyway.
Whilst most female artists are promoting their bodies as sex objects (their own choice or their labels, I couldn’t say), Gaga proudly presents as an activist for women’s rights through her music, on songs such as Manicure and the second single, Do What U Want. Despite massive criticism from the public after her performance of the song on the X Factor, very few have pointed out the songs most important line: “You can’t have my heart and you won’t use my mind”
Never shy of controversy, the albums second half is laden with some fantastic lyricism. Take Donatella for example, an ode to Versace’s leading lady. It opens with the lines “I’m blonde, I’m skinny / I’m rich, I’m a bit of a bitch” Condoning or condemning the attitudes of the high fashion world, it’s sure to stir some controversy in the minds of conservative parents across the country.
Mary Jane Holland is followed by albums only true ballad, Dope. It originated as a beautiful love song between the songstress and her fans, but with the inclusion of drugs it becomes a little bit unnecessary. The production by Rick Rubin is, however, absolutely impeccable in it’s simplicity.
Gypsy, surprisingly, is a song about never having two feet firmly on the ground, something Gaga’s most definitely used to. It’s soaring production, almost like the David Guetta/Sia track Titanium, is it’s highlight, along with some of her most beautiful vocal work she’s done.
The album as a collective piece soars as the industry’s best pop record of the year. So far, no one has come close to competing with it.
In a time where pop music is depressingly derivative, Lady Gaga’s ARTPOP comes along as it’s saviour. Impeccable stuff.
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