Artpop
Reviewed by: Lexi Bissonnette
Lady Gaga is back and Artpop has more than just her normal upbeat, quirky lyrics and vocal synths- it’s got a message to tell. We’ve seen it before in past albums but this is the first album where each song speaks to a theme. Fame, Fortune and the highs and lows it creates is the basis behind each of the 15 tracks. They all have the sound that she’s known for, but it just didn’t have as many stand out, kick-ass, tracks as her previous albums.
“Aura” opened the album and it felt like it was doing just that, telling people they could come and take a look behind the scenes, which the subsequent albums lay out. “Sexxx Dreams” kicks things up to a little notch and is almost a little uncomfortable to listen to. She has a lot of younger fans and as she’s always telling little girls to be who they are, this track seems to be a curious choice with such a fan base.
“Swine” is one of the strongest tracks on the album. It gives strong vocals, catchy dance beats and a quirkiness that can only be Gaga. “Dope” is another stand out track. It’s a little slower, a little more moody than the rest and something different and unexpected. Finally, “Applause” wraps the album up and is the most enjoyable track in my opinion as it completely revives what she is known for when some of the other tracks are in a new direction. But, music is evolution and overall she doesn’t disappoint.
Rating: Bad-ass