Lady Gaga's latest effort could very well be the most talked about album of the year, and probably one of the most divisive. People love it, people hate it, people aren't sure - all we know for sure, people talk a lot of shit on line - probably me included. So is the album any good? Good yes, great, almost.
It's great to see Lady Gaga back making solo music. While her forays into jazz and TV were fun, we want her making pop albums; well, she almost did that. "Joanne" at its heart is pop but it is more than a little laced with country. And not modern, Carrie Underwood country, this is old style country with twang and drama. Lady Gaga must be admired for doing exactly she wants.
Her last few albums have been mired in controversy. Some loved "Art Pop", others who liked her earlier work, hated it. I was a big fan, sure not everything worked, but the stuff that did was great. LOVED, "Sexx Dreams", "Gypsy" and "Dope" to name a few. It seems I have the same feelings for "Joanne", there's certainly a lot to like here. Though if I had to point out a flaw, the lack of catchy choruses. Her earlier work is filled with amazing choruses, "Just Dance", "Bad Romance" and "Edge of Glory". The album is a grower, and some people don't have the patience for that. I know in six months I am going to love this album more.
First single, "Perfect Illusion" has really grown to be a song I love. It randomly came on this morning while driving down the freeway and I blared it and was singing it loud and proud, I'm sure I gave someone a good show. The chorus is catchy and it probably is the most pop heavy song on the whole album.
"Diamond Heart" is a great country/pop blend that showcases Gaga's voice, her vocal changes sound great. "AYO" has a great clap track and has one of the strongest choruses on the album. "John Wayne" is an intriguing tune with a good driving beat and "Million Reasons" is a beautiful song with powerful vocals. "Come to Mama" is effective and brassy; while "Hey Girl" is a great showcase for the beautiful blend of Florence Welsh and Lady Gaga.
The best song on the whole album definitely belongs to the stunning, "Angel Down". It's a timely and effective track about violence and modern day society. It is reminiscent of "Dope" in its strength and raw beauty. Gaga has always been a great lyricist, and these ones are heartbreaking, "Angel down, why do people just stand around?" This is an important song that has both pain and beauty.
While this may not be Gaga's best album, that honour still belongs to "Born This Way", it is a strong album that shows Lady Gaga is still relevant and still able to make some good tunes.
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